KFC Malaysia has temporarily closed its shops in the nation, claiming difficult economic conditions, after local media claimed that the closures were due to boycotts of the fast food chain’s alleged ties to Israel.

Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country, is a passionate supporter of the Palestinians, and boycott movements have targeted various Western fast-food businesses in Malaysia, as well as in other Muslim countries, in response to Israel’s military attack in Gaza.

QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd, which operates KFC and Pizza Hut franchises in Malaysia, announced the temporary closure of KFC locations “in response to challenging economic conditions”.

“QSR Brands and KFC Malaysia has taken proactive measures to temporarily close outlets as means to manage increasing business costs and focus on high engagement trade zones,” it said in a statement late on Monday.

The statements did not address the media claims.

It was unclear how many establishments were affected, although local media indicated that over 100 locations were temporarily closed.

QSR Brands stated that employees at the impacted stores were given the option of relocating to outlets in regions with higher consumer engagement levels.

(Adapted from USNews.com)