Suria KLCC has defended its security team’s actions after claims that pro-Palestine supporters were barred from entering the mall after an earlier protest.
Referring to a video circulating on social media depicting an altercation between its security personnel and former MP Tian Chua, the mall’s management said its guards acted “in line with long-standing safety procedures”.
Such procedures, it said in a statement today, prohibit items that could pose a potential 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.
“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,” added the mall’s management.
Asserting that the safety and security of the community remains its highest priority, it also expressed its appreciation for public understanding as it works to maintain a secure and orderly environment for all.
‘Palestine-linked symbols’
Earlier, Chua, a former PKR lawmaker, told Malaysiakini that attendees of a pro-Palestine rally yesterday were allegedly barred from entering Suria KLCC after the protest ended.
Claiming that the mall’s security personnel targeted those with Palestinian flags and attire, he said the protesters, who had no intentions to stage a protest in the mall, were told that they could not wear the Palestinian keffiyeh or scarf.
“(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?” Chua questioned.
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.
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.
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
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