KUALA LUMPUR: A tourist from China in a viral video claimed that she was extorted by a policeman here has been urged to come forward.
Malaysia-China Friendship and Mutual Aid Association advisor Datuk Seri Michael Chong said footage of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, only showed one side of the story.
"The association is urging the tourist to come forward so we can give her assistance and get to the truth.
"It is vital that she come forward and explain the matter, including giving a statement to the police," he said at a press conference in Wisma MCA on Wednesday (April 5).
Chong said the incident had tarnished the country's reputation and it was important to hear the actual story.
"The viral video is filled with allegations without any proof.
"We hope the tourist comes forward, as well as the ehailing driver who allegedly lent her RM100," he said.
Chong, who is also MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head, said the incident has caused considerable stress and anxiety in both countries.
He said the police have assured him that stern action will be taken against bad apples.
Chng added that association president James Ee Kah Fuk is in a panel of lawyers for the Chinese Embassy while association vice president Dr Cherry Wei Xiao Yun is also the embassy's liaison officer.
"The tourist has nothing to fear as all we want to do is assist her," he said.
Chong urged the tourist and the other individual to contact the association at 03-7982 7885 or via email at mcfamaa@yahoo.com.
Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) chairman Tan Sri Tan Kean Soon said it was important for the issue to be addressed given the distress it has caused.
"I was part of the Malaysian delegation that visited China recently. While I was there, many people in Beijing were asking about the incident.
"We hope the tourist can come forward to verify this matter," he said.
It was previously reported that investigations have started after a video surfaced on social media.
The TikTok video alleges that a Chinese national was extorted after she failed to produce her passport.
The video shows the police stop but it cuts off after the officer asks for identification.
Acting Kuala Lumpur police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Yahaya Othman said that the video was shot near the Memorial Tunku Abdul Rahman signboard at Bulatan Datuk Onn.
"Preliminary investigations show that the complainant had alleged in a video that the extortion occurred after failing to produce identification," he said, adding that those involved would be called in to give their statements at the Dang Wangi police headquarters.
