Warning for companies against hiring of 'tudung'-clad women

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has asked women to immediately report companies which discriminate against women wearing the 'tudung' (Muslim headgear) in the recruitment of employees.

Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim said the government would not compromise on discrimination by companies in the matter.

She cited Article 8 of the Federal Constitution and said it was not a religious issue but a question of justice and gender equality.

"Article 8 says there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent or place of birth in any law relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of property or the establishing or carrying on of any trade, business, profession, vocation or employment," she told a news conference after a visit to the National Population and Family Development Board, here.

Rohani warned that stern action would be taken against companies found to discriminate in the matter, including publicising the company's name.

She was commenting on the matter following a complaint uploaded onto Facebook by a Muslim woman identified as Mira Kamil who shared her experience of having come across companies that did not hire women wearing the 'tudung'.