MyBurgerLab sacks COO over 'offensive' social media post

MyBurgerLab sacks COO over 'offensive' social media post


Published: Aug 22, 2025 5:51 PM
Updated: 8:07 PM


Homegrown burger chain myBurgerLab has sacked its chief operating officer (COO), Andrew Chong, after a social media post by him sparked public anger for allegedly disrespecting Islamic values.

In a statement today, the company said Chong’s personal post had caused “rightful anger, disappointment, and pain, especially among our Muslim friends,” and stressed that it did not reflect the brand’s principles of respect, unity, and inclusivity.

“Chong’s post contradicted our values, and we take responsibility for this oversight. We condemn any discrimination or disrespect toward religion and stand in solidarity with our Muslim community. To those affected, we offer our sincerest apologies,” the management said.

Yesterday, Chong, in a now-deleted post on X, said: “Wow… Slowly but surely, if Malaysia is taken over by extremism, we will become Iran after the revolution, ie, what you see today, and that should scare everyone.”

The post, which garnered more than 42,000 views, was met with widespread criticism, particularly from Muslims who saw it as insulting to Islam.

MyBurgerLab confirmed that Chong’s employment and all affiliations with the company were terminated effective Aug 22.

Mandatory cultural sensitivity training

The company also pledged to tighten internal measures, including introducing mandatory cultural sensitivity training with guidance from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, to be completed within 30 days and refreshed annually.

“We pledge greater vigilance to ensure myBurgerLab remains a symbol of Malaysian harmony where everyone feels respected,” the statement read.

The company added it was “profoundly sorry” and humbly sought forgiveness from those affected, saying it would work to rebuild public trust.

In response to his sacking, Chong said he accepted and respected the company’s decision, reiterating that his comments were his personal views and were not related to myBurgerLab.

“This is my way of taking full accountability and making amends for dragging everyone else into this mess. Again, I’m truly sorry for all the hurt I’ve caused.”

Chong also said he deleted his original post criticising the Terengganu government’s fine to avoid causing more hurt or anger, maintaining that he was not running from his misstep.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Muslim men in Terengganu who skip the Friday prayers and do not have a valid reason for doing so could face a maximum RM3,000 fine and a prison term of up to two years.

This followed amendments passed to the east coast state’s syariah enactment several years ago.