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Rabat – McDonald’s Malaysia is taking legal action against the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia movement after a widespread campaign calling for boycotting the fast food franchise over its alleged financial support for Israel amid its bloody war on the Gaza Strip.
According to a report from Reuters, McDonald’s Malaysia is claiming $1.3 million in damages. The fast-food giant said it perceives the campaign as “false and defamatory statements” made by the movement.
Gerbang Alaf Restaurants, the licensee for McDonald’s in Malaysia, initiated the lawsuit against BDS Malaysia citing a series of social media posts implicating the fast food chain and other companies in Israel’s genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza.
Legal documents cited in the Reuters report, dating to December 19, outline allegations that BDS Malaysia’s campaign resulted in public incitement to boycott McDonald’s Malaysia.
The company argued that it faced profit losses, job cuts, closures, and reduced operating hours across its outlets due to the boycott campaign.
McDonald’s Malaysia released a statement confirming the legal action, saying that the suit is to safeguard its “rights and interests.”
In response, BDS Malaysia refuted the claims of defamation against the franchise, adding that they leave the matter to the court for resolution.
Malaysians, much like other populations of Muslim-majority countries, have been firmly in support of Palestine and have continuously voiced their opposition to Israel’s heinous crimes against Gazans.
The BDS movement, an international campaign, aims to exert pressure on Israel by advocating for an end to international support for the oppression of Palestinians and urges Israel to comply with international law.
The Israeli occupation forces’ aggression in Gaza the occupied West Bank has killed over 21,507 Palestinians and injured 55,915 since the onset of the war on Palestine on October 7.
According to various statistics, children and women make up the majority of casualties.
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