A warning banner targeting Rohingya individuals over betel nut spitting has gone viral, prompting mixed reactions over hygiene,and foreigners in Malaysia.
A post on the social media platform Threads by user @kakcikjuariah has triggered a sharp division of opinion online after she shared a photograph of a warning banner allegedly targeting the Rohingya community.
Captioned “Please take note”, the post has garnered over 2,300 likes and 200 comments. It features a banner placed in a residential area warning against the spitting of sirih (betel nut), with wording that explicitly states: “Untuk Warga Rohingya Myanmar” (For Rohingya Myanmar Nationals).
The banner includes “No Spitting” visuals and announces a RM100 fine for those caught violating the rule.
While the message ostensibly addresses public cleanliness, the specific naming of one ethnic group has drawn significant attention.
Reactions to the post were heavily divided, with several users linking the issue to broader concerns regarding public safety and the presence of migrants.
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User taha.gutz voiced his frustration, calling for government intervention.
“It’s actually getting worse. The government needs to take firm action against these migrants. They threaten locals and are dangerous,” he claimed, alleging that some do not hesitate to use weapons against the community.
Other commenters encouraged locals to be more assertive. User db_sticker_online suggested that a lack of confrontation has emboldened some individuals.
“We locals should never be afraid to call out foreigners. Sometimes, because they know we are friendly and never speak up, they become more stubborn,” he said.
Meanwhile, mr.manap_92 suggested that financial penalties were ineffective.
“Where I’m from, don’t fine them RM100… a hundred ringgit they can pay. It looks like the fine is just for money, then they will do it again,” he wrote, advocating for harsher physical deterrents instead.
The discussion also served as a lightning rod for wider dissatisfaction regarding the number of foreign nationals in Malaysia.
“It has reached this stage already… When will stricter action be taken to address the large numbers here?” asked user wishesbyiza.
Another commenter, anisaharkaan, added: “This is so disgusting. That’s why locals are angry.”
However, the narrative was not entirely one-sided. User _rencoser pointed out that the issue of public hygiene is not confined to any single community.
“The problem is, it’s not only foreigners… even locals do this. I have personally seen Malays, Chinese, and Indians spit everywhere,” the user stressed, arguing that the habit is a matter of personal hygiene rather than race or nationality.
