McDonald’s managing director Azmir Jaafar said the acts of vandalism on signboards, billboards and at numerous restaurants nationwide had “escalated in frequency and severity”.

“These actions cause significant harm and distress to our crew members as well as the surrounding community. While I respect the rights of individuals to express their views, I appeal to everyone to refrain from actions that damage property,” he said in a statement.

Azmir also highlighted the “deeply troubling” aggression directed towards the fast food chain’s staff and members.

“Standing up for the plight of Palestinians in Gaza is important, but it should not come at the expense of harming fellow Malaysians.

“As a 100% Muslim-owned business in Malaysia, our commitment to humanitarian causes is unwavering,” he said, highlighting the RM1 million donated to the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund and over RM100,000 in donations collected by McDonalds’ staff to further aid those affected.

“I urge all Malaysians to express their views responsibly. Vandalism and aggression do not foster constructive dialogue or resolution, they only contribute to a more dire situation,” Azmir said.

On April 24, vandals spray-painted a billboard announcing an upcoming McDonald’s drive-through facility in Sungai Petani, Kedah. The signboard was spray-painted with the phrases “Boikot pembunuh (Boycott killers)”, “Darah Palestin di tangan kamu (Palestine’s blood is on your hands)” and “Bebaskan anak Palestin (Free Palestinians)”.

Separately in Kuantan, Pahang, police arrested five suspects after a man complained that they had provoked him and threatened to hit him at a McDonald’s outlet.

McDonald’s has become the target of a boycott since its franchisee in Israel, Alonyal, announced that it would donate free meals to the Israeli military at the beginning of the Gaza war.