McDonald's Malaysia Sues Pro-Israel Boycott Movement, Requests Compensation of IDR 20 Billion
McDonald's Malaysia is demanding compensation of 6 million ringgit or US$ 1.31 million (Rp. 20.1 billion at an exchange rate of Rp. 15,390).
The lawsuit for compensation was filed against the Boycott, Divestment, Sanction (BDS) movement carried out by Malaysian citizens. Reporting from Reuters, Sunday (31/12/2023), Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country, is a loyal supporter of Palestine. Several fast food brands that support Israel are the targets of boycotts in that country. Gate Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (GAR), the licensee of McDonald's in Malaysia, sued Malaysia's BDS movement over a series of posts on social media linking the restaurant to Israel. GAR sued BDS Malaysia for false and defamatory statements that harmed its business. GAR accused BDS Malaysia of inciting the public to boycott McDonald's Malaysia. This has resulted in decreased income and layoffs. Apart from that, the company also experienced other losses due to the closure and reduction of operating hours of its outlets. Meanwhile, BDS Malaysia firmly denies these accusations. His party will also resolve this problem through legal channels.
