Akmal, who was at the forefront calling for a boycott of KK Mart over the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah”, wondered if Nga Kor Ming was trying to hold such initiatives responsible for the current state of the economy.

“During Najib Razak’s time, boycotts were carried out, but there was still economic growth,” he said, referring to the former prime minister.

“It’s stupid ministers like Nga who were the reason why the economy is in bad shape,” he said in a Facebook post.

Akmal was responding to Nga’s post on X, in which the housing and local government minister said the push for boycotts by irresponsible parties had led to workers suffering the consequences.

Nga also shared a news clipping of a married couple in their 50s, who had their shifts at a fast-food chain cut and pay slashed because of the prolonged boycott campaigns.

“Don’t fall into the trap set by these instigators. We need everyone’s help to develop the country’s economy,” he said.

Following the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, several international brands have been hit by boycotts, including Starbucks and McDonalds in Malaysia.

Both Starbucks Malaysia and McDonald’s Malaysia have denied providing funds to Israel.