KUALA LUMPUR: The ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel has spurred Malaysians to intensify their efforts in boycotting products associated with Israel, leading to substantial impacts on businesses, including shortened operating hours and reduced salaries for employees.
In contrast, economists and consumer associations posit that the boycott movement may potentially benefit local products as individuals seek alternatives to Israel-linked brands.
However, they also express the view that the boycott's impact will likely be confined to franchises in Malaysia rather than affecting the affected brands' global headquarters.
Economist Associate Professor Dr Nuradli Ridzwan Shah Mohd Dali highlights the boycott's potential to stimulate local product sales as consumers shift their preferences.
He emphasises that this shift in consumer behaviour could augment the size and purchasing power of the local market, fostering the growth of domestic businesses.
"There will always be alternatives to international products that consumers can choose.
"If you're used to buying burgers from fast-food joints, there are also street vendors using local ingredients," he told the New Straits Times.
Nuradli points out that in Malaysia, boycotting is a choice, not a compulsion, as the country is an open market with diverse consumer sentiments.
To make the boycott more impactful, he suggests that consumers explore specific industries, particularly semiconductor-related products, which significantly contribute to Israel's gross domestic product.
However, he advised consumers to research the brands or companies they are boycotting to avoid "collateral damage".
He cautioned against accusing Malaysian-owned franchises of providing funding to Israel, urging a neutral stance to prevent negative repercussions.
"It is understandable (to boycott) due to the solidarity (movement). But lumping together company 'A' in Malaysia and company 'B' in Israel as giving donations to the latter is a misconception.
"Undoubtedly, since the attack in October, the Israeli stock market has been declining due to the conflict and boycott movement happening globally.
"While there are pros and cons, the focus should be on the positive aspects, such as increased demand for local brands."
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Azmi Hassan noted that the financial impact of Malaysians exercising their right to boycott was minimal due to the country's relatively small market size.
Unlike the situation in the United Kingdom or the United States, he said, where direct Israeli products are more prevalent, Malaysia's contribution to products supporting Israel is insignificant.
"In the case of Malaysia, there is no direct evidence of products produced in Israel being available in the market.
Renowned brands like McDonald's, which has faced scrutiny for its ties to Israel, are mainly affected at the local franchise level, such as McDonald's Malaysia, rather than the global headquarters.
"In Malaysia, the management has put out a notice that they supported Palestinian rights, and even donate to them, for example."
He said the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), a movement that works to end international support for Israel's oppression of Palestinians, targets products originating from the occupied West Bank.
"Malaysia's unique position stems from not having direct Israeli products, making the impact of the BDS movement felt broadly by local franchises."
The Consumers' Association of Penang education officer N.V. Subbarow said people should not rely on foreign products.
"If there are similar alternative products, yes, we can boycott to help boost local products, but sellers must not increase the price (when demand increases).
"(Boycotting) is a lesson to countries that are not respecting the value of human lives."
The boycott is also making rounds in other countries such as Indonesia where over 100 brands that it claims are affiliated with Israel were named.
Meanwhile, Turkiye is also brazen on boycott after the country's parliament removed Coca-Cola and Nestle products from its restaurants over their alleged support for Israel.