REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Malaysians are boycotting Japanese convenience store chain Family Mart after a partnership with an Israeli company. Consumers assess the existence of strategic cooperation between FamilyMart Co Ltd's largest shareholder, Itochu Corporation and Israeli defense company, Elbit Systems.
The boycott comes after social media users shared posts about Family Mart boycotts in their respective countries following Israel's postwar against Palestinians in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
In his Instagram post, he shared a photo of people holding Itochu logo placards accompanied by the words 'Stop Genocide' and 'Armistice Now'
According to Sinar Daily on Tuesday (6/2/2024), a social media user wrote that he no longer has the desire to buy Family Mart products again after cooperation with Israel.
“It's unfortunate that they (Family Mart) chose the wrong side of the investment. Just buy local produce and make sure they don't support Israel at all, friends,” he said.
Another user wrote, “Goodbye Family Mart, we support Palestine.”
In response to this, Family Mart Malaysia in a statement said it was notified by Japan's FamilyMart Co Ltd if Itochu Aviation announced to terminate its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Elbit on February 5. The decision was made in support of the Japanese government's support of recent International Court orders, including preventing acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip.
“FamilyMart Malaysia is a franchise of Japan's FamilyMart Co Ltd and we reaffirm our stance that we do not support violence or murder.
The statement also mentioned if FamilyMart Malaysia did not contribute or donate or deal with Israel.
Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika