About four years ago, Malaysian internet users made headlines around the world for their bold stance against Israel, most notably through the hashtag #IsraelKoyak.

Nicknamed the “Bawang Army” or “Bawang Rangers”, they not only circulated posters condemning the Zionist regime following bombings in Palestine but also flooded the social media pages of the Israel Defence Forces, earning praise from the global community.

But behind this display of bravery and unity lies a darker side...