Malaysian Armed Forces confirmed an incident at the Wisma Transit Kuala Lumpur facility on January 5, involving a group of Palestinians protesting for a quicker return to their homeland. The protest, which occurred on the afternoon of January 4, saw the group causing minor damage to property. Videos of the incident were shared on social media, showing the protesters damaging furniture in the facility.

The military stated that the situation was managed without any physical confrontations or injuries. Upon receiving reports, officers from the Armed Forces engaged in discussions with the Palestinians involved, and the situation was brought under control by 1930hrs, with the individuals dispersing peacefully.

The military urged the public to refrain from speculating about the incident. Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia, Walid Abu Ali, expressed his sadness over the protest, emphasizing that such behavior goes against Palestinian values and culture. He reassured the public that both the Malaysian government and the Palestinian embassy were working to assist those affected.

This incident follows Malaysia's efforts to support Palestinians impacted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In August 2023, Malaysia brought over 127 Palestinians, including 41 injured individuals, to receive medical treatment and refuge. The injured were treated at Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital, while their families were housed at the Wisma Transit facility.

This is not the first altercation at the facility. In October 2023, a dispute between Palestinians and security personnel occurred, reportedly due to restrictions on leaving the facility. A Palestinian woman involved in the conflict later apologized, explaining her distress over being unable to contact her children in Gaza.

Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had previously stated that such incidents should not be used as justification to send the Palestinians back to Gaza.