SHAH ALAM – A KFC restaurant manager has unveiled the frequent harassment endured by him and his restaurant staff from boycotting groups causing disturbances on their premises.
Speaking to Scoop anonymously, the manager disclosed how they had to “turn a deaf ear” despite receiving insults and taunts.
Furthermore, the manager, who is stationed at a KFC in a shopping centre here, recounted an incident where they found written notes labelling them as murderers and associating them with Israel placed in front of the eatery.
“We’ve been harassed many times, starting with someone entering the premises seemingly to buy food like everyone else but suddenly remarking, ‘Haven’t you thought about finding another job?’ in a mocking tone.
“But we just ignore and take the approach to remain professional while on duty,” he said, recalling incidents that have been occurring for several months.
The manager was responding to the temporary closure of selected KFC branches due to “challenging economic conditions,” as confirmed by QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd and KFC Malaysia.
On the closure of KFC operations in Shah Alam, he mentioned seven branches temporarily shutting down, but expressed hope for a return to normalcy.
“I’m a widower with one child, I have responsibilities. Frankly speaking, this month I can’t afford to give money to my mother. It really hits hard, I have a mouth to feed.
“(For me), boycotting is possible, but KFC Malaysia is under JCorp, a local company, just look at how many Malay youths work here,” he said, adding that he was already seeking new employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, businesses next to the KFC in Shah Alam lamented the fate of the workers there, hoping for a fresh start elsewhere.
Rosizwan Arifin, 37, who sells fried spring rolls at a kiosk near a Giant hypermarket, expressed sadness and sympathy for the workers following the closure of the premises.
“I feel sorry for the workers because I’m also in the F&B industry, so I understand the situation. Previously, I had conversations, and they (KFC workers) said they would be transferred to other branches, but maybe their luck ends here.
“I’ve noticed since the boycott season (since last October), fewer and fewer people dine and buy at KFC. So, my advice to the workers is that after this, maybe they can explore other things (find other jobs) because blessings are everywhere,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Ariff Karim Ghani, 41, a rojak and cendol seller at Kompleks PKNS, said he “lost” good friends since his shop is located opposite the KFC outlet there.
“I’m sad when KFC closes because its workers are good, but they say they still work at other branches, not being laid off. Hopefully, their luck will be eased.
“The KFC branch here has been seeing fewer people dining even before the fasting month because the majority of the residents here are ours (Malays).
“In my opinion, boycotting is a personal choice, some people like mamak (food), some like eating rojak, so we can’t force people (whether to boycott or not),” he said.
Nur Afrina Syahzanani Ahmad Shahrin, 18, a food kiosk worker at Plaza Alam Sentral, said the KFC branch there had been quiet and devoid of customers for a while since the boycott began.
“Before the closure, I noticed there weren’t many people coming, and it was quiet and with not many customers. I don’t mind if KFC closes because there are other alternatives, but (it’s a different story) if workers have to quit because of the boycott.
“What about those who have worked for years with KFC and have attained the position of manager? How will they support their families? That’s something we can understand,” she added. – May 1, 2024