McDonald’s Malaysia sues pro-Palestine group for defamation and loss of earnings
A pro-Palestine group facing legal action from McDonald’s Malaysia after leading boycotts against companies it says supported Israel in its bombardment of Gaza.
Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (GAR), the licensee of McDonald’s in Malaysia, is suing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia movement for defamation and loss of earnings.
A series of social media postings allegedly hurt GAR’s business, spurring boycotts which led to a loss of profits, job cuts, and other damages, according to a Reuters report.
The posts allegedly linked the fast-food franchise, along with other companies, to the war in Gaza which it labeled as a “genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza.” McDonald’s Malaysia is seeking damages amounting to 6 million ringgit ($1.31 million).
“Furthermore, McDonald’s Malaysia, in a statement Friday via The Star, said that it does not support or condone the current conflict in Gaza,” the statement reads. “Like all Malaysians, our utmost sympathies go out to the innocent victims in Gaza. We have contributed 1 million ringgit ($218,000) to the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund launched by the government and will continue to pray for the end of the conflict and continued peace in Gaza.”
BDS confirmed that they had received the summons and “have therefore decided to let the court decide on the matter.”
McDonald’s has more than 320 locations in Malaysia, serving over 13.5 million customers per month, according to its website. It employs more than 15,000 people in its restaurants across the country.
McDonald’s Malaysia is seeking damages amounting to $1.31 million, arguing the group spearheaded a boycott against its restaurants due to the war in Gaza.
It remains to be seen how this legal battle will unfold.