KUALA LUMPUR: Raymond’s Boutique Traveller’s Home owner Raymond Bala has denied claims that the hostel declined to house a guest from Brunei merely because he is a Muslim.
Speaking to the New Straits Times today, Raymond said he was taken aback upon realising such a response was given from his account to the Airbnb user from Brunei, Dinie Hamizan, who allegedly sent a query about payment and directions to reach the hostel in Malacca via Airbnb.
The 54-year-old owner, who is from Kuala Lumpur said he had a desktop computer placed at the reception of his hostel. Guests are allowed to use to use the computer to check their emails, print flight tickets and even play games.
“I have always kept the PC (computer) on and did not log off from any accounts. But, today I learnt something. If I’m not there at the hostel, I’m going to log out from all accounts to prevent such incidents (from happening) in the future.
“I have been running this place for about two-and-a-half years now and I have never had such a nasty experience before. I didn’t know things like this can take place.
“I respect all religions and I’m not anti-Muslim. This is something totally not done by me. If you look at my Facebook page, you will see pictures of my guests, and they include Muslim travelers,” he said.
Raymond also sent his sincere apologies to Dinie for the bitter experience.
Earlier today, Dinie claimed his query was met by a shocking reply by the guesthouse's online representative.
"I was asking him politely regarding his guesthouse and shockingly, the first reply from him was 'NO MUSLIM IN MY HOUSE'," wrote Dinie in a complaint to Airbnb on their Facebook page.