In Malaysia, food is more than just sustenance—it's a way of life. From the bustling morning markets to the late-night mamak stalls, our love for food is undeniable.
It's no wonder that when our national athletes returned from the Paris 2024 Olympics, their first instinct was to indulge in a hearty meal of Nasi Lemak.
The national badminton squad received a hero’s welcome upon their return, their efforts at the Olympics bringing pride to every Malaysian heart. Among the stars were men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia and men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, who each secured bronze medals, putting Malaysia firmly on the global stage.
Yet, it wasn’t just their athletic prowess that captured the nation's attention. What truly resonated with Malaysians was a simple, yet deeply relatable moment shared by Zii Jia and Wooi Yik after they landed back home.
Shortly after their arrival, Zii Jia took to Instagram to post a story featuring himself and Wooi Yik doing what every Malaysian would do after time away—satisfying their cravings for Nasi Lemak. The photo, taken at a local eatery, showed Wooi Yik perusing the menu while a plate of Nasi Lemak with crispy ayam goreng sat tantalisingly in the foreground.
This moment quickly went viral, with fans across social media platforms sharing and celebrating the post. On X, one user captured the essence of this moment with the caption, "First thing first when coming back Malaysia: Nasi Lemak‼️" The post garnered over 340,000 views and thousands of likes, with many Malaysians joining in to express their amusement and solidarity.
Commenters joked that the sight of Zii Jia and Wooi Yik indulging in Nasi Lemak was as Malaysian as it gets. Some speculated that the duo must have been longing for a taste of home, especially after enduring the less-than-stellar offerings at the Olympic Village in Paris.
As we celebrate their achievements, let’s also take a moment to wish our national athletes well. After the intense competition and sacrifices they’ve made, they deserve to rest, refuel, and enjoy all the delicious food Malaysia has to offer.
Thank you for your dedication and for making us proud on the world stage. Eat well, rest well, and know that Malaysia is behind you every step of the way!
