McDonald's Malaysia sues anti-Israel movement for business loss worth over $1 million

McDonald's Malaysia has sued an anti-Israel movement for $1.3 million in damages citing losses to its business. Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia movement has been sued by the Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (GAR), which is the licencee of McDonald's, claiming the former's social media posts calling for Israel's boycott is causing loss to the fast food business.

The BDS Malaysia is said to have launched the movement to end international support to Israel for the "oppression of Palestinians" and pressurise it to comply with international laws.

Malaysia is a Muslim majority country which has been sympathetic to Palestine. The nation has taken a stricter stance against Israel especially after its offensive in Gaza where civilian casualty has reportedly crossed 20,000.

According to a Reuters report, Gerbang Alaf Restaurants alleged that BDS Malaysia incited the public to boycott McDonald's Malaysia causing loss of profits and job cuts. Reacting to the lawsuit, BDS Malaysia "categorically denies" the allegations of defaming the fast food company.

The Israel-Hamas war has become highly polaried as the Middle-Eastern countries are condemning Israel for "Gaza massacre" while the western nations are backing it against "Hamas terrorism."

The war began on October 7 when Hamas invaded southern Israel and went on to kill over 1,000 civilians including newborns and the elderly.