Cover image via RedNote
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An artist from China has been the target of intense online backlash in Malaysia after being accused of "vandalising" a well-known mural in George Town, Penang
Social media users criticised the Chinese street artist for painting a panda face over an existing work, with some even calling it a challenge to Malaysia's heritage laws.
The artist, known as "Shi Shi", meaning lion, drew a panda on the "Girl on Scooter" mural, originally created by Penang native Chow Hua Hing.
In one of the most critical comments posted on Threads, a Malaysian netizen stated that the "PRC lady" was exhibiting "PRC entitlement" by painting on street art at Penang's Chew Jetty, despite allegedly being told to stop by a local homeowner.
"This PRC lady is a RedNote (Xiaohongshu) blogger who came to Penang and started painting on Penang's Street Art, even though an uncle came and told her not to do it!
"Here's the thing, this was probably on Chew Jetty. The locals there are the ones who live on the jetty. The uncle is probably the homeowner.
"Can you believe this kind of PRC entitlement?? I don't like spreading more hate towards PRC people, but they keep doing this sh*t!"
A video of the incident shows a local man stepping forward to stop her, with the subtitles reading "not allowed"
Despite the brief interruption, the Chinese woman completed her work, painting the panda onto the footrest of the scooter.
In the video, she tells viewers in Chinese that she wanted to "add a panda" because she found the wall "very special".
The clip, which quickly went viral on social media, shows her handing out small panda souvenirs as a "gesture of thanks" to onlookers for letting her "complete the drawing successfully".
The online backlash quickly escalated, with some netizens labelling her actions as "vandalism" and warning that painting on heritage walls without permission could be punishable under Malaysian law.
"This is Penang's heritage, not your sketchbook," one comment read.
Others called her stupid for "painting anywhere she likes.
"Another moron who shouldn't have been granted entry for tourism. So many idiots across Asia are causing a nuisance to local sights," commented a Redditor.
But the reality tells a different story
Contrary to the viral claims, the Chinese artist was invited by Chow, a car dealer, to contribute her artwork to his mural.
"I liked her creative style. I thought it would be fun to collaborate," Chow said, noting that he even had dinner with the street artist before she returned to Chongqing.
The wall belongs to Chow's sister, who initially did not know about the painting but, after learning her brother had approved it, did not intervene.
She later told reporters the incident was a misunderstanding and urged netizens not to blame Shi Shi, according to Sin Chew Daily.
"My brother's mural was completed seven or eight years ago, and there have been no issues," she added.
Under Malaysia's Local Government Act 1976, anyone who paints, sprays, or alters public or commercial property without consent can face fines or prosecution.
Within Penang's UNESCO zone, the George Town World Heritage Incorporated oversees approvals for murals and alterations to heritage buildings, ensuring that artistic additions do not compromise the city's cultural and historical integrity.
