KUALA LUMPUR: Locals are persistently engaging in a boycott of brands and companies supporting Israel, not just to showcase solidarity towards Palestine but also for various other reasons.
As NST reporters strolled at a local shopping mall, many consumers vocalised their support for Palestine and underscored how they've ceased purchasing from companies targeted for boycott.
When questioned, some mentioned that their boycott had commenced long before the recent events involving ethnic cleansing in Israel and the Palestine conflict. Two young ladies in their early twenties said they have been joining this boycott for a while but claim to be not as extreme as others.
One of them said, "We have been boycotting this particular famous coffee brand for a while not only because it funds Israel but because it has become too pricey these days. She believed that seasonal boycotts are more effective than long-term ones. Thus, she felt satisfied with the boycott as she last ate at McDonald's in September.
"Because back then, I used to buy McDonald's every month because I didn't know what else to eat. But now, I opt for something like a roadside burger."I've been boycotting Starbucks for a long because it's overpriced.
"We've also tried Zus and Gigi, which are better than Company X. So much better. "If you want to talk about taste, everything is delicious. It's just that Company X is overpriced. They are merely just a name and a commercial brand, that's all," she added.
Meanwhile, a Malay couple sitting in a restaurant said they, too, have been participating in the boycott of the pro-Israel brands. The lady said, "Yes, we stopped eating at this particular fast food restaurant not only because of their contribution towards the funding of Israeli weapons but also because it was serving very unhealthy food, to begin with.
"Also, we are also non-coffee lovers; thus, boycotting Company X was not much of a struggle. We just stopped eating at fast food restaurants especially those fueling the blood of the Palestinian children and martyrs there". Furthermore, a mother in her forties also jumped on the bandwagon and stated she hadn't set foot in several restaurants and coffee shops since the boycott started.
"We just stopped eating there and ate at local Malay restaurants only. "Well, my husband used to drink coffee at Company X all the time.
"It was his go-to coffee shop, but now he only drinks coffee at home," said the mother, sounding melancholic.Previously, the ongoing boycott on the products allegedly linked to Zionist were organised by locals community in their solidarity towards the Palestinians.
The Palestinian ambassador to Malaysia also has commended the public's commitment to boycotting businesses and products allegedly linked to Israel.
Ambassador Walid Abu Ali emphasised that the measures taken by Malaysians play a significant role in increasing awareness and expressing a resolute stance against what he referred to as Zionist oppression.
"Any measures supporting Palestine and its people are deeply valued. The boycott of Israeli products and franchises supporting Israel serves to minimise the suffering of Palestinians."Whatever is done in Malaysia towards all those (businesses) who support Israel is very appreciated," he said.