Vincent Tan Urges Malaysians To Stop Boycotting Starbucks
The Berjaya Corporation Bhd founder said over 80% of Starbucks Malaysia's employees are Muslims.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 04 Mar 2024, 02:43 PM
Berjaya Corporation Bhd founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan has urged the public to stop boycotting Starbucks Malaysia, claiming that the nationwide movement is only hurting local employees
Speaking to reporters in Okinawa, Japan, yesterday, 3 March, Tan said more than 80% of Starbucks Malaysia's employees are Muslims, reported the New Straits Times.
"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% to 85% of employees are Muslims. This boycott doesn't benefit anyone," said the business tycoon.
Despite Berjaya Food Berhad experiencing a 35% quarter-on-quarter revenue decline, Tan remains optimistic, citing signs of improvement in sales
"Yes, [the boycott] has some impact on us but now at least it is improving, and like I said [the company] is Malaysian-owned, it's run by Malaysians. It's just a franchise, not owned by an American," he stressed.
Berjaya Corporation Bhd is one of Malaysia's largest conglomerates, with diversified interests across various business sectors, including financial services, hotel businesses, property investment and development, gaming, food and beverage, and telecommunications, among others.
Other than Starbucks Malaysia, Berjaya Food Berhad, a subsidiary of the parent company, also operates Kenny Rogers Roasters, Jollibean Foods, Joybean, and Sala.
7-Eleven Malaysia is also a subsidiary under Berjaya Corporation Berhad.
