DIGIVESTASI - McDonald's Malaysia has sued the Malaysian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement that encourages boycotts of Israel and demanded compensation of 6 million ringgit, equivalent to around 20.09 billion rupiah. Launching Reuters, Saturday (December 30, 2023), Gate Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (GAR), the licensee of McDonald's in Malaysia, sued the Malaysian BDS movement over a series of social media posts believed to be related to the fast food franchise. . and other companies, with Israel.

GAR is suing the BDS movement for false and defamatory statements that it says have damaged its activities on the basis of "Israel's genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza." Malaysia is a strong supporter of Palestine and a number of Western fast food brands in the country, as well as in several other Muslim countries, have been targeted for boycotts following Israel's military offensive in Gaza.

According to a December 19 summons seen by Reuters, Pintu Alaf Restaurant accused BDS Malaysia of inciting a public boycott of McDonald's Malaysia, leading to lost profits and layoffs. In addition, the company also suffered other losses due to store closures and reduced opening hours.

McDonald's Malaysia has confirmed that it has taken legal action against BDS Malaysia to protect its "rights and interests". In response, BDS Malaysia said it denies defaming the fast food company and will take the matter to court. The BDS movement aims to end international support for Israel's oppression of Palestinians and pressure Israel to comply with international law.