BOYCOTT WILL HURT ECONOMY, SAYS NESTLE

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- The boycott campaign against consumer goods
by multinationals is inappropriate as it will further hurt the local economy,
Nestle Malaysia Bhd said.

The food and beverage player, in response to recent calls for boycott of
products by companies that were alleged to support Israel, said the company was
concerned about the current situation in the Middle East.

"Nestle has consistently emphasised the importance of mutual respect and
tolerance regardless of culture, religion or nationality," it said in a
statement here Thursday.

Nestle, 24 percent owned by local shareholders including Employees Provident
Fund and Lembaga Tabung Haji had been in the forefront food manufacturing since
97 years ago.

"We are proud to export made-in-Malaysia halal food products to over 50
countries.

"We not only provide jobs for over 4,000 employees but also for our
suppliers throughout the supply chain," it said.

Nestle said 90 percent of its products were manufactured locally.
-- BERNAMA