KUALA LUMPUR – The Palestine Duck collection by dUCK Group founder Datin Vivy Yusof has courted controversy after yesterday’s launch, with some accusing her of being insensitive and opportunistic amid the escalating violence in the Gaza Strip.
Her collection consists of a shawl priced at RM300, headscarf (RM300), tote bag (RM50) and a mug (40) – all with designs based on the Palestinian flag.
The tote bag is sold out while the rest are available for pre-orders until October 17.
Despite criticism, the company said 100% of the profits from the collection will be donated to Palestinians through Viva Palestina Organisation Malaysia.
“Our friend from @vivapalestinamy will use the donation for medicine and surgery supplies, electricity for hospitals and temporary shelters, hot food and food basket.”
Some netizens expressed their disappointment when she promoted the collection on Instagram as it was seen as taking advantage of the ongoing conflict.
“This is insensitive. It is better to directly donate to non-governmental organisations involved in helping Gaza,” Hannah Nasir commented on Instagram.
“Stop taking advantage of the unfortunate situation. It’s good that 100% of the profits will go to Palestine, but mass genocide is happening, and you are profiting from the suffering of others and promoting your brand. How low can you be, zero empathy,” said user Nsffiii.
“This is so wrong. Do you not see the news on how Palestinians are suffering? Yes, you are doing a good deed, but you can direct funds instead of selling something from your brand. This means you are taking advantage,” said a user by the name of Awhlyaa.
“Stop using the suffering of others as an aesthetic. People are fighting for their lives. Why would you want to sell ‘gifts’?” posted user Afiqsuhaili.
“Seriously? Right now?” questioned a user known as Oppagodmother while including the hashtag #solidarityforpalestinians.
“Palestinians are bombed and killed. How come someone can even think, yes, let’s design a hijab and mug to support and sell them,” said Syariz.
However, there are those who are in support of Vivy’s collection.
“Just purchased from Indonesia (finally my first Duck hijab). Alhamdulillah. Shipped one to my sister who lives in Australia. Thank you for doing this,” posted Indirahermana while user Yrakml said: “Love this kind of initiative.”
Meanwhile, Viva Palestina Malaysia tweeted on X, formerly Twitter, that the dUCK Group collected more than RM2 million from a previous collection.
It added that some of the funds were used to buy an ultrasound machine for a hospital in Gaza.
“Let’s continue helping Palestine as best as we can. Shopping in solidarity with Palestine.”
Gaza has already been under intense bombardment by Israel, with at least 2,300 Palestinians dead and 9,700 wounded. Israel also reported a death toll of 1,300, with more than 3,400 wounded since the recent Hamas attack.
Hamas had launched a surprise attack involving dozens of fighters, to end Israeli “violations”.
In response, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, leading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare that “we are at war”.
It was reported that Israel would launch a ground assault on the Gaza Strip and give Palestinians 24 hours to evacuate. Israel’s military also vowed to expand its war on Gaza with “coordinated attacks from the air, sea and land”. – October 15, 2023