There's A Launderette In Muar That Only Caters To Muslim Customers For "Purity Reasons"
The operator said that Chinese and Indian Muslim customers are more than welcome to use the services in his launderette.
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 25 Sep 2017, 12:35 PM
A launderette in Muar, Johor, has sparked controversy after news of it only catering to Muslim customers has gone viral
According to New Straits Times (NST), the launderette is located along Jalan Junid, Muar, and has a sign that says, "Mesra Muslim. This launderette only caters to Muslim customers for purity reasons. We deeply regret any inconvenience caused. Please leave your shoes outside."
A Chinese daily had interviewed the operator of the launderette, who responded by saying that he is only carrying out his duty as a Muslim, as reported by The Star.
The 40-year-old operator did mention that Chinese and Indian Muslim customers are more than welcome to use the services in the launderette
A photograph of the launderette's sign that says, "For Muslim customers only. Muslim-friendly. Please leave your shoes outside".
Image via Facebook/NSTAs for non-Muslims, he suggested that they visit other launderettes to get their laundry done.
When asked on whether the rule was imposed to avoid any "unclean elements like dog fur from the clothes of non-Muslims" from being brought to his launderette, the man refused to respond. The Star also reported that the man had told the Chinese daily reporter to not take his photo.
Responding to the fiasco, Johor Mufti Datuk Mohd Tahrir Samsudin, praised the move.
He said that this can be useful as some Muslims have expressed concern over using the service of launderettes in the past.
"If someone wants to do it, then it is a good thing because some Muslims hold doubts over laundromat services.
"It is better for Muslims to be free of such doubts when it comes to cleanliness as it will help Muslims fulfil religious obligations," he said, as reported by NST.
He also explained in Islam, when using such services, clothes must be cleaned from minor and severe impurities (najis mughallazah) before being brought to laundromats.
Meanwhile, Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Abd Mutalip Abd Rahim, stressed that there's nothing wrong with this launderette's Muslim-only policy
"Non-Muslims should not worry because there have options to patronise other laundromats elsewhere.
"As Muslims who live in a multi-racial society, we cannot be too rigid in upholding such matters, but at the same time, should not belittle this effort taken by the operator of the laundromat either," Mutalip told NST, adding that it was the operator's right as a business owner to impose such a restriction.
He mentioned that the government is not planning to impose such regulations statewide and also urged Malaysians to better understand the concerns of Muslims regarding such issues.