African tenants at Taman Tun Perak apartments feel hurt by banner put up by Malaysian residents

Some of the residents of Waja Apartments holding up the banner. Present are Salim (second right) and Wan Rosdie (right).

AN IMAGE of a dark-skinned male crossed with a large, yellow ‘X’ with the words, ‘Say No To African People’ at Waja Apartments in Taman Tun Perak, Cheras has upset members of the community.

The banner also urged landlords and real estate agents to refrain from renting units to African tenants.

Nigerian student Austin Chibuzo, 25, expressed disgust at the sentiments expressed in the banner.

“This is racism. The people who did this are not treating us like human beings,” said Chibuzo who had just moved into the apartment three months ago.

Another Nigerian student Victor Onuoha, 25, also said Malaysians are prejudiced against Africans.

“Malaysians in general behave awkwardly with African people. When we go into lifts, some will close their noses,” said Onuoha.

The students said the banner is contrary to how Malaysia is depicted as a harmonious multiracial country.

Some even want to go home because of the banner.

Most of the Africans here are students and professionals from Ghana, Mali and Nigeria.

When questioned, Mohamad Sahidan Hassan, chairman of the apartment’s management corporation said the banner was a reflection of the residents’ feelings.

“We have received many complaints about the behaviour of African tenants.

“We have been accused of being biased but we allow Indonesians, Myanmarese, Vietnamese, Bangladeshis and Arabs to stay among us.

“But many Africans staying here are rowdy,” he said, adding that house rules clearly forbid owners from renting out to foreigners.

“This was decided at an annual general meeting in 2010 and passed by a majority vote,” said Mohamad Sahidan.

Wan Rosdie Yusri, 38, a joint management committee member and one of the 14 people responsible for putting up the banner, said it has nothing to do with racism.

He said the Waja Apartments Residents Association has had many negative encounters with African tenants.

“In 2010, during a raid conducted by the Immigration Department, two truck loads of Africans were detained for not having valid travel documents.”

Wan Rosdie said frequent brawls would occur at an African cafe located in front of the apartment’s entrance.

A month ago, a resident said an African tried to open her car door and snatch her handbag.

“We are also worried about the legal status of the African tenants who occupy some 15 out of 440 units at the apartment.

“We have alerted the Immigration Department and they are expected to conduct a check soon ,” said Wan Rosdie.

RA chairman Salim Abas, 47, said many of the Africans do not behave appropriately and disturb women living in the apartment.

“They bring their girlfriends and drink liquor at the children’s park. We have held dialogues with them in the past about their inappropriate behaviour.

“They have promised to behave but they do not keep to their word,” he said.

However one resident who only wanted to be known as Alias, said the group should not generalise that all Africans are bad.

“Residents with valid complaints should have lodged complaints with the relevant authorities and not tar the whole community with the same brush,” he said.