For many Malaysians traveling overseas, it’s often exciting to bump into fellow countrymen who live and work abroad.
But for one woman living in Melbourne, Australia, such encounters have left her frustrated — so much so that she now refuses to host Malaysians visiting the city, even if it means being labeled as “arrogant.”
In a candid social media post, the woman shared how a terrible experience with one Malaysian family made her understand why some locals avoid hosting travelers from their homeland.
I used to wonder why Malaysians living overseas often act distant towards tourists from back home.
“But after this experience, now I understand,” she wrote
It started with a sudden request
The incident began when her younger brother’s friend — whose family was visiting Melbourne — suddenly asked if they could stay at her place.
Initially, she agreed out of kindness, even though she didn’t know them personally. But things quickly took a turn for the worse.
“Two days before arriving, they didn’t even tell me their plans. Suddenly they called from the airport asking if they could stay at my house,” she recounted. “I said yes, and for three days and two nights, I ended up with a migraine from all the stress.”
Chaos, noise & zero gratitude
According to the woman, the family had two young children, including a four-year-old with autism and a baby.
“The child kept opening and closing every cabinet in my house and didn’t sleep until 5am. I couldn’t rest at all because it was so noisy. I had to wake up early for prayers and still prepare breakfast for them,” she said.
To make matters worse, she claimed the father treated her house “like a hotel” — even inviting strangers over — while the mother ignored the chaos happening around her.
When they finally left, she was shocked by the mess they left behind.
They left chocolate stains on the walls, trash under the bed, and pencil scribbles everywhere. Not even a simple thank you,” she lamented, adding that her husband scolded her for allowing strangers to stay in their home.
Refuses to host anyone again
What truly left her speechless was when the same family hinted at wanting to stay over again despite how they had treated her home.
“Now, don’t call Malaysians living abroad arrogant. Don’t take advantage of our kindness,” she stressed. “If you want to travel, prepare money for accommodation. Don’t exploit us.”
She concluded by saying she would only open her doors to close friends and family from now on.
