In a compelling twist, Berjaya Corp Bhd founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan calls on Malaysians to rethink their Starbucks boycott, emphasising the local roots and predominantly Malaysian workforce of the coffee giant.
Amid the controversy surrounding the Starbucks Malaysia boycott, Tan sheds light on the fact that a staggering 85% of Starbucks Malaysia employees are Muslims, while the company’s head office remains exclusively staffed by Malaysians.
The plea for reconsideration comes as Tan asserts that the boycott adversely impacts the locals running the show, making it a counterproductive measure. The boycott was sparked by the Israeli-Palestine conflict .
“I think all those who are boycotting Starbucks Malaysia should know that it is a Malaysia-owned company. We don’t even have one foreigner working in the head office. In the stores, 80-85% of employees are Muslims. This boycott doesn’t benefit anyone,“ Tan is quoted in a NST report from Okinawa, Japan on March 3.
Expressing Optimism for an Upturn in Third Quarter of 2024
Despite the initial setbacks faced by Berjaya Food Bhd (BFood), the parent company of Starbucks Malaysia, Tan shares a positive outlook, expressing optimism for an upturn in sales during the third quarter of the financial year 2024.
He notes that Starbucks Malaysia, being a franchise and not an American-owned entity, is a significant contributor to the local economy.
Tan urges Malaysians to see beyond the controversy and consider the broader impact on local livelihoods. As the tide begins to turn and Starbucks Malaysia witnesses an improvement in sales, the call to end the boycott gains momentum, promoting unity and encouraging support for the predominantly Malaysian-operated company.
“Let’s brew unity over boycotts – it’s time to savour the blend of local flavours at Starbucks Malaysia,” concludes Tan, highlighting the importance of preserving harmony in the wake of economic challenges faced by the nation.
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