PETALING JAYA: Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola said today it remains neutral in any religious cause around the world following a Muslim group’s call to ban its products from retail shelves.
It was responding to the actions of Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM), which started a boycott campaign against supposed Israeli-linked brands following the latest flare-up in the Gaza Strip.
Coca-Cola Malaysia said it was deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in Israel and in Gaza, and its severe impact on communities in the region.
It said it had been selling its products in the Palestinian market since 1998 and was currently one of the largest employers in the region.
The soft drinks maker also said that all of its products were made in Malaysia “for Malaysians and by Malaysians”, and the first people to be hurt by any boycott would be local employees.
It added that retailers, distributors and suppliers throughout the supply chain in Malaysia would also be impacted.
“In Malaysia, our heritage goes back more than 85 years and we have always had and will continue our strong commitment to giving back to the community.
“Our business is refreshment for everyone. We do not support or oppose religious causes or favour one country over another anywhere in the world.
“We’ve heard some individuals calling for a boycott of Coca-Cola on the back of false information and rumours circulating on social media and a lack of understanding of our presence in and commitment to the Middle East.
“Like every one of goodwill, we want to see peace in the Middle East and everywhere else,” it said in a statement.
PPIM activist Nadzim Johan, in a video circulated on social media, said it would be launching a large-scale boycott against well-known brands, including Coca-Cola, that are purportedly sympathetic with Zionists in the next six months.
He also urged the Indian Muslim Restaurant Operators Association (Presma) to recall all Coca-Cola drinks as a form of solidarity with those suffering in Gaza.
“We hope Malaysians will support this campaign, especially Presma. Coca-Cola has clearly supported the (Israeli) regime for decades.
“With our united stand, Coke would no longer be sold in Malaysia. As a result, they would have to shut down their business, with the billions invested here.
“We are planning to go after Starbucks, HP and Puma, too,” he said in a meeting at a restaurant with Presma chief Jawahar Ali Taib Khan.
Jawahar Ali said it would start urging over 10,000 of its members throughout the country to not sell Coca-Cola.
Earlier, Nadzim was shown entering a sundry shop, removing Coca-Cola cans from a freezer, removing all branding artwork of the soft drink from the shop and later burning them outside.
He and several associates were also seen stomping on the drink’s livery before proceeding to a restaurant to remove Coca-Cola cans from the shop.
FMT has contacted Nadzim and Jawahar Ali for further comment. - FMT
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