To show support for Palestine amidst the ongoing war, Malaysians have been boycotting various companies and brands because of their ties to Israel and the Israeli military. Following companies like McDonald’s and Starbucks, Malaysians are adding another familiar name to the boycott list.
Recently, local netizens have discovered that the Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart has ties to the Israeli military. According to an article by ArabNews Japan, FamilyMart’s parent company, Itochu Corporation, has previously signed an agreement with Israeli company Elbit Systems under its Itochu Aviation subsidiary to provide supplies to the military. Elbit Systems is the largest military manufacturer in Israel and produces over 80% of the equipment for the Israel Defense Force.
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Following this discovery, many Malaysians have urged a boycott against FamilyMart Malaysia. While many were sad to forgo their favourite FamilyMart products, many reaffirmed their boycott to show support for Palestine and urge for a ceasefire. Others said that a boycott may also push the company to address issues like overworking its staff and overpricing its items. Some also offered alternatives to FamilyMart, saying locals can visit CU Mart or eMart24.
However, it is worth noting that FamilyMart Malaysia is owned by Maxincome Resources Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of QL Resources Bhd. It is believed that Maxincome Resources operates Family Mart Malaysia independently from FamilyMart Company Ltd and its parent company, Itochu. An article by Mayniaga also alleges that FamilyMart Malaysia has no direct ties to Israel or the Israeli military. While unconfirmed, a netizen claimed the company issued a statement denying involvement in the ongoing war.
Boycotting is a personal choice, and everyone is entitled to their decision – but would you boycott FamilyMart after knowing about their parent company? Or do you believe FamilyMart Malaysia has no ties to the ongoing war?
UPDATE: 5th February, Monday
Following the call from the public to withdraw its support for the Israeli military, Itochu Corp announced that its aviation unit will end its strategic cooperation with Elbit Systems by the end of February. According to Itochu Chief Financial Officer Tsuyoshi Hachimura, the partnership was initially a move to protect the security of Japan and not to support Israel in the ongoing war. However, the company respects the International Court of Justice’s order to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians and has suspended activities related to the partnership before it officially ends the cooperation.
Sources: TikTok, Twitter (1)(2), ArabNews Japan, Mayniaga, Reuters
