A Chinese couple, Xu Jianfeng and Shi Qian, have been fined RM5,000 (approximately S$1,500) each for public obscenity after undressing and exposing themselves at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) earlier this month. The incident, which took place on 9 February at the airport’s KLIA2 terminal, has drawn significant attention due to the couple’s unusual explanation of their behaviour, involving a self-described psychological game where Xu claimed to be the “king of the universe” and Shi an “AI robot”.
The pair, who were on holiday in Malaysia, pleaded guilty to the charges on 14 February at a sessions court in Sepang, Selangor, as reported by local media. Represented by Malaysian lawyer Chew Sin Yee, their charges were read in Mandarin, reflecting the couple’s limited proficiency in English or Malay. Following their arrest, they were hospitalised for treatment before issuing a public apology through local media for their actions and the subsequent delay of their flight to Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport in Guangdong province, China.
A Disturbing Incident at KLIA2
According to Malaysian reports, Xu, a 27-year-old IT technician, undressed near a boarding entrance at KLIA2 at around 11:33am on 9 February, exposing his underwear. Approximately 20 minutes later, at 11:55am, his wife Shi, a 28-year-old teacher, similarly exposed herself at a different boarding terminal within the same airport. Their actions caused a commotion, leading to their removal from a flight and eventual arrest by airport authorities. 
A video circulating online captured the couple being escorted off the plane, with Shi appearing to mutter incoherently. The footage, widely shared on social media, has sparked curiosity and concern about the motivations behind their behaviour. Speaking to Malaysian media after their discharge from hospital, the couple attributed their actions to a state of “emotional turmoil” induced by a psychological game involving self-hypnosis. Their bizarre claims have raised questions about mental health and the pressures faced by tourists in unfamiliar environments.
When Xu and Shi failed to return to China as scheduled on 9 February, a family member took to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote) to seek information about their whereabouts, highlighting the distress caused by the incident to their loved ones.
Legal Consequences and Public Reaction
The couple’s guilty plea on 14 February led to a swift resolution in court on 17 February, where each was fined RM5,000. Public obscenity is a serious offence under Malaysian law, which places a high value on public decorum and modesty, particularly in shared spaces like airports. While the fine is relatively modest by international standards, it serves as a reminder of the strict cultural and legal norms in Malaysia that visitors are expected to observe.
Public reaction to the incident has been mixed. On Malaysian social media platforms, some users expressed sympathy for the couple, speculating that their behaviour might stem from untreated mental health issues or stress. Others, however, condemned their actions as disrespectful to Malaysian values, calling for stricter enforcement of laws governing tourist behaviour. The incident has also reignited debates about the need for cultural sensitivity training for international visitors to prevent similar occurrences.
Broader Implications for Tourism in Malaysia
This unusual case comes at a time when Malaysia is actively promoting itself as a premier tourist destination in South East Asia. Kuala Lumpur International Airport, one of the busiest hubs in the region, serves as a gateway for millions of visitors each year. Incidents like this, though rare, can tarnish the country’s image as a safe and welcoming destination if not handled with care.
Tourism authorities in Malaysia have yet to comment officially on the case, but it is likely to prompt discussions on how to balance the influx of international visitors with the preservation of local customs and laws. The couple’s apology, delivered through local media, may help mitigate some of the negative publicity, but it also underscores the importance of mental health support for travellers who may find themselves in distress far from home.
A Reminder of Cultural Norms
In June 2024, a photo went viral showing a young boy, reportedly a Chinese tourist, defecating next to a street tree in downtown Jeju City. The incident was widely condemned on social media, with locals expressing outrage over the behavior. Thailand has experienced multiple incidents involving Chinese tourists in 2014 engaging in inappropriate public behavior, including defecation in public places. Australia has also seen this type of behavior by Chinese tourists who urinated in public, at the Royal Botanical Gardens, in Sydney.
For many global readers, this incident might seem peculiar or even trivial, but in the context of Malaysia—a country with a diverse population and a strong emphasis on communal harmony—public behaviour is taken seriously. Visitors are often advised to familiarise themselves with local customs, including dress codes and public conduct, to avoid inadvertently causing offence.
The case of Xu and Shi serves as a cautionary tale for tourists travelling to Malaysia and other culturally conservative countries in the region. While the allure of South East Asia lies in its rich diversity and vibrant cultures, it also demands respect and understanding from those who visit. As Malaysia continues to welcome millions of tourists each year, stories like this highlight the delicate balance between cultural exchange and adherence to local norms.
In the aftermath of their fine, Xu and Shi’s immediate plans remain unclear. Whether they will return to China promptly or face further scrutiny in Malaysia is yet to be determined. For now, their story stands as a stark reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise during international travel—and the importance of navigating them with sensitivity and awareness.
