16-10-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Despite a bomb threat at a shopping mall in Johor Bahru over the weekend, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi assured that Malaysia would continue to support the Palestinian people’s struggle. He emphasized that the government remains vigilant but advised the public not to worry.
Speaking at a local event, the president of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Zahid Hamidi, stated, “The police have stated that it was a deliberate threat, we just need to be vigilant and not worry.”
The incident occurred on Saturday evening when an anonymous phone call made a “security threat” targeting the Mid Valley Southkey mall. As a precautionary measure, hundreds of shoppers and employees were safely evacuated from the affected areas. Local authorities, including the fire department and police, conducted a thorough search but found no evidence of threats.
Footage shared on social media depicted crowds rushing out of the building, urged on by the fire department. Families, including young children, were among the groups evacuating the premises. As the situation unfolded, people waited anxiously on both sides of Persiaran Southkey 1 for the all-clear to return, as many had left their vehicles parked inside the mall. Some reported waiting for several hours.
According to Malaysiakini, Johor Bahru Selatan district police chief Raub Selamat revealed that the anonymous caller claimed to be a foreigner. The caller allegedly threatened to place a bomb in the mall area and urged people “not to show support for Palestine.”
In a separate development, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated on Monday that Malaysia would not succumb to Western pressure to condemn the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Anwar explained that Western and European countries have repeatedly requested Malaysia to denounce Hamas in meetings. However, Malaysia maintains its existing relationship with Hamas and rejects the pressure, highlighting that Hamas was democratically elected by the people of Gaza.
Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and advocates for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The country does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. In the past, top Hamas leaders have visited Malaysia and held meetings with Malaysian leaders. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak defied Israel’s blockade on Gaza in 2013 by crossing into the Palestinian enclave upon receiving an invitation from Hamas.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates, with Israel conducting airstrikes on Gaza and massing troops for a potential ground invasion, more than a million people have been displaced from their homes. The situation has intensified following Hamas fighters breaking through the heavily fortified border on October 7, resulting in numerous casualties, predominantly civilians.
