A wave of pro-Palestine demonstrations has swept through Malaysia’s capital since Thursday, as crowds gathered outside the United States Embassy along Jalan Tun Razak to protest Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and the detention of Malaysians onboard.
Outrage Nationwide Over Flotilla Interception
On 1 October, Israeli forces started to intercept The Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of vessels carrying humanitarian aid bound for Gaza.
Among those forcibly detained, Malaysians were confirmed present. This spurred anger among Malaysians, prompting solidarity rallies in Kuala Lumpur.
First Rallies and Clashes: 2 October
On Thursday afternoon, demonstrators assembled near The Linc shopping centre in KL for the first protest. They then marched towards the U.S. Embassy, chanting “Free, Free Palestine!” while waving Palestine flags as supportive honks from passing motorists merged with their voices.
The rally was peaceful for the most part, until tensions surfaced in a separate protest at noon involving around 50 participants. Said demonstrators attempted to block traffic on Jalan Tun Razak, leading to a scuffle that left one policeman with minor injuries. Authorities also arrested two men for obstructing police duties.
In the evening, Ultras Malaya staged a demonstration consisting of 500 members.
At 9pm, they gathered at the Ampang Park LRT station. As they began moving in the direction of the US embassy with chants, songs and flares, heavy traffic congestion ensued. Police remind at the location to prevent any escalation in the crowd.
Memorandum Prepared and Delivered Amid Rising Tensions: 3 October
On 3 October, a larger mobilisation was observed following the Friday prayers, whereby thousands gathered at the Tabung Haji building. Protesters thus marched in unison toward the embassy as part of the Himpunan Solidariti Free Sumud Flotilla rally.
The embassy later confirmed that it had received a memorandum from rally organizers, with demands regarding the release of the flotilla volunteers and safe passage for humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Despite the general peaceful atmosphere throughout the rally, tempers flared. Some protesters tried to breach police barricades, while others were seen pelting eggs at the embassy fence. Riot control units, Light Strike Force included, proceeded to cordon off the area but no serious incidents took place.
Heavy Security and Continued Anger
Throughout both days, Kuala Lumpur police maintained a very strong presence, erecting barricades and assigning riot units to the area around the embassy. City police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said authorities would not compromise with groups defying the law during demonstrations.
While most rallies were peaceful, the protests highlighted Malaysia’s strong public support for Palestine and frustration at US backing of Israel. For many in attendance, the rallies were both political and personal. “We cannot be silent while our brothers and sisters suffer,” one participant said, clutching a Palestinian flag.
Outlook
With embassy officials acknowledging receipt of the protest memorandum, organisers say they will continue pressing for the release of detained Malaysians and for greater international action on Gaza.
More demonstrations are expected in the coming days.
Watch the video here:
@thesundaily 03 Oct 2025: Kuala Lumpur was shaken yesterday as Malaysians filled the streets in a powerful show of solidarity for Palestine. The “Sumud Flotilla” protest was held after Malaysian and international volunteers were detained by Israel. Click the link in bio @theSundaily to read the full story #theSun #theSunMY #SumudFlotilla #StandWithPalestine #HimpunanSumudFlotilla
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