Boycotting Coca-Cola will only affect local employees

Coca-Cola Malaysia, in a statement today, said other parties that would be affected by the boycott campaign are thousands of retailers, distributors and suppliers throughout the supply chain in the country, who rely on the company for their livelihood.

The company also stressed that even though Coca-Cola is a global brand, all the company's bottling operations are carried out locally.

"Coca-Cola is processed and bottled in Malaysia for Malaysians by Malaysians. In Malaysia, Coca-Cola has been operating for more than 85 years and our priority has always been to help the people of Malaysia in term of social assistance and others," according to the statement.

The statement was issued following calls for a boycott of the brand by several individuals due to rumours circulating on social media and misunderstandings regarding the company's commitment in the Middle East.

Coca-Cola Malaysia said the company is deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict between Palestinians and Israel and its impact on the people in the region.

"We do not support or take sides in any religion-related conflict or any country involved in it," it said.