A walled village in Yuen Long has become the focus of criticism after residents apparently posted a notice advising against renting property to South Asians.
The poster, spotted on Saturday on a Nam Pin Wai village noticeboard, reads:
“South Asians were involved in multiple cases of burglary, assault and robbery in Yuen Long in recent months, and villagers have often complained that South Asians usually flock together around Nam Pin Wai’s car park and playground, affecting the safety of the villagers going in and out.”
“To improve the safety of the village, [we] now urge you to avoid renting out village houses to South Asians to reduce the number of them gathering, and [we] remind you to be careful going in and out. [We] hope you can play a part to improve the safety of the village. Thank you!”
According to the HKFP, a guard at the village said it was the general decision of residents to post the notice.
A spokesman for Hong Kong’s Equal Opportunities Commission said the poster should be removed, adding “It is believed that the poster may constitute unlawful discrimination under the Race Discrimination Ordinance. The EOC encourages an inclusive spirit for all, and disapproves of any unfair comments and treatment on the grounds of racial discrimination.”
It is a crime to harass or vilify a person on the grounds of race in Hong Kong. Those found guilty could face a fine of HKD100,000 and two years in jail.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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