BDS Malaysia slams KLCC mall over treatment of Palestine protesters

Pro-Palestine group Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia has hit out at Suria KLCC management after several participants of a protest against the Gaza genocide were denied entry into the mall yesterday.

According to the group, treating those who protest against genocide and in support of Palestinian rights as “potential security threats” may be expected in pro-Zionist countries - but “should never happen in Malaysia”.

“The actions of the Suria KLCC security staff are nothing short of disgraceful and have tarnished the global image of the Malaysian government as one that is firmly on the side of Palestine,” it said in a statement.

BDS Malaysia urged the mall management to apologise to those mistreated by its security guards, particularly former Batu MP Tian Chua, who was caught in an altercation with mall personnel.

The group also expressed disappointment with Suria KLCC’s subsequent statement, which attempted to justify the incident by citing concerns over a “long wooden stick” attached to a Palestinian flag.

“This reasoning does not hold water as other patrons who wore keffiyehs or carried pro-Palestinian posters were also prevented from entering,” it said.

“Malaysia has consistently expressed strong support for the struggle of the Palestinian people. This incident undermines that stand,” the group added.

Chua disputes KLCC’s version of events

Yesterday, Chua intervened when a security officer tried to confiscate a Palestinian flag from a protester. He was then roughly escorted out by several other security personnel.

This morning, the former lawmaker also disputed the mall’s statement by emphasising that security personnel had prohibited any Palestine-related symbols inside the mall, leading to the altercation.

Chua clarified that when the incident occurred, the rally had already concluded, and participants were dispersing with no intention to continue demonstrating inside.

“Security guards on private premises do not have the authority to confiscate property, except in limited circumstances such as shoplifting. The attempt to seize personal property like a flag clearly exceeds their legal jurisdiction.

“More seriously, the attempt to confiscate personal property is an illegal seizure of goods. Under Section 379 of the Penal Code, the transfer or taking of a person's property without legal justification constitutes theft,” he said.

Chua calls for probe

Further, Chua urged Suria KLCC management to issue a public apology and launch an investigation into the security personnel involved in the altercation.

He also called for the security protocols to be reviewed and corrected, to prevent discriminatory practices and similar incidents.

“While my main focus remains on the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, it is crucial that incidents like this are not taken lightly. It touches on fundamental rights - freedom of expression, dignity, and freedom of movement.

“I sincerely hope this incident was caused by the excessive actions of a few specific guards, and not a deliberate policy to suppress solidarity with Palestine.

“However, the full responsibility still lies with the management to rectify the situation and ensure that such an event does not happen again,” he added.

The former PKR vice-president also urged the mall’s management to align its stance with the government and people, who have consistently expressed support for Palestine.

Safety procedure

Last night, Suria KLCC’s management defended its security guards, saying they acted “in line with long-standing safety procedures” to prohibit items that could pose a safety risk or disrupt the comfort of patrons.

“We would like to clarify that this is a standard security measure that applies to all visitors, and we wish to reassure the public that our actions were not based on any political stance,” it said.

A group of 23 NGOs had previously urged Putrajaya to cancel US President Donald Trump’s trip, arguing that the US’ role in Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians runs contrary to Malaysia’s clear moral stance on the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.

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