The Tourism Ministry said it will recommend that Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) act against Reggae Mansion, a backpackers’ hotel that bars patronage of Malaysians, Indians and Middle Easterners.

"About Reggae Mansion. How can this be, how can Malaysians not be allowed to lodge there? We would want Malaysians to be allowed to stay at the boarding house," Deputy Tourism Minister James Dawos Mamit told the Dewan while winding up for his ministry in the committee stage of the 2012 budget debate today.

He said the Tourism Ministry will "recommend that DBKL, as the local government in charge of licensing for the boarding houses take action," which may include suspending the backpackers’ hotel from operation.

Dawos added that while the ministry viewed the matter with concern, they do not have the authority to act as the matter of boarding house licensing falls under DBKL's purview.

Anthony Loke (DAP-Rasah) first raised the matter with the ministry, accusing the hostel’s conduct as akin to "apartheid" and would lower Malaysia's dignity in the eyes of the world for allowing such discriminatory practices.

The backpacker's boarding house located in Jalan Tun HS Lee was reportedly not allowing guests who are Malaysians, Indians or Middle Easterners to check-in.

Loke says the hotel’s explanation is unacceptable.

According to the MP, the hotel had attributed their policy to their serving non-halal food and alcohol, saying that the restriction was out of respect for Islam, a religion professed by many Malaysians, Middle Easterners and Indians.

Related stories

Perkasa denies seeking ban on Christian teachers

'RM500mil losses' claims 'without foundation'

AirAsia boss hits back at attacking MPs