SHAH ALAM – Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia has urged Malaysians to remain committed to boycott campaigns and keep the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in focus, warning that public attention is gradually shifting to other domestic and international issues.
BDS Malaysia chairman Prof Dr Mohd Nazari Ismail said while public participation in boycotting targeted brands remained largely intact, signs of fatigue and complacency had emerged, particularly towards certain well-known franchises.
"I think people are still boycotting most of the names on our list, except a few like McDonald's," he said when commenting on the current momentum of the grassroots movement in Malaysia.
He expressed concern that the prolonged conflict had caused some members of the public to become desensitised to the suffering of Palestinians, despite the continued blockade and military attacks in Gaza.
"The genocide has been going on for many years now and many may be feeling desensitised, so we need to remind people that Israel is still blockading Gaza and killing Palestinians in Gaza daily," he said.
Nazari also noted that reports of Palestinian casualties had received less attention in local news coverage, with other high-profile developments dominating headlines.
"Yesterday alone, almost ten Palestinians were killed, including children, but the news is not being reported because the newspapers are focusing on other interesting issues such as Jensen Huang's adultery and resignation from Nvidia, as well as Najib's return to his mansion," he said.
"We need to remind people of the ongoing horrors in Gaza," he added, urging Malaysians to maintain their awareness and continue applying economic pressure in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The call comes amid BDS Malaysia's wider efforts to seek accountability over Malaysia's trade and maritime links with Israel.
On Sept 4, 2026, BDS Malaysia lodged a report with the police and held a media conference following findings from its "No Harbour for Genocide" campaign, which revealed that 71 containers bound for Israel had transited through or were docked at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP).
The findings subsequently gained attention on social media, including through Facebook video reels, prompting public debate over maritime oversight and calls for tighter enforcement of trade policies.
BDS Malaysia said sustained public vigilance, both through consumer boycotts and scrutiny of national trade policies, remained important to ensuring Malaysia maintained its stated support for Palestine.