China couple who found spy camera pointing at Malaysia honeymoon bed accused of ‘smearing’ Airbnb host online
- Airbnb homestay host initially accuses newly-wed China couple of online smears but then pays refund
- Malaysian police launch probe as experts warn of holiday spy dangers and offer tips to avoid prying eyes
A newly-wed couple from China whose Malaysian honeymoon was ruined after they discovered a hidden spy camera pointed at their bed in an Airbnb homestay have told how the host initially accused them of online “smears”.
The couple said on the social media platform Xiaohongshu that a hidden camera had been installed inside a wall power socket at the homestay in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah.
Their discovery, which prompted a police investigation, has led to travel warnings and tips from experts on how to avoid being spied upon while relaxing on holiday.
In a social media post under the name Zhenmei Beauty, the couple said the homestay host initially accused them of smearing his name online but eventually refunded them.
They added that Airbnb has removed the listing of the apartment involved but others linked to the host were still available.
Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager of India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, stressed that the company had taken appropriate measures to address the situation.
