In response to the current economic climate, KFC Malaysia has decided to temporarily close some of its outlets in the country. This decision was made after reports emerged that the closures were linked to boycotts due to perceived connections between the fast food chain and Israel. As a majority-Muslim country, Malaysia strongly supports the Palestinians and has been subject to boycott campaigns targeting Western fast-food brands due to their ties with Israel.
QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd, which operates KFC and Pizza Hut franchises in Malaysia, announced that the temporary closure of KFC outlets is part of proactive measures taken to manage increasing business costs and focus on high engagement trade zones. The company did not comment on media reports regarding the boycotts.
According to local media reports, over 100 outlets were temporarily closed, but QSR Brands did not disclose the exact number. Employees from affected stores were given the option to move to outlets in areas with higher customer engagement as part of an effort to streamline operations and cope with current economic challenges facing the fast food industry in Malaysia.