Bumiputra barber shop: No racial issues

SEREMBAN: MCA National Legal Bureau chief Ng Kian Nam yesterday expressed his regret over his statement concerning a banner with the words ‘Bumiputra Property’ at a barber shop here, which he regarded as racist, that has triggered misunderstanding among many quarters.

However, he said the words, according to Muhammad Nasrullah Yahya, the chief executive officer of the company which owned the salon, C Cut Management Services Sdn Bhd, referred to the ownership of the salon, and not a ban on nonbumiputra patronising the shop as he had understood previously.

“It started when I received complaints from residents here on the banner hung at the shop with the words ‘Bumiputra Property’ which had triggered a misunderstanding.

“But the salon owner explained that ‘Bumiputra Property’ was only meant to inform that the shop belongs to a member of the bumiputra community and is not racist in nature.

“The outlet too has an open and cordial policy to all regardless of background and is dedicated to offer professional and best service to all customers,” he told a media conference here yesterday.

Also present were Nasrullah and C Cut Management Services Sdn Bhd network chief operations officer Khairulnizam Hassan.

The issue went viral on social site on Friday and Ng in his statement said the banner with the words ‘Bumiputra Property’ was regarded as racist or referring to religion.

Subsequently, Ng and Nasrullah met for three hours during which Nasrullah explained the words on the banner to Ng and the actual policy of the shop.

Meanwhile, Nasrullah said the banner had been put up since the salon in Seremban 2 became operational in 2012. Similar banners were also put up at its five branches, namely, in Ampangan, Panchor, Bandar Seri Sendayan, Enstek and Rasah.-Bernama