A group of Chinese tourists has claimed they were wrongfully accused of damaging jet skis and pressured to pay compensation during a holiday in Langkawi.
A video circulating on Facebook, originally posted on TikTok by one of the tourists, shows a heated argument between the group and a jet ski operator at Pantai Cenang. The incident reportedly took place on January 19.
According to the tourists, six Chinese nationals had rented jet skis for recreational use and returned them without any collision or accident. However, the operator allegedly accused them of causing damage and demanded RM8,000 in compensation, accompanied by remarks suggesting that “Chinese people are rich.”
The tourists said they requested photos or videos showing the jet skis’ condition before use, but their request was ignored. During the dispute, a local man allegedly lost his temper and shoved one of the male tourists. The group also claimed an attempt was made to strike a female tourist, prompting them to record the confrontation.
The tourists further alleged that after negotiations, the compensation demand was suddenly reduced to RM1,500, and the situation only de-escalated after police were called.
Langkawi district police chief ACP Khairul Azhar confirmed the incident and said the matter was resolved amicably following police intervention.
He said the complainant, a 22-year-old Chinese national travelling with five friends, had rented three jet skis for 30 minutes at a cost of RM360. The jet ski company later claimed that two of the vehicles were cracked and damaged, and requested RM1,000 in compensation.
Both parties were called in to give statements and were issued warnings to prevent similar incidents. The complainant later withdrew the police report as his holiday had ended and he needed to return to China.
Police advised the jet ski company to pursue compensation through civil legal channels if necessary.
