The Malaysian branch of the McDonald's restaurant chain has filed a lawsuit against a movement promoting a boycott of Israel due to "false and defamatory statements" that it claims have harmed its business, seeking damages of up to six million ringgit (1.31 million dollars). Some Western fast food brands operating in Malaysia are facing boycott campaigns in response to the Israeli military attack on Gaza.
Grebang Alaf Restaurants, the licensed operator of McDonald's in Malaysia, announced the lawsuit against the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement over a series of social media posts allegedly related to the fast food chain regarding the "genocidal war (waged by Israel) against the Palestinians in Gaza." According to a summons dated December 19 viewed by Reuters, Grebang Alaf Restaurants stated that the BDS movement in Malaysia incited the public to boycott McDonald's outlets in the country, leading to profit losses, staff reductions due to closures, and shorter operating hours at its locations.
The company confirmed in a statement on Friday that it filed the lawsuit to protect "its rights and interests." In response, the BDS movement "categorically denies" defaming the fast food company and will leave the matter to the court. The BDS movement aims to end international support for "Israeli oppression of Palestinians" and press Israel to comply with international law.
