Pro Palestine Protesters Allegedly Barred From Entering Klcc

---

 


Several attendees of a pro-Palestine protest yesterday were allegedly barred from entering Suria KLCC, as the mall’s security personnel allegedly targeted those with Palestinian flags and attire.
Former MP Tian Chua, who was also at the protest in Kuala Lumpur, said that after participants dispersed, a few protesters attempted to enter the mall.
He said some of them were wearing Palestinian keffiyeh or scarves, while others were holding on to placards from the protest, and were “blocked” by several security officers.
“They (security) told the rally supporters that they cannot wear the keffiyeh. I went to argue with the security guards. I told them they have no authority to stop people (from being in the mall) on the grounds of their attire,” Chua (above) told Malaysiakini when contacted.
ADS“(The guards) were harassing the rally participants. Malaysia has not banned any Palestine-linked symbols, so how can these officers bar people from walking into a mall just because of their scarves?”
Emphasising that the mall is a “regulated public space”, the former PKR vice-president said he intervened when a security officer tried to confiscate a Palestinian flag from a female protester.
Palestine flagHe was then roughly escorted out by several other security personnel.
Chua added that he will write to the mall’s management to seek their response on the matter.
Suria KLCC defended its security team’s actions in a statement today, saying its guards acted “in line with long-standing safety procedures”.
It said such procedures prohibit items that could pose a safety risk or disrupt the comfort of its patrons.
“The incident occurred when a visitor was requested not to bring a long wooden stick into the mall,” said the mall management.
Threat to boycott KLCC
In an Instagram video of the incident, Chua, 61, can be seen struggling with security officers in the mall. A voice could be heard saying that he had to be removed as he was carrying a “stick”, referring to a flag pole.
A woman, believed to be the one recording the altercation, also shouted: “Shame on you KLCC! You are treating an old man like this just for holding a flag! Shame on you!”
In the caption for the video, posted by Malaysian Daily Protest for Palestine, the advocacy group urged Suria KLCC to issue an apology and clarify its position on Palestine.
ADSThreatening to launch a boycott campaign against the mall, the group also lamented how the incident could have been avoided if proper discussions had been prioritised over “harsh acts”.
“This raises the question: is Suria KLCC, a shopping complex located directly beneath the iconic KLCC Twin Towers - Malaysia’s pride, and a country known for strongly championing the Palestinian cause - actually taking a pro-Zionist stance?” the group said.
The protest yesterday was held to oppose US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Malaysia for the Asean Summit 2025.
A group of 23 NGOs had previously urged Putrajaya to cancel the trip, pointing out that the US’ role in Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestine goes against Malaysia’s clear moral stance on the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza. - Mkini

---