PETALING JAYA: An online-based bakery here took to social media after an individual questioned the ethnicity of the owner.
The individual, in a WhatsApp message exchange, had told the owner of Thirty One Fine Bakes that he does not purchase items from a particular race.
To this, the owner, who mentioned that the bakery is a multiracial company, hit out at the individual.
“Racism and discrimination are deep-rooted diseases of this country, and we work to ensure there is no space for that in this company and to call it out when we see it.
“This company is a space for individuals to grow personally and professionally, without any prejudice.
“Because of your disgusting remarks, we are not sorry to say that we would be happy to lose you as a customer. All the best,” the owner replied in the WhatsApp message, which was screenshot and shared on its Instagram account.
The owner, when contacted, said that she has received similar racist questions in the past, and felt that it was best to expose this to the public.
“It was very upsetting to be asked such a question,” she said.
She also said it is not fair to judge a company based on the ethnicity of the staff or owner, rather than the product or services provided.
“There were some who question the need to give attention by posting it. But I felt it is necessary.
“If we don’t speak out against this, we are encouraging such behaviour,” the bakery owner added.
So far, the Instagram post received over 4, 300 Likes, with many people commenting on the bakery’s move to speak out against racism.
