KUALA LUMPUR – FamilyMart Malaysia has denied having any business links with Israel amid calls for a boycott of its outlets here.
The convenience store chain said this following reports a subsidiary of its parent company terminated a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an Israeli defence company.
In a statement, FamilyMart Malaysia said it was informed today that Itochu Corporation’s aviation unit, Itochu Aviation, decided to end the MoU with Israeli defence company Elbit Systems Ltd, in support of the Japanese government’s backing of the recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the war in Gaza.
The strategic cooperation agreement, which was signed in March last year, also included Nippon Aircraft Supply and was aimed at importing defence technologies into Japan for the purpose of the country’s national security.
“FamilyMart Malaysia reiterates our stand that we do not support violence or killing. FamilyMart Malaysia does not contribute to, or donate to or deal with Israel,” the company, managed by QL Resources Bhd here, said.
Earlier today, it was reported that Itochu Aviation will terminate its agreement with Elbit Systems by the end of February.
Netizens had previously called for Malaysians to boycott the Japanese convenience store chain, pointing to publicly available information on the company’s ties with the Israeli defence firm.
Last month, the ICJ instructed Israel to take all necessary actions within its capacity to prevent acts of genocide during its ongoing conflict with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
The Hague court also ruled that Israel must ensure its forces stop committing genocide and must also take steps to enhance the humanitarian conditions for Palestinians in Gaza.
Although the court did not make a definitive ruling on whether genocide has occurred in Gaza, it acknowledged the right of Palestinians in the region to be protected from such acts.
South Africa had brought the case to the ICJ, seeking an immediate cessation of Israel’s military operations, which has resulted in substantial damage to the coastal enclave and the reported deaths of over 25,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
The court, however, did not grant this request. – February 5, 2024