PSM deputy chairperson Arutchelvan said the reported order is an act of “blatant racism and discrimination”.
“It goes against our human conscience that at this age of time that we have a mayor who can come with such an order.
“With this notice, Malaysians have lost all legitimacy to talk about the plight of Black Life Matters (BLM) or even the plight of Palestinians,” he said.
Malaysiakini sighted the three-point notice which caught the attention of migrant rights activists on social media.
When contacted, a DBKL staff confirmed the notice dated June 19 was issued by its licensing department as part of new guidelines to enter the market.
“The action will only create more chaos and promote unnecessary hate speech and undesired action since it is sanctioned by the authorities.
“It goes against humanity and PSM calls for the order to be revoked immediately,” said Arutchelvan.
Aside from the entry ban on UNHCR cardholders, it was stated that all foreigners with valid documents who wished to enter the market must be accompanied by a Malaysian.
As for market workers and license holders, the notice stated that they would only be allowed entry with a valid pass.
No reason for the ban was stated in the notice although it followed a series of news reports which amplified voices in support of a government’s move to revamp the market by replacing its largely migrant workforce with locals.
Malaysiakini
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletters in English and or French. You will receive one email every Monday containing links to all articles published in the last 7 days.