The operator of a Muslim-only laundrette in Muar, Johor, has denied that he is racist.

The laundrette operator, who declined to be named, instead insisted that he only wants to ensure that cleanliness can be maintained at all times.

“If we look at the issue from an Islamic perspective, cleanliness is very important to us and something we must strive for at all times," he is quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today (FMT).

The laundrette operator also pointed out how 95 percent of his clientele are Muslims.

"Non-Muslims are not being deprived of a choice as there are a few other laundrettes in the area which they can go to.

“We respect other religions but ensuring cleanliness is a requirement under Islam," he said.

However, the operator declined to comment further on the matter when contacted by Malaysiakini.

Pictures of the Muar laundrette went viral last week when it was reported that a sign on the premises reminded customers that only Muslims were allowed to use its laundry machines.

Johor Islamic Council adviser Nooh Gadut said Muslims and non-Muslims must ensure that clothes washed in laundrettes are free from najis mughallazah (impurities such as faecal matter from pigs and dogs).

However, Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin described the move by the laundrette as “narrow-minded”, saying that the practice ran contrary to the teachings of Islam, which do not seek to burden the lives of its adherents.

Johor prince Tunku Idris Sultan Ibrahim has since expressed shock over the laundrette’s policy while prominent banker Nasir Razak said that the move was a misinterpretation of Islamic teachings.