Netizens fiercely criticised Ning Baizura on Instagram

KUALA LUMPUR: Social media comments made by singer Ning Baizura stating that she “doesn’t know who (what) Rafah is” have put her in hot water.

Ning read a message on Instagram during a live session that mentioned the situation of the Palestinian people in Rafah and said, “All eyes on Rafah.”

Then she said, “Who is Rafah?” in response. But as soon as she realized her error, she swiftly altered the subject. Before the video of the 48-year-old singer’s live session became viral on other social media platforms, she faced harsh criticism from users on X, the former Twitter. Over 5,000 people have shared the video thus far. Having received a tone of negative feedback, Ning has now set her Instagram post comment area to “limited.”

Reporters from Berita Harian have contacted Ning in the interim to get a reaction.

Ning has come under fire following the boycott and “cancellation” of multiple local artists as a part of the global movement known as “Blackout 2024.”

The movement was sparked by the opinions—or lack thereof—celebrities had on Palestine.

Through its boycott campaign, it hopes to put pressure on public personalities to use their large platforms to support calls for a ceasefire in the midst of Israel’s continued onslaught on Palestine.