Official Statements
Vandalism and Acts of Aggression Should Not Be Our Culture
01 Jun 2024
As the Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald's Malaysia, I wish to express my concern over the recent spate of incidents that have impacted our business.
Acts of vandalism targeting our signboards, billboards, and numerous restaurants across the country have escalated in frequency and severity. These actions cause significant harm and distress to our crew members as well as the surrounding community. While I respect the rights of individuals to express their views, I appeal to everyone to refrain from actions that damage property.
In addition to the vandalism, any acts of aggression towards our crew members and customers are deeply troubling. We are all part of the Malaysian family, and such behaviour is hurtful and counterproductive. The safety of our employees, all of whom are our fellow Malaysians, is our utmost priority. Standing up for the plight of Palestinians in Gaza is important, but it should not come at the expense of harming fellow Malaysians.
As a fellow Muslim, I share the pain and despair over what’s happening in Gaza. I stand in solidarity with my Muslim brethren in Gaza and around the world. We all feel a moral obligation to help within our means.
As a 100 percent Muslim-owned business in Malaysia, our commitment to humanitarian causes is unwavering. We have consistently voiced our support for the victims in Palestine and have donated RM1 million to the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund. Additionally, our employees have collectively raised more than RM100,000 in donations to further aid those affected. We do what we can, and I encourage everyone to do the same.
I urge all Malaysians to express their views responsibly. Vandalism and aggression do not foster constructive dialogue or resolution, they only contribute to a more dire situation. Let’s work together towards solutions based on our shared values.
1 June 2024
Dato' Azmir Jaafar
Managing Director and Local Operating Partner
McDonald's Malaysia