A group of Chinese journalists currently in Malaysia to cover President Xi Jinping's official visit has unexpectedly won the hearts of many localsnot just for their professional work, but for their impressive command of the national language, Bahasa Melayu.

TikTok user Husna Liang (@husnaliangliang), one of the visiting journalists, recently shared a light-hearted video showing her and several colleagues enjoying lunch at a local nasi kandar restaurant. The video, which has since gone viral, showcases the group effortlessly conversing in Bahasa Melayu as they introduce the dishes they ordered.

What surprised and delighted viewers even more was that each journalist used a Malay name during the conversation. Fadil, one of the group members, joked that he only ordered mineral water with his nasi kandar meal to "keep in shape," while another colleague, Satria, laughingly said he needed a generous portion of food to stay energised.

The group's female member, affectionately referred to as "lady boss," ordered squid (sotong), noting that the taste reminded her of home. She also chose sirap bandung to go with her meal.

As for Husna, she opted for a hearty combination of rendang, an egg, and chicken with rice. She shared that the group specifically chose a nasi kandar spot to relive memories of their university days in Malaysia.

The video has sparked a wave of admiration online. Many netizens praised the journalists for their fluent Bahasa Melayu, even noting that their pronunciation was clearer and more natural than some local Malaysian Chinese speakers.

As the video continues to gain traction, it not only highlights a moment of cultural connection but also serves as a reminder of the deep ties between Malaysia and China, fostered not only through politics and diplomacy but also through language, food, and shared experiences.