McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) Malaysia has sued an anti-Israel boycott movement for “false and defamatory statements” it says are damaging its business, seeking 6 million ringgit ($1.31 million) in damages.
Malaysia, a country with a Muslim-majority population, strongly supports the Palestinians, and certain Western fast food brands in the country, as in some other Muslim countries, have been the target of boycott campaigns due to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (GAR), which holds a McDonald’s license in Malaysia, is suing Malaysia’s Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement over a series of social media posts that allegedly link the fast food franchise to, among other things, Israel’s “genocidal war against the Palestinians in Gaza”.
According to a December 19 subpoena, Gerbang Alaf Restaurants alleged that BDS Malaysia incited the public to boycott McDonald’s Malaysia, resulting in lost profits and job losses, among other damages from closures and reduced operations. hours of its establishments.
McDonald’s Malaysia has confirmed it has filed a lawsuit against BDS Malaysia to protect its “rights and interests”, it said in a statement on Friday.
In response, BDS Malaysia said it “categorically denies” the fast food company’s defamation and will leave the matter to court.
The BDS movement aims to cease global support for Israel’s “oppression of the Palestinians” and compel Israel to adhere to international law.
($1 = 4.5900 ringgit)