THERE are many ways for a Malaysian to leave an impression while travelling overseas.
A good, responsible tourist could compliment the local food, learn a few words of the language, marvel at the scenery or simply behave themselves and let everyone go about their day.
Or, they could buy a plane ticket to China and perform a dance in front of a busy street and annoy all the tourists.
That appears to be the approach taken by Malaysian TikTok content creator Hayrie Swagger, whose antics left Malaysian netizens scratching their heads, and perhaps wondering whether his common sense was left behind at the airport.
@hayrieswagger I love china 🇨🇳❤️ #china #fyp #foryoupage #viral ♬ suara asli – Koploisme – Koploisme Official
In a video highlighted by netizen @MALAYSIAPROBLM, the content creator could be seen performing a dance while tourists attempted to navigate away from his energetic moves.
There was just one small problem. His choice of dance floor happens to be right in the middle of the path where people were walking.
Because apparently, when travelling abroad, the concept of “excuse me, coming through” can be replaced with “please wait, I am creating content”.
The performance did not receive a standing ovation from Malaysian netizens.
Instead, the video attracted criticism from those who felt that such behaviour was embarrassing, particularly because the person was representing Malaysia, whether he intended to or not.
There is nothing wrong with making TikTok content while travelling. In fact, documenting one’s adventures has practically become part of the modern tourist experience.
The problem begins when “content creator” quietly becomes “public nuisance with a smartphone”.
Check out this winning comment from Angah Henna too:
When Malaysians travel overseas, their behaviour can inevitably shape how others perceive Malaysians.
Nobody expects every Malaysian tourist to become a cultural ambassador the moment they step off a plane.
The irony is that social-media creators are constantly searching for ways to attract attention.
Yet sometimes the easiest way to become memorable is not by producing spectacular content, but by doing something so awkward that an entire country’s netizens collectively decide they would rather not be associated with it.
Perhaps the next overseas TikTok trend should be even simpler: travel far, enjoy yourself, make your video and let other people walk past.
That might not get as many views. But at least nobody has to dance around you to get to their destination.—Oct 4, 2026
Main image: Hayrie Swagger (TikTok)
