Taiwanese Influencer Claims Harassment by Malaysian Police During Holiday – Forced to Pay Bribe, Asked to Go for Drinks
A Taiwanese influencer’s holiday in Malaysia took a terrifying turn when she was allegedly extorted and harassed by local police in Kuala Lumpur. The social media personality, known as Yanyan, who boasts 35,000 followers on Instagram, shared her ordeal in a lengthy post warning other travellers of similar dangers.
Pulled Over by Uniformed Officers While on a Family Trip
While on her way to the popular SS2 night market with her family via Grab, Yanyan’s vehicle was stopped by 7 to 8 men in police uniforms. She cooperated fully and handed over her passport. However, things quickly escalated when she accidentally activated her phone’s video recording shortcut. This mistake enraged the officers, who accused her of illegally filming them.
Despite her attempts to explain and demonstrate that it was an accident, the officers confiscated her phone and forbade her from using any translation apps or contacting anyone. One of them threatened her with a fine of RM10,000 (about S$2,940) or arrest, demanding immediate payment.
Demands for Money and Personal Favour
According to Yanyan, the officers forced her to switch her phone’s language to English, then proceeded to delete the video and go through her photos and banking apps. They interrogated her about her account balance and insisted she pay cash on the spot.
Frightened and isolated from her family, who could not speak English, Yanyan was made to wait alone as she pleaded not to be separated. One officer even demanded RM1,000 (about S$294) and suggested that she accompany him to a bar after his shift. He asked for her WhatsApp number and continued messaging her after releasing her—only after her family managed to scrape together RM300 (around S$88) to pay them off.
Continued Harassment Even After Escape
Even after being released, the officer allegedly continued to pursue her, turning up at her hotel and messaging her things like, “I’m going to shower and get ready. See you in 30 minutes.” When she ignored him, he sent another message saying, “I just helped you. This is how you treat me?”
Fearing further encounters, Yanyan moved to another hotel. She eventually returned to Taiwan on 8 July, where she filed a report and shared her story online. She revealed that the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia had contacted her and collected the evidence she had.
Investigation Underway by Malaysian Authorities
Local media in Malaysia later confirmed that the officers involved were indeed real policemen, not imposters. The Petaling Jaya police chief has confirmed the launch of an investigation under Section 384 of the Penal Code, which covers extortion. The Internal Affairs Department has opened a formal case, and action will be taken against those found responsible.
Taiwanese authorities and Malaysian netizens have rallied behind Yanyan, and a Malaysian MP has offered to assist in following up with the police on her behalf. Despite the trauma, Yanyan said she still appreciates Malaysian food and hospitality, though she has no immediate plans to return.
Travellers Urged to Stay Vigilant
In her emotional post, Yanyan advised other tourists to remain calm and alert when overseas, especially when interacting with law enforcement. “I never imagined that I would encounter something like this while travelling. I’ve heard people say to be careful in Malaysia—but I never thought I’d have to be cautious of the police too.”
She called on others who have had similar experiences to speak up, hoping that increased awareness can prevent future victims.
This shocking incident serves as a reminder for tourists, especially women, to stay vigilant while travelling and to report any abuse of power by authorities.