Mindef orders immediate probe into viral "yeye culture" allegations

SHAH ALAM – The Defence Ministry (Mindef) has ordered an immediate internal investigation following viral allegations of a so-called "yeye culture" involving immoral activities at military officers’ messes.

The controversy surfaced after a Threads user reshared content from the TikTok account @tegak.kebenaran.

The issue surfaced after a Threads user reshared TikTok content from the account @tegak.kebenaran, which claimed that inappropriate behaviour involving men and women had taken place in military camps and involved personnel believed to be from the army.

The posts alleged that inappropriate behaviour involving men and women has been occurring within military camps, specifically involving personnel believed to be from the Malaysian Army.

Allegations of misconduct

One Threads user, @aishahh.roslii, urged the public to amplify the issue to ensure accountability.

"Please make this account go viral. It is exposing a long-standing culture among uniformed officers, including what is referred to as ‘yeye culture’ in officers’ messes both inside and outside military camps," the post read.

It further claimed that every officers' mess is equipped with a minibar and that junior officers are allegedly coerced into purchasing alcohol and bringing women into camps for senior officers.

"This is not a trivial issue," the statement stressed.

The outcry gained further momentum after influencer and rapper Caprice shared direct messages (DMs) from individuals claiming to have firsthand experience with the practice. In one message, an individual identifying as a former army officer expressed gratitude that the issue was gaining traction.

The controversy gained further traction after rapper Caprice shared direct messages from individuals claiming to have firsthand experience with the alleged culture.

The whistleblower claimed that "yeye culture" exists across various ranks, noting that some young women brought into the messes believe the gatherings are merely for entertainment. However, the individual alleged that these incidents have occasionally led to pregnancies.

"This culture has existed for a long time, but times have changed. ‘Yeye’ drains young officers financially and has destroyed many families within the service," the individual added, calling on Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin to eradicate the practice.

In a social media post, Caprice added: “The DMs are getting scarier. @mindefmalaysia, please investigate, take action, and clean up our forces.”

Mindef response

Mindef stated it is viewing the allegations with the utmost seriousness, particularly following videos circulating online that reportedly show an "entertainment culture" at locations including the Subang Air Base.

One video allegedly depicts a man engaging in inappropriate behaviour with a woman, while another shows several individuals seated at a bar.

Mindef said it viewed the allegations seriously after videos circulated on social media showing what was described as an “entertainment culture” among officers,

In an official statement, the ministry confirmed:

“The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) have been instructed to conduct an immediate internal investigation to thoroughly verify these claims. If the allegations are proven true, firm action will be taken without compromise against any party, in accordance with existing regulations and laws.”

The ministry further clarified that these claims do not reflect the true culture or values of the armed forces, which are built on discipline and professionalism. Officials advised the public to refrain from speculation that could mislead the public or damage the reputation of the armed forces while the investigation is ongoing.