Upon hearing news of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s decree to remove the controversial Muslim-only signboard, the owner of the launderette apologised for his actions.
“I regret the issue and I will obey His Majesty’s command,” he said, adding that he has taken down the sign yesterday (Wednesday, 27th September 2017) morning.
The self-service launderette in Muar, Johor, first drew attention for placing an “Only For Muslims” signage at its entrance. The sign read, “Dobi Ini Hanya Menerima Pelanggan Beragama Islam Sahaja Atas Faktor Kesucian” (Translation: This launderette only accepts customers who are Muslims due to the sanctity factor). It also asks customers to remove their shoes before entering the launderette.
Needless to say, it caused quite a stir, with scores of Malaysians calling it out to be racist, fanatical, discriminating, and unnecessary.
Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar earlier ordered the launderette to stop its practice or risk being shut down. “I cannot accept this nonsense. This is Johor, which belongs to Bangsa Johor (Johoreans) and it belongs to all races and faiths. This is a progressive, modern and moderate state. This is not a Taleban state and as the Head of Islam in Johor, I find this action to be totally unacceptable as this is extremist in nature,” he said.
“From now on, I am directing the state executive council and all the councils to insist that any business owners who carry out such blatant discriminatory practices should have their licences revoked. Don’t mess around with your narrow-minded religious prejudices,” he added.
Source: The Straits Times / Featured image: Facebook.
