Source:
https://scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3076399/crazy-rich-malaysians-insensitive-celebrities-face-social
Lifestyle/ Entertainment

Crazy rich Malaysians: ‘insensitive’ celebrities face social media backlash for travelling during coronavirus pandemic

  • Malaysian celebrities who were posting photos of their travels online in the days before Southeast Asian nation went into lockdown face a social media backlash
  • They are accused of being insensitive and selfish; Malaysia is the hardest hit nation in the region
Alvin Chong was criticised for posting photos from New York a day before the lockdown.

Malaysian singers and actors have come under fire on social media for posting photos of themselves travelling and enjoying themselves while the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise sharply worldwide.

Malaysia became the first Southeast Asian country to implement a nationwide lockdown on March 18, heightening concern among citizens who fear contracting the virus.

A few days before the lockdown began, Malaysian celebrities and influencers including Farah Nabilah, Aishah Azman, Alvin Chong, and Liyana Jasmay were accused of being insensitive for travelling amid the pandemic, which has so far killed almost 15,000 people around the world.

Newlyweds Farah Nabilah and Amirul Yunus were seen holidaying in the Maldives from March 10. On March 13, 28-year-old actress Farah came under fire after posting a photo taken at a beach resort.







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Not ready to leave this paradise @hurawalhi

A post shared by Farah Nabilah (@farahnabilahofficial) on

“Even with the Covid-19 pandemic, it still seems [to them] like there is nothing happening in the world. In the end, [they could be] carriers of the virus to their own country,” an Instagram user named Cynthia commented.

“Exactly. It is as if they are not self-aware, selfish,” replied another user.

Farah Nabilah took to Instagram to assure her followers she was following government guidelines.
Farah Nabilah took to Instagram to assure her followers she was following government guidelines.

“Yes, I know [they have] a lot of money to travel here and there, but now is not an appropriate time . [They] did not think,” Cynthia added.

Meanwhile, Malaysian actress Aishah Azman travelled to Turkey this month. On March 14, the 23-year-old posted photos of herself in Cappadocia on Instagram, where many followers urged her to stay safe and take care of her health.

Many people also posted negative comments and the hashtag #stayathome, showing their disapproval of the actress’ holiday.







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Indah ciptaan Tuhan

A post shared by Aishah Azman (@aishahazman8) on







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Enjoying my last sunset before I go home. ️

A post shared by Alvin Chong (@alvinchong123) on

Similarly, Malaysian singer Alvin Chong attracted a range of comments when he posted pictures from New York a day before the lockdown was announced – many urged him to stay safe, but there were also comments such as: “Don’t come back.”

While travelling in Victoria, Australia, singer-actress Liyana Jasmay received a slew of hate comments for posting several influencer-style shots.

Many Instagram users said she was bodoh (stupid) for travelling during the peak of the outbreak. One user commented on a picture she posted two days before the country’s lockdown: “Please don’t come back to Malaysia.” Another added: “Malaysia does not need you.”

After realising the gravity of the situation, the 31-year-old posted that she had cut her trip short and would return to Malaysia in time to adhere to the restricted movement order implemented by the government.

Aishah Azman posted photos from her trip to Turkey.
Aishah Azman posted photos from her trip to Turkey.

Jasmay also wrote that she would stick to the 14-day quarantine order applicable to all Malaysians returning from overseas. She has since set her verified Instagram profile to private.

Farah also took to Instagram after her holiday in a bid to assure her followers that she was abiding by the quarantine order. She uploaded a photo of her hand sanitisers and informed Malaysians where they could find the in-demand goods.

“I’m home & self-isolating. Let’s pray hard & practise good hygiene. Take care everybody, May Allah protect us,” Farah included in her caption.

Malaysia went into a two-week lockdown starting last Wednesday. All schools and non-essential businesses are closed. During the lockdown, Malaysians are not only required to limit outdoor activities, but are also banned from travelling overseas. Foreigners are not allowed to enter the country.

Malaysia has so far recorded the highest number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Southeast Asia, with 1,306 people testing positive for the virus as of March 23, and 10 deaths.

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