THE Tourism and Culture Ministry has received one official complaint of a tourism industry worker banned form wearing a hijab, said minister Nazri Aziz.

Nazri said the complaint is being investigated.

“The ministry urges hotels to review their policies to ensure they are compatible with the religion and culture of our country. Such a policy (ban on wearing the hijab) cannot be accepted, especially when it is implemented in Malaysia,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Yesterday, Nazri said an individual’s right to don the hijab in any work sector, including airlines, should not be compromised. 

He said the issue was not limited to Muslims, as non-Muslims could also suffer such discrimination.

“And this (the restriction) is not for Muslims only. Have you seen a male Sikh who works at the (front) counter, and wears a turban? No, you have not.

“I believe they (male Sikhs) are suffering in silence. I believe this is also a requirement that might have been implemented on males who are Sikhs,” said Nazri yesterday.

Nazri said the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) should have advised its members instead of saying the hijab ban was an international practice.

“There are matters that are non-negotiable. If we MPs ent are not willing to fight for our rights, then how are we supposed to represent Malaysians in the Dewan Rakyat?” said Nazri in response to Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah (Kuala Terengganu-Amanah), who said the ministry should take more proactive action to address the hijab ban. – November 23, 2017.