KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Youth Committee member Ling Jin Shean has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to address the rising closures of private commercial outlets due to public boycotts.
Ling stated that based on media reports, the closure of 108 Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlets alone has affected over 1,296 employees, excluding their families.
Other well-known food and beverage companies including McDonald's, Starbucks and Burger King, as well as delivery services like Food Panda and GrabFood have also been impacted by the boycotts.
"The economic repercussions are dire, with sudden job losses exacerbating already high living costs and economic hardships," Ling added, emphasising the need for transparent communication and immediate action from the government to disclose data and provide assistance to those affected.
"It is crucial that a dedicated task force to address the crisis transparently is established to ensure that the rights of those affected are protected.
Transparent communication and a clear action plan are essential to manage the repercussions of the boycotts.
"By engaging with the senior management of the affected companies, potential solutions and support can be explored to mitigate the impact on employees and their families."