Thousands of Muslims today began a boycott of US soft drinks giant Coca-Cola, Nadzim Johan, executive secretary of the Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia (MCAM) said.

"The boycott is in response to Western interference in the internal affairs of Muslim countries in the guise of fighting terrorism," Nadzim told AFP .

"It is non-violence. It is also a fight against discrimination, not just against Muslims but everyone."

Nadzim said the campaign would last three months and that the group would evaluate the impact and would then launch a similar action against another US product such as McDonald's.

The MCAM launched its campaign today by publicly emptying dozens of Coca-Cola cans.

Among the members of the MCAM is the 7,000 member Muslim Restaurant Operators of Malaysia.

Driving home a point

"There are also thousands of other small operators participating in the campaign. Our program will hurt Coca-Cola, in particular during the coming Aidil Fitri," he said. "But it is not going to run them out of business nor will it end Coke's operation in Malaysia."

"It is to drive home a point to stop the interference and abuse," Nadzim said.

Muslims celebrate Aidil Fitri on Friday in a festival ending the month-long Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Nadzim said the association has appealed to other activists to join them in the boycott.

"We want all Malaysians to participate in the campaign to say no to Coke," he said.

Malaysia has a population of 23 million people. The United States is one of Malaysia's top trading partners and a vital source of foreign investment. AFP