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A diverse group 23 Malaysians, united by a shared passion for justice, embarked on a peaceful journey to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza
However, their journey was cut short when Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla today, 2 October.
According to Reuters, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), carrying food and medicine to Gaza, consists of more than 40 civilian boats with about 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists from around the world.
According to the New Straits Times, all 23 Malaysians who joined the 10-ship GSF fleet have been confirmed detained by Israeli forces.
Videos posted on social media by some of the Malaysian volunteers confirmed their detention, with several sharing statements on their personal Instagram accounts.
Each volunteer appeared on camera to state their name before saying:
"I am a citizen of Malaysia. If you are watching this video, that means I have been abducted and taken against my will by Israeli forces. Our humanitarian mission was peaceful, non-violence, and fully in compliant with international law. I urgently appeal to the Malaysian government especially the honorable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to demand my immediate and unconditional release. Thank you."
In a statement on Facebook today, 2 October, Anwar condemned Israel's interception of GSF, describing the flotilla as a symbol of "solidarity, compassion, and the hope of relief" for Palestinians.
He vowed that Malaysia would use "all legitimate and lawful means" to hold Israel accountable.
The information the SNCC gathered as of 7.60am today, 2 October.
Image via Bernama via Harian MetroThese individuals are not just statistics; they are singers, actors, and leaders who risked their freedom for a cause they believe in.
Below are the backgrounds of eight of them:
1. Zizi Kirana: A singer with the voice of compassion
Flotilla: Huga
Status: Detained by Israeli forces
Many know Zizi Kirana, or her real name Nur Fazelah Mad Tahil, as a powerful singer and performer, but her role on the Huga vessel showcased a different side of her passion.
The Sabahan artiste has been vocal about the genocide in Gaza in recent years, often condemning the attack on Palestinians. Her participation in GSF was a bold step, using her significant public platform to amplify the flotilla's humanitarian message.
Her pre-recorded SOS, in which she stated she was being "kidnapped against her will", became a rallying cry for her supporters and a poignant symbol of the mission's peaceful intent.
Beyond her activism, Zizi is also a singer, rapper, actress, product ambassador, and TV host. She first rose to fame through Akademi Fantasia in 2009 and was previously a member of the hip hop group The Fabulous Cats.
You can follow her here.
2. Musa Nuwayri: A humanitarian leader
Flotilla: Alma
Status: Detained by Israeli forces
As the founder of NGO Cinta Salam Malaysia (CSM), Musa Nuwayri is a seasoned leader in the world of humanitarian aid.
Born in Scotland and a published author, Musa has dedicated over a decade to helping those in crisis, initially focusing on Syrian refugees before expanding his organisation's reach globally.
By 21 years old, he had already rendered aid to over 10,000 families via CSM, with 250 students attending a school the NGO established.
His presence on the Alma vessel lent official weight to the mission, representing the organised effort of Malaysian civil society to stand in solidarity with Gaza.
You can follow him here.
3. Iylia Balqis: A valuable CSM member alongside Musa
Flotilla: Alma
Status: Detained by Israeli forces
Working alongside Musa Nuwayri as the head of the education division for CSM, Iylia Balqis Suhaimi was a crucial voice for the flotilla.
From the deck of the Alma, she provided the world with real-time updates through social media, documenting the crew's preparations, morale, and unwavering resolve.
Her previous experience on a humanitarian mission to Syria in 2022 underscores her deep-seated commitment to serving vulnerable populations, making her an essential and articulate member of the team.
You can follow her here.
4. Zulfadhli Khiruddin: A storyteller through lens and activism
Flotilla: Sirius
Status: Detained by Israeli forces
Zulfadhli Khiruddin is a humanitarian media activist, a storyteller who speaks through his camera. He has travelled to Morocco to document the aftermath of an earthquake, participated in a rescue mission in Syria, and even photographed Gaza before the genocide began.
According to his LinkedIn, he is the Media Director of Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (MAPIM) and has over a decade of experience in videography before dedicating himself to activism.
He is married to actress and TV host Yatt Hamzah, who has publicly appealed to the Malaysian government to take firm action and urge Israel to immediately release her husband.
You can follow him here.
5. Heliza Helmi: A singer and entrepreneur turned humanitarian activist
Flotilla: Hio
Status: Detained by Israeli forces
A familiar face in Malaysian humanitarian circles, Heliza Helmi is a singer, actress, entrepreneur, and activist who has dedicated years to advocating for Palestine.
Heliza first rose to fame through the reality TV show Akademi Fantasia 5. In recent years, she has transitioned into humanitarian work alongside her sister, Hazwani Helmi.
The sisters set sail for Gaza on 21 September and had been consistently sharing updates on their journey through social media until about 10 hours ago.
You can follow her here.
6. Hazwani Helmi: More than a sister — a partner in music and humanitarian missions
Flotilla: Hio
Status: Detained by Israeli forces
Working in lockstep with her sister Heliza, Hazwani Helmi is a powerful force in her own right and the other half of Malaysia's most recognisable activist sibling duo.
A singer-songwriter, TV host, actress, model, and humanitarian activist, she is also widely known as the Muslimah Beatboxer. Since 13, she has written songs for her sister and often performed alongside her.
Hazwani is deeply involved in the Palestinian cause, often sharing both the stage and the front lines with her older sister. She was active on social media until about 13 hours ago.
You can follow her here.
7. PU Rahmat: Preaching hope from the deck
Flotilla: Estrella
Status: Detained by Israeli forces
A well-regarded young preacher and public figure, Rahmat Ikhsan, better known as PU Rahmat, served as a spiritual guide and key communicator for the Malaysian delegation.
Throughout the journey, he provided regular updates from aboard the Estrella, sharing motivational messages while candidly speaking about the challenges faced by the activists, including financial strains and harsh weather.
He documented Israeli forces firing intimidation rounds into the sea, described storms so severe that aid supplies were swept overboard, and reported on power outages aboard the vessel.
His posts and videos became a vital link between the participants and the public, offering both spiritual encouragement and on-the-ground reporting.
You can follow him here.
8. Farah Lee: From mechanical engineering to influencing change
Flotilla: Grande Blu
Status: Detained by Israeli forces
Known to her many followers as Farah Lee, Nurfarahin Romli is a prominent Malaysian influencer, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for social causes, particularly the Palestinian struggle.
With a background in mechanical engineering from a top university in South Korea, she has built a successful career with her own fashion brand and as a respected voice on social media.
Farah has been actively involved in humanitarian work for years. She uses her significant online presence to educate her audience about the realities of the situation in Palestine and to spearhead fundraising efforts. She is known for her thoughtful and articulate approach, blending personal reflections with clear calls to action.
You can follow her here.
