In today's social media-driven world, local brands often become the focus of intense discussions. Recently, dUck, a well-known Malaysian brand recognized for its stylish hijabs, has found itself in the spotlight due to its new collection inspired by Palestine. This launch has sparked controversy, particularly because it coincided with the ongoing massacre in Palestine, leading to criticism from online users.

On October 15th, dUck introduced its latest collection on social media, featuring Palestine-themed hijabs and accessories priced from RM40 to RM300. While dUck has a history of creating collections with diverse themes, this particular release faced significant backlash.

On social media, many people have voiced their concerns over dUck's decision to launch a collection associated with Palestine while the Israeli Occupation Force's aggression against Palestinians continues. One user, deeply moved by the situation, shared, "Astagafirullahalazim. So insensitive. Babies are dying, and you're promoting and taking this opportunity to sell hijabs."

Another user questioned the brand's motivations, remarking, "All these companies who take advantage of war and humanitarian crises to push their marketing agenda, I wonder if they have ever taken a step back and seen it from the perspective of the people they're claiming to be helping." These sentiments were echoed by many others, who criticized the move as "morally questionable" and encouraged the brand to prioritize direct donations instead of using their products as a means of providing aid.

In response to the mounting criticism, Vivy Yusof, dUck's founder, addressed the concerns on her Instagram account. She clarified that dUck wouldn't profit from the Palestine-themed collection, with 100% of the proceeds donated to Viva Palestina Malaysia. She also emphasized that there would be no tax refund from the collection's sales.

Vivvy defended the release by noting that it was a response to customer requests, as the Palestine collection had been popular in 2021 and was reintroduced based on demand. She stressed that the intention was to support the cause, not profit from the ongoing crisis.

While some netizens view it as a commendable effort to raise funds and awareness, others are concerned that it may inadvertently come across as insensitive or opportunistic during a time of crisis. 

What's your stand on this issue? Comment below.