McDonald's speaks out on boycott

McDonald’s Malaysia said it was unfairly targeted by individuals who were boycotting the company over its alleged links to Israel.

Some of its outlet nationwide were vandalised while staffs were also harassed following accusations that it was helping fund Israel’s attacks on Gaza.

“Our employees who are practically all Malaysians have had to endure harassments, threats, and verbal abuse. Some of our restaurants have also been subjected to acts of vandalism to the extent that we had no choice but to shut down our operations for the day.

“The reality is that our employees and franchisees have done nothing wrong, and it is grossly unfair that they should be targeted in such a way,” it said in a statement today.

It also added that act of boycotting was an individual decision and called for calm in carrying out such acts.

“While we understand and respect that the act of boycotting is an individual decision, nevertheless we are disappointed that McDonald’s Malaysia has been unfairly targeted. We urge Malaysians to remain calm and to refrain from carrying out any acts that may harm any parties.”

The fast food chain maintained that none of its sales, profits or franchise fees from its restaurants were channeled to any political causes or conflicts in any part of the world.

“We wish to reiterate our stand that McDonald’s Malaysia does not channel any sales, profits or franchise fees from our restaurants to support any political causes or conflicts in any part of the world. We have been consistent and transparent in communicating our position, but unfortunately the information that we share have been misinterpreted by certain parties.”

The fast food chain outlet also voiced its continuous support for peace in Gaza.

“Let us all remind ourselves that we are Malaysians and we share a common bond. We can agree to disagree respectfully. But most important of all, let us all continue to pray for the end of the conflict and continued peace in Gaza."

A list of products and companies, including McDonald’s, allegedly ‘funneling’ money to the Israel’s Zionist regime has been circulating in the social media as part of a Boycott Israeli Products movement.

On Tuesday, Sinar Harian reported that violent protests were held outside two McDonald’s outlets in Kerteh and Dungun, resulting in about 80 per cent loss of revenue at the two locations.