Muslim-only policy by Muar self-service launderette

The launderette operator says he is only carrying out his duty as a Muslim and Johor mufti says it is a 'commendable' move.

laundry PETALING JAYA: A self-service launderette in Muar, Johor, has adopted a Muslim-only policy by limiting its clientele to Muslim customers.

A photo showing a sign, “Only For Muslims”, said to have been taken at the launderette, has gone viral on social media, reported The Star today.

The sign also asks customers to remove their shoes before entering the shop.

“I am only carrying out my duty as a Muslim,” the 40-year-old launderette operator told a Chinese daily yesterday.

He said while Chinese and Indian Muslims were welcome to his launderette, the non-Muslims could visit the other nearby launderettes.

However, the operator declined to say why he had imposed such a condition on customers.

When asked whether he was worried that there might be “unclean” elements, such as dog fur, on the clothes that non-Muslims brought to his launderette, the man refused to comment.

He also refused to have his photo taken.

The launderette’s Muslim-only policy has received mixed reactions from netizens, with some praising the move, while others questioned the motive for segregating customers based on their religion.

Johor mufti Mohd Tahrir Samsudin was reported as saying that the launderette’s move was commendable.

“Cleanliness is a priority for Muslims,” a Malay daily reported the mufti as saying.

He said the launderette’s move should not be turned into an issue as it would only encourage negative perception towards Muslims by non-Muslims.

“I think it is a good move as Muslims will no longer be doubtful when using the self-service launderette,” the daily quoted him as saying.

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