Malaysian products are not only as good in taste and quality as Western brands, but are also more affordable
by NURUL SUHAIDI
AS THE waves of boycotts on Israel-linked products continue to ripple across industries, Malaysian consumers are reevaluating their choices, seeking alternatives that align with their values and ethical, transparent practices.
This shift has given a new lease of life into the ecosystem of local businesses, from boutique manufacturers to artisanal producers, local food and beverage (F&B) brands each contributing to the broader narrative of a more sustainable, quality-focused and community-driven marketplace.
While it is uncertain for how long the boycott will last, in some ways it has catalysed the local food and drink brands into the spotlight as consumers are determined to protest through their spending power.
Malaysia’s various new home-grown products are facilitating consumers through this transformation without turning to the boycotted western brands.
Among the popular local F&B brands that are being promoted as alternatives include Burger Ramly, Old Town White Coffee, MarryBrown, Mamee, Bask Bear Coffee, Tealive, ZUS Coffee, as well as US Pizza Malaysia.
For chocolates, Malaysia’s Beryl’s Chocolate and Confectionery rivals its international counterparts while instant coffee brand Aik Cheong, which was established in Malacca in 1955, has been among the top local choices.
Malaysian products are not only as good in taste and quality as Western brands, but are also more affordable.
![](https://themalaysianreserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Bask-Bear.jpg)
The Bask Bear supports the local sugar farmer, making sure they have a consistent income and at the
same time the chain have an exclusive supply (Pic courtesy of Bask Bear)Tangible Impact of Boycotting
Amid controversy, certain local businesses have taken action to uphold customers’ loyalty and trust by reinforcing their dedication to utilising local ingredients, preserving cultural authenticity, and embracing sustainable practices.
Furthermore, some brands express their commitment to enhancing local offerings, contributing to the country’s economic growth, and deny any connection or support for the Zionist regime.
They argue that boycotts are unlikely to significantly impact their current sales growth.
Founder and CEO of Bask Bear Coffee and Loob Holding Sdn Bhd Bryan Loo, which also runs the Tealive chain in the country, said the brand does not significantly benefit or capitalise from the boycott which also coincides with the peak festival season.
“Yes, our sales increased and are doing well, but is it coming from the boycott or is it coming from the festive season?” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).
As for Bask Bear, Loo said it is a bit challenging because the cafes do not have enough stores in shopping malls, where most of the crowd are these days.
He believed that in light of the boycott, this situation is timely for local brands to really step up and bring its brands to the global standard, improving overall product and focus on their purpose.
“I think it is time for Malaysians to discover the good local brands we have. And then it depends on those local brands, whether they are stepping up the quality of their products and services so that they sustain the public support going forward.
“For Bask Bear, we live up to our vision and make our toasties to become the new ‘burger’ and a good local brand,” Loo added.
![](https://themalaysianreserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Loo.jpg)
Yes, our sales increased and are doing well, but is it coming from the boycott or is it coming from the festive season, asks Loo (pic: TMRpic)
In reflecting the commitment to using local ingredients and resources, Loo said the efforts includes hiring 100% local staff, investing in them and integrating local ingredients such as local aren palm sugar into its menu which is directly sourced from Sabah and Sarawak.
“The Bask Bear brand value also includes supporting the local sugar farmer, making sure they have a consistent income and at the same time we have an exclusive supply,” he said.
The other part is to double its mission toward the Malayan sun bear conservation efforts.
“I think our narrative has always been a local-born company with a soul behind it. All of this has always been our local narrative,” Loo said.
As part of the effort to infuse local elements with innovation, the group also recently teamed up with Village Park Nasi Lemak, offering a spicy balance of toasted sandwiches incorporated with Malaysia’s favourite Nasi Lemak sauce, available in Bask Bear Stores until Jan 31.
![](https://themalaysianreserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Zus.jpg)
ZUS Coffee is among the popular local F&B brands that are being promoted as alternatives (pic: TMRpic)
Issues Around Boycotts
Among the top boycotted F&B brands since the ongoing attacks in Gaza include food chains such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, Pizza-hut, KFC, Burger King and Dunkin Donuts, among others.
McDonald’s Malaysia, which is operated by Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd, has received backlash from Malaysian consumers who claimed that the franchise is paying royalties that could be potentially used to fund the Israeli occupation.
The restaurant has so far denied channelling any sales, profits, royalties, or franchise fees from restaurant operations to support any political cause or conflict in any part of the world and working under a separate entity.
In a recent development, McDonald’s Malaysia has sued the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia, a pro-Palestinian group amounting to RM6 million on the basis of defamation, which allegedly has ‘disparaged’ their business.
The company in a statement said the move is to protect its rights and interests in accordance with the law.
It also seeks an unconditional apology from BDS and RM6 million in damages, comprising RM3 million for loss of revenue, RM1.5 million for employees who were laid off and RM1.5 million for expiry of materials.
In response to the lawsuits, BDS Malaysia denied any actions of defamation and has decided to let the court decide on the matter.
Its chairman Prof Dr Mohd Nazari Ismail said BDS Malaysia has not initiated any boycott of McDonald’s and had merely supported the efforts of Malaysians who wished to boycott it.
“The BDS movement did not initiate these grassroots boycott campaigns but is in support of them due to these brands openly supporting Israel’s genocide against Palestinians.
“We leave it to the courts,” Mohd Nazari said, adding that he hoped Malaysians would support the group financially in terms of legal costs, if necessary.
While boycotting is an effective tool with some negative impact on businesses, it also presents a great opportunity to create a competitive landscape, empowering local brands to shine and elevating their brand presence.
During these movements, local businesses need to uphold high standards of quality and service to retain the trust and loyalty of consumers and form a long-term strategy to reduce reliance on imported products.
- This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
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