A month after a riot outside Plaza Low Yat, the owners of the electronics mall today responded to suggestions of a Malay-only 'Low Yat 2' saying they were not exclusive to any race.

In a statement today, owners Low Yat Group said its mall was not exclusive to any one class of people.

"Plaza Low Yat is not a mall exclusive for the elite or for any class of society or race.

"You can see clearly the many people who are attracted to the vibrant mall atmosphere, which is a perfect reflection of the beautiful mixture of all the races and classes that makes Malaysia unique in the world," it said.

It also urged that its brand name be respected over plans for the Malay-exclusive 'Low Yat 2' .

"Recently a view has been expressed that there should be a 'Low Yat 2'.

"Many have criticised it and have viewed it as a form of racial segregation, while others have debated the issue of free enterprise.

"To us as the owners of Plaza Low Yat, we would first ask that our name and our brand be respected.

"Anybody should also understand that to us, the 'Low Yat' name holds a value that goes far beyond its brand ownership or intellectual property - 'Low Yat' is our late grandfather," said the company.

Do your part on fakes

The matter was mooted by then Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob after the riot outside Plaza Low Yat which became racial in nature.

The riot came about over the theft of a mobile phone at Plaza Low Yat, which was later claimed to be a case of "Chinese traders cheating Malay consumers with counterfeit products".

However, Low Yat Group noted there was much goodwill and the spirit of togetherness in trying to overcome this.

It also denied the plaza's vendors sold counterfeit products.

"We also wish to say something about counterfeit products. We do not condone the sale of counterfeit products or the breach of intellectual property rights.

"As a landlord, our capacity to police such matters is limited. The society - consumers, civil society, and the authorities - will have to play their respective roles.

"We continue to do our part and have earned the trust of numerous leading international brands who are represented in Plaza Low Yat," it said.