SHAH ALAM - The campaign to 'block out' artists and influencers in the United States who have never spoken about Palestine or served as ambassadors for Israeli products is now gaining traction in Malaysia.
The public on social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok had shared lists of Malaysian celebrities to be boycotted with the hashtag #Blockout2024, including the names of popular actors.
Facebook user Liena Bunkerz listed 30 such celebrities, even though some of them were figures she admired.
"Even though there are some I adore, I still have to 'block' them. I can't compromise with people who lack common sense towards our friends in Gaza," she said on Monday.
The 'Blockout2024' movement was said to have started in the country several days ago when some social media users began blocking and boycotting artists and influencers who had never spoken about the Palestinian issue and served as ambassadors for Israel products.
Meanwhile, Facebook account owner Pana Pudding said she had blocked the Instagram account of a male actor whose name was on the rise, even though she admired the man.
"I don't want to tolerate it because he promotes too many brands from the Zionist country. This is just a choice (to boycott that actor).
"It's the same as boycotting Israeli-brand products. If you want to do it, do it. If you don't want to, it's fine," she said, also sharing screenshots of the Instagram account of the actor she blocked.
She said that boycotting celebrities and influencers was done to show that social media followers had power over the influence they possess.
"If millions of followers 'unfollow' or 'block' them, they would not have an audience and no longer have support from that brand. That's the only way to make the rich listen, right?" she added.
However, singer and actor Naim Daniel expressed dissatisfaction with a few individuals who criticised those who did not boycott brand products that were currently being boycotted by Malaysians.
In a post on his X page, the 27-year-old singer said that Islam never taught a Muslim to perform actions beyond limits.
"You're ordering people to boycott this and that in the name of Islam, but you're condemning others who have not or have not done so yet. It's like you've never learned the etiquette in religion not to go too far.
"Doesn't that make your Islamic practices go to waste? Hopefully, we won't be among the 'most extreme' group," he said.
The post was later deleted by Naim after he received severe criticism from netizens, who mostly disagreed with his statement.