KUALA LUMPUR – The commotion involving Palestinians at Wisma Transit Kuala Lumpur (WTKL) yesterday is believed to have stemmed from their request to expedite their return to Palestine, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) said in a statement today.
The incident, which occurred around 5pm, was brought under control without any physical altercations or injuries, although there was minor damage to furniture in the facility.
Videos of the commotion have circulated on social media, drawing public attention. The videos show individuals burning and damaging property, with people yelling in the background and children running around the premises.
In another video believed to be showing the same commotion, a woman in a niqab was seen holding up a sign saying “No to deportation, we need to return to Egypt”. Military personnel were also seen in the video, seemingly monitoring the situation.
“Upon receiving reports of the situation, MAF officers and personnel on duty engaged in discussions with the Palestinians involved, and the matter was resolved without any altercations,” the statement read, adding that the commotion subsided by 7.30pm.
MAF urged the public not to speculate about the incident, emphasising the importance of addressing the matter sensitively.
In October last year, a similar situation unfolded when Palestinians expressed dissatisfaction with their accommodations and movement restrictions. Following that, Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Walid Abu Ali issued an apology on behalf of the Palestinian community in Malaysia and their homeland for the disruptions caused.
Last August, Malaysia brought in 127 Palestinians for medical treatment, among them 41 injured victims of Israeli attacks on Gaza. While the injured were treated at Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital, their family members were housed at WTKL. – January 5, 2025