The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, has ordered the controversial Muslim-only launderette in Muar to immediately stop its discriminatory practice or risk being shut down by him.
“I cannot accept this nonsense. This is Johor, which belongs to Bangsa Johor and it belongs to all races and faiths. This is a progressive, modern and moderate state.
“This is not a Taliban state and as the Head of Islam in Johor, I find this action to be totally unacceptable as this is extremist in nature,” the Sultan said, as reported by The Star newspaper.
The launderette last week posted a banner saying it is open to Muslim customers only due to ‘cleanliness’ factor.
The Sultan also said he ordered the religious authorities in the state to investigate the matter after he posted “Is this for real? I’m appalled” on his Instagram.
Pictures of the launderette went viral last week when it was reported that it had a sign saying that only Muslims were allowed to use its machines.
The owner of the launderette later defended the move saying the company had the right to choose its clientele.
Some religious figures in Klang said the actions of the launderette owner were anti-Islamic, comparing the business to that of a car tire shop, saying there is no such thing as a ‘halal’ car tire shop or Musilms does not stop going to tire shops if the car tire is tainted with dog poo.
“I want the owner to apologise to me and the people of Johor. He has made Johoreans very angry and embarrassed because this is not the Johor we want.
“The owner has gone against the vision of a united, harmonious, moderate and tolerant Johor. If he still insists on carrying on the Muslim-only practice, he can leave Johor. I suggest he set up shop in Afghanistan. His thinking is sick and goes against everything that Johor stands for,” said the Sultan in a statement.
He said the owner had first put up his Muslim-only notices and after the issue became controversial, the owner put up a new sign to say it was “Muslim-friendly.”
“Don’t try to be clever. It’s still the same. The owner needs to have his brains cleaned up,” said the Sultan.