"Kentucky" Closes Branches in Malaysia

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Malaysia has temporarily closed several of its branches in the country, attributing the decision to difficult economic conditions. Local media reported that the closures were a result of a boycott campaign due to perceived ties between the fast-food chain and Israel. QSR Brands (M) Holdings, which manages KFC and Pizza Hut franchises in Malaysia, stated that it has temporarily closed KFC outlets "in response to difficult economic conditions." The statement did not specify the number of affected branches, but media reports indicated that "more than a hundred branches have closed temporarily." Malaysia, which has a Muslim majority, strongly supports the Palestinians, and some Western fast food companies in the country have been targeted by boycott campaigns due to the Israeli military attack on the Gaza Strip.