M’sian TikTok Creator Slammed for Mocking KL Tea Vendor with Rude Questions

Online content creators often balance entertainment with respect for those they feature. Platforms like TikTok thrive on challenges and pranks, but some influencers cross the line, turning jokes into disrespect.

A recent example involves Malaysian TikTok influencer Sam Lim (@samlimmmm), whose interaction with popular masala tea vendor “Tea Thambi” in Kuala Lumpur has sparked criticism for its perceived disrespect and racial insensitivity.

What Happened in the Video?

In the video, Lim approached a popular masala tea vendor, offering RM100 (30 SGD) or “mystery water” as a playful challenge.

After the vendor chose the money, Lim requested 100 cups of RM1(0.30 SGD) tea.

However, the tone of the interaction quickly became uncomfortable.

Lim ridiculed the size of the tea cups, questioned the vendor’s earnings (rumored to be RM100,000 or 30,217.55 SGD monthly), and insinuated that the vendor might be evading taxes.

The tension escalated when Lim repeatedly asked the vendor and his staff whether they were “Type I” (Malaysian Indian) or “Type B” (Bangladeshi).

When the staff said that he was Malaysian, he was not satisfied and pressed the staff to show a passport to prove his point.

The staff, however, denied this request, explaining that only a Malaysian Identity Card (IC) was needed, to confirm their Malaysian citizenship.

Lim dismissed this, accusing the staff member of not having an IC and suggesting, “He’s scared.”

These remarks, alongside skeptical comments about the vendor’s licensing and income tax compliance, were perceived as condescending and racially insensitive.

As the video continued, Lim added to the discomfort by demonstrating a “faster” method of serving tea, which involved puncturing a tied bag and spilling its contents over the cups, creating a messy and chaotic scene.

He then concluded the video by criticizing the RM1 tea for being too expensive for its small size, despite it being considered affordable by most.

Netizens React with Outrage

The video, which was uploaded in September gained traction recently for its disrespectful content and remarks. It sparked backlash online, with viewers flooding comment sections to express their anger at Lim’s behavior.

Many called out his tone and remarks as disrespectful and unnecessary.

One user wrote, “This is plain rude! He kept asking about ‘Type B’ even though the vendor already said he was Malaysian. No manners at all.”

Another said, “This is the worst person and content creator I have ever seen. Stop watching and sharing his content so he disappears.”

Others lamented that Lim’s popularity seemed to come at the expense of hardworking small business owners. “The stupidest thing is that there are still people supporting his content.” one viewer commented.

Another added, “Rude. So rude. Stop supporting this guy just for free items. How dare he assume the vendor’s nationality? Malaysian Indians are still Malaysian. And RM1 tea for that size is already a bargain!”

Adding Fuel to the Fire: Sam Lim’s Arrogant Replies

Lim’s dismissive responses to criticism further enraged netizens. When one commenter criticized his attitude, he replied, “No one forced you to watch.”

To another who called for his cancellation, he retorted, “Learn how to be a man first. Look at your own selfie.”

These replies were widely seen as arrogant, with many accusing Lim of deflecting responsibility and failing to acknowledge the harm caused by his words and actions.

Netizens Defend Tea Thambi

In contrast, the online community came out in support of Tea Thambi, emphasizing its reputation as a well-loved and reliable business.

Many pointed out that the stall had been featured in reputable local media and was likely following all the necessary regulations, dismissing Lim’s claims about tax evasion.

This support shows the trust people have in Tea Thambi and its contribution to the community.

To support Tea Thambi, please visit their socials: Instagram and Facebook

Watch the video here: