On social media, a news from Starbucks has gone viral. While sharing the news users claim that “Over 100 starbucks stores close in Malaysia amid Boycott”.
Moreover, several users shared this video and made similar claims. The link can be seen here, here and here
Fact Check
During the investigation, DFRAC found that the claim was false. We found multiple media reports regarding this news. According to ‘Malaymail’ published on 29 Oct, 2024 “The assertion that more than 100 outlets have been shut is incorrect. We have only closed a few locations, and most of those are temporarily closed, they were quoted as saying. The spokesman went on to say that these temporary closures are part of a strategic review aimed at better aligning the company’s operations, assuring that there has been no job loss as a result.”
Furthermore, we also found a report from ‘Business Times’ published on 29 Oct, 2024 stating “Starbucks Malaysia today denied claims by an online news portal that it has shut more than 100 Starbucks outlets in the country.Starbucks Malaysia said they are seeing a positive improvement in their sales as their customers are starting to realise that the allegations against the brand are not true and that Starbucks has never been on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) list.”
Conclusion
It is evident from the DFRAC’s fact check that the rumours of 100 starbucks stores close in Malaysia amid Boycott is false. The stores are closed for strategic review aiming for better aligning company operations. Therefore, the claim of social media users claim is misleading.
