McDonald’s Malaysia has sued a boycott movement for false and defamatory statements that it claims have harmed its company, demanding damages of 6 million ringgit ($1.31 million).
Malaysia is a firm supporter of the Palestinians, and boycott efforts have targeted some Western fast-food brands in the country, as have some other nations, in response to Israel’s military incursion in Gaza
Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (GAR), the licensee of McDonald’s in Malaysia, is suing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia movement for a series of social media postings allegedly linking the fast-food franchise, among others, to Israel’s genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza.
According to a summons dated December 19, Gerbang Alaf Restaurants claimed that BDS Malaysia incited the public to boycott McDonald’s Malaysia, resulting in a loss of profit and employment cutbacks, among other damages, as a result of store closures and restricted operation hours.
McDonald’s Malaysia confirmed it filed the lawsuit against BDS Malaysia to safeguard its rights and interests in a statement issued on Friday.
BDS Malaysia responded by saying it categorically denies defaming the fast-food company and will leave the matter to the courts.
The BDS movement seeks to put a stop to international backing for Israel’s ‘oppression of Palestinians’ and to put pressure on Israel to follow international law.
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