A Taiwanese internet personality known as 妍兒 (Yaner) found herself at the centre of a shocking ordeal during her recent trip to Malaysia, claiming she was extorted and nearly sexually harassed by local police. The incident, which quickly gained traction on social media, has sparked widespread concern about tourist safety in the region.
The Malaysian police have since confirmed that five officers allegedly involved in the case have been arrested and reassigned while investigations continue under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion.
Ordeal Began with Routine Check Near SS2 Night Market
According to reports, the incident happened on 7 July 2025 as Yaner and her family were heading to the popular SS2 night market in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Their vehicle was stopped at a police roadblock where officers asked to see her passport.
She accidentally triggered her phone’s video recording function, which reportedly angered the officers. Her phone was confiscated and examined without consent. The officers allegedly threatened her with a RM10,000 fine (about S$2,900) or arrest if she did not cooperate. She was also barred from contacting anyone or using translation apps.
Alone, Isolated, and Targeted
After asking her family to leave, the officers detained Yaner alone, coercing her into switching her phone interface to English so they could search her photo gallery and banking app. They questioned her about her account balance and demanded cash.
One officer allegedly suggested that she accompany him out for drinks in exchange for her freedom, prompting her to feign agreement. She then urgently contacted her family to scrape together RM300 (approximately S$87) to secure her release.
Even after she returned to her hotel, the ordeal continued. The officer reportedly sent her multiple WhatsApp messages and even showed up at her hotel, accusing her of betrayal with a chilling message: “I just saved you, and this is how you repay me?”
Authorities Respond Swiftly Amid Public Outcry
Yaner later returned to Taiwan and posted about the harrowing experience on Instagram to warn other tourists. Her story gained significant media attention, prompting a swift response from Malaysian authorities.
Selangor police chief Sarul Nizam confirmed the investigation is ongoing and disciplinary procedures are in motion. The five officers involved have been reassigned pending internal and criminal investigations.
Raising Safety Concerns for Tourists in Malaysia
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about rogue police practices and tourist safety in Malaysia. While many netizens praised Malaysian authorities for taking swift action, others demanded harsher penalties and called for greater transparency and accountability.
Tourists planning to visit Malaysia are advised to stay vigilant, always carry identification, avoid paying bribes, and insist on legal procedures. In case of suspicious conduct by authorities, travellers should contact their respective embassies or consulates immediately.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities that travellers, particularly women, may face abroad — and highlights the importance of holding law enforcement accountable to maintain trust and safety in tourist hotspots.