Controversy in Malaysia over a Singaporean TV series on scam centres
“Highway to Somewhere” is a TV series produced in Singapore but set in Malaysia, centred on an online scam network. It has drawn criticism from groups concerned about its impact on Malaysia’s image. The broadcaster that aired the series has dismissed the accusations, saying its goal was to raise awareness about the phenomenon of online scam centres in Southeast Asia.
Singapore (AsiaNews) — A television series about international scams has generated sparks between Singapore and Malaysia.
Singapore broadcaster Mediacorp has come under fire from Malaysian groups over its Chinese-language drama Highway to Somewhere, which critics claim unfairly portrays Malaysia as a hub for transnational scam operations.
The 20-episode series, which concluded its run on Channel 8 earlier this week, follows a group of friends and a married couple on a road trip across Malaysia who become entangled with an international scam syndicate.
While the series showcases scenic locations such as Ipoh, Port Dickson, and Kukup, some Malaysian observers argue that its narrative risks damaging the country’s reputation.
Concerns were first raised by the leader of a Malaysian cultural association, Lee Yong Kwee, who warned that linking popular tourist destinations to organised scams could shape negative perceptions of the country, especially abroad where scam centres are not widely known.
Such facilities are found in some regions of Southeast Asia, often controlled by Chinese criminal groups, who lure people by deception and then held against their will to carry out online scams.
Responding to the backlash, Mediacorp defended the production, stating that it was intended to highlight a global threat.
“While the drama addresses the global rise of scams, this subplot was intended to raise awareness of a universal threat rather than to characterise any specific destination,” a Mediacorp representative was quoted as saying.
The broadcaster also stressed that the series portrays Malaysia in a positive light, highlighting its culture and lesser-known tourist attractions. It pointed out that the storyline ultimately affirms the rule of law, with Malaysian authorities depicted as bringing the perpetrators – identified as foreign actors – to justice.
The drama’s screenwriter, Ang Eng Tee, defended his creative choices, telling Shin Min Daily News that the plot was inspired by real-world scam cases affecting both Singaporeans and Malaysians.
He said the series was meant as a cautionary tale rather than an indictment of any nation, explaining that Malaysia was chosen as the setting due to its popularity among Singaporean travellers and its suitability for a road-trip storyline.
Online reactions have been mixed. Some Malaysian viewers argue that scam-related plots reflect a broader regional and global problem rather than a country-specific issue, while others acknowledge that the drama promotes Malaysia’s tourism appeal through its picturesque settings.
.png)
14/10/2025 17:15
14/10/2024 17:03
