Malaysia: Dozens of KFC restaurants close following months-long economic boycott over Gaza

Dozens of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurants have closed in Malaysia following a months-long economic boycott over the American fast-food chain’s perceived links to Israel, The New Arab said in its report released yesterday.

According to Reuters, the KFC branches operating in Malaysia confirmed that they were temporarily shutting but did not specify how many restaurants would face closure. However, local media reports said over 100 branches will be shut.

The closure decision comes amid claims in Malaysia that KFC has links to Israel, which is now leading a brutal war on Gaza Strip. KFC was the latest American food franchise to be targeted by the national boycott movement in the country over US support for Israel, media reports said.