KUALA LUMPUR – Delivery service provider Grab has stated that it stands on the side of humanity, hoping for a ceasefire and peace after becoming the latest brand to be hit by calls for boycotts across social media platforms following the ongoing war in Gaza.
The latest development comes after screenshots of an Instagram post allegedly published by Chloe Tong, wife of Grab co-founder Anthony Tan and daughter of The Edge Media Group owner Tan Sri Tong Kooi Ong, surfaced across social media platforms.
The screenshot, which was posted months ago, describes Chloe enjoying her time during her trip to Israel.
It was subsequently shared by a user on X (formerly known as Twitter), who called for a boycott of Grab as it allegedly supported Israel.
Untuk Makluman Segera. pic.twitter.com/PjJYENBXNv
— Grab Malaysia (@GrabMY) November 3, 2023
While the tweet was subsequently deleted, social media remains abuzz with retweets calling for a boycott of Grab.
“We do not support any form of violence, and as a participant in the United Nations Global Compact, we are aligned with its principles and respect the protection of human rights.”
Grab also pointed out that the screenshot of “an individual clarifying what they posted on a personal platform weeks ago and taken out of context”, did not mention any reference to Chloe.
“Screenshots of my previous Instagram stories from weeks ago are suddenly resurfacing – and maliciously taken out of context and shared to stir more hatred.
“My instastories were done before I understood all that is happening with Israel and Gaza. Like the rest of humanity, I hope for a ceasefire and peace. I am simply saddened and feel very helpless for all the innocent lives lost,” the post stated. – November 3, 2023