McDonald’s Malaysia is pursuing a claim for $1.31 million in damages, contending that the group led an organized boycott against its establishments, as reported.
Reports indicate that McDonald’s Malaysia is taking legal action against the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia movement, a pro-Palestinian group leading boycotts against companies it accuses of supporting Israel in the Gaza bombardment.
Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (GAR), the licensee of McDonald’s in Malaysia, is reportedly suing BDS Malaysia over a series of social media postings. GAR claims, as detailed in a Reuters-viewed writ of summons, that these posts have adversely affected its business by inciting boycotts, resulting in financial losses, job cuts, and other damages due to closures and reduced operating hours of its outlets. Notably, Malaysia is a majority Muslim country situated in Southeast Asia.
The social media posts in question reportedly connected the fast-food franchise, among other companies, to the Gaza conflict, labeling it as a “genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza.” The posts allegedly featured the McDonald’s logo. McDonald’s Malaysia is now seeking damages totaling 6 million ringgit ($1.31 million).
Pro-Palestinian groups, including the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, have been targeting McDonald’s and other U.S.-linked fast-food chains and brands since Israel’s response to the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. BDS aims to terminate international support for Israel’s actions and pressure Israel to comply with international law, according to Reuters.
In the writ of summons, GAR asserts that there is no evidence supporting claims of genocide against the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza or any proof of contributing to Israel’s army. Instead, GAR contends that its brand logo was falsely associated with the Gaza conflict, which it vehemently denies.
Additionally, McDonald’s Malaysia, in a statement released on Friday through The Star, clarified its stance, emphasizing that it does not endorse or support the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The statement expressed solidarity, saying, “Like all Malaysians, our utmost sympathies go out to the innocent victims in Gaza.” McDonald’s Malaysia disclosed a contribution of 1 million ringgit ($218,000) to the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund initiated by the government and pledged ongoing prayers for the resolution of the conflict and sustained peace in Gaza.
The statement further asserted that the posters in question are not only defamatory and slanderous but were also executed with malicious intent to harm McDonald’s Malaysia. The writ, as cited by Scoop, a Malaysian-based news site, claims that the posters imply the company’s involvement in the alleged genocide against Palestinians, suggesting collusion with Israel in a war crime and profiting from it.
BDS Malaysia confirmed receiving the summons and announced its decision to let the court handle the matter. “We BDS Malaysia received a writ of summons from McDonald’s Malaysia, accusing us of defaming the company,” the BDS statement reads. “We categorically deny this. We have therefore decided to let the court decide on the matter.”
McDonald’s operates over 320 locations in Malaysia, serving a monthly customer base of more than 13.5 million, as indicated on its website. The company employs over 15,000 people in its restaurants across the country.