Starbucks Boycott Just Cost Record $69 Million in Malaysia
Everything You Need to Know About the Record Loss and Why It Matters
Starbucks' operator in Malaysia just lost more money than ever before. Their financial report shows a loss of 292 million ringgit (that is about 69 million US dollars) for the year. That is three times worse than the year before. Why? Because people stopped buying Starbucks to support Palestine.
What Caused the Loss?
In their own words, Berjaya Food, the company that runs Starbucks in Malaysia, said:
"The prolonged impact of the ongoing sentiment related to the Middle East conflict affected market dynamics and influenced customers' spending patterns."
That means the boycott for Palestine worked. People across Malaysia, especially youth and students, chose not to spend money on brands seen as connected to injustice in Gaza.
What Happened to Starbucks in Malaysia?
- In 2024, Starbucks had 408 stores in Malaysia.
- Today, they have only 320.
- That is 88 stores closed.
Bloomberg reported that Starbucks had to write off 152 million ringgit in store equipment and property because sales dropped so much.
People did not just stop buying coffee. They made Starbucks lose millions.
Why Are People Boycotting?
The calls to boycott Starbucks began when:
- Starbucks sued union workers who supported Palestine.
- They did not clearly support peace or condemn the killing of civilians in Gaza.
Israel has killed over 63,000 Palestinians, including thousands of children. Entire neighborhoods, hospitals, and schools have been bombed. Gaza is facing mass starvation and is now the focus of a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
Many in Malaysia, Indonesia, and beyond are saying enough is enough.
"We cannot keep buying from companies that stay silent or worse, support those harming our people," said a student at a protest in Kuala Lumpur.
What This Means for the Boycott Movement
This is proof: boycotts work. Real money is being lost. Real stores are closing.
Starbucks is not the only company seeing this happen. But it is one of the biggest. And when they lose $69 million in one country, it sends a message around the world.
"This is what economic justice looks like," said a local activist. "It’s peaceful. It’s powerful. And it puts people over profits."
How to Keep the Pressure Going
You can help by doing 3 simple things:
- Stop buying Starbucks. Don’t support silence.
- Use the Boycat app. It helps you see which brands to avoid and which ones support justice.
- Shop with Buycat. It is our ethical marketplace with coffee, snacks, and local alternatives that do not fund oppression.
This Is Bigger Than Coffee
Boycotting is not about making your life harder. It is about making your money count. We are building a new economy — one that respects life, freedom, and human rights.
Every time you choose better, you are part of the change.
Sources
- Forbes: Berjaya Food Reports Record Loss Due to Starbucks Boycott
- Bloomberg: Starbucks Store Closures in Malaysia
- Anadolu Agency: Starbucks Revenue Falls 36 Percent
- Malay Mail: Boycott Forces Starbucks Malaysia Downsizing