KUALA LUMPUR: Two Malaysian travellers were in for a surprise when a street accordionist in Tbilisi, Georgia, played Negaraku after learning they were from Malaysia.
TikTok user Allen Yeoh shared a video of the encounter, showing the travellers telling the musician where they were from.
The accordionist then asked, "Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur? Hello," before playing the national anthem.
In his caption, Yeoh said he never expected to hear Negaraku thousands of kilometres away from home.
"Far away in Georgia, I heard Negaraku!
"I never expected to hear Malaysia's national anthem being played by a famous accordionist here in Tbilisi, Georgia," he wrote.
@allenyeoh29 Jauh-Jauh Di Georgia, Terdengar Lagu NEGARAKU! Tidak sangka di Tbilisi, Georgia, dapat dengar lagu kebangsaan Malaysia, Negaraku, dimainkan oleh pemain akordion terkenal di sini! ️ Meet the famous accordion player of Tbilisi! Beribu-ribu kilometer dari tanah air, memang satu pengalaman yang tidak akan dilupakan! Kadang-kadang, kenangan paling indah ketika travel ialah perkara yang langsung kita tak jangka. Salam dari Georgia! @Georgia Travel @insta360 official @Insta360 Malaysia Store #Georgia #Tbilisi #Negaraku #Malaysia #TravelTok original sound - Allen Yeoh
Yeoh said some of the most memorable travel experiences came from unexpected moments.
The video drew reactions from Malaysians, many of whom expressed pride and said they would have stood to attention if they had been there.
One user, @dearlyniess, commented: "It is so touching that foreigners know our national anthem.
"So proud to be Malaysian."
"Not just hearing the song, even seeing our flag makes me feel proud and grateful," wrote @Raxa'sabre.
Another user, @Ccp, joked: "Just when I was about to sit down and rest after doing the laundry, I had to get up again."
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd