'We do not support, donate, deal with Israel', says FamilyMart Malaysia in response to boycott calls

SHAH ALAM - In response to boycott calls on Japan's convenience store chain Family Mart, FamilyMart Malaysia reiterates its stand that it does not support violence or killing.

In a statement today, FamilyMart Malaysia said it does not contribute to or donate to or deal with Israel.

It said that it had been informed today by FamilyMart Co., Ltd Japan that Itochu Corp’s aviation unit Itochu Aviation was terminating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israeli defence company Elbit Systems Ltd.

The decision, it said was made in support of the Japanese government’s support of the recent International Court of Justice order, which included preventing acts of genocide in the Gaza strip.

"In March 2023, it was reported that Itochu Aviation (a subsidiary of Itochu Corporation) signed an MoU with Nippon Aircraft Supply and Elbit Systems to import defence technologies into Japan for the purpose of Japan’s national security.

"We have been informed today that Itochu Aviation is terminating the MoU, as per news reports in Japan.

"We reiterate our stand that we do not support violence or killing. FamilyMart Malaysia does not contribute to or donate to or deal with Israel,” it said in the statement.

FamilyMart Malaysia issued the statement following calls on social media for a boycott of FamilyMart in the country due to its alleged links with the Israeli company.