PETALING JAYA, Aug 27 — Allegations of racism involving neighbourhoods and the hospitality sector have surfaced on various occasions over the years.

A stand-out case involving the Reggae Mansion in 2011 saw tourists alleging that the backpacker hostel refused to accept online reservations from Malaysia, India and Middle Eastern countries.

Following the Ridzuan Condominium uproar in Sunway here, I posed as a foreigner to ascertain if the hostel practises double standards.

I first called the hostel, claiming to be a Nigerian tourist. I was shocked with the response I got from a man who answered my call.

“Who is this? What do you want?” he asked rudely.

Keeping my composure, and in my best Nigerian accent, I then requested a room for the night, to which I was told to book online as the hostel does not entertain phone reservations.

I then asked why my Malaysian friend was refused service when he called to book a room, but the man did not even bother answering and hung up.

Fifteen minutes later, I called again. Still posing as a Nigerian tourist, this time my call was answered by a woman.

Her tone was unwelcoming as soon as she heard my accent. She told me the same thing the man who responded earlier told me, but when I asked why I was hung up in my previous call, she didn’t reply.

I was asked to come to the hostel and register if I wanted to and she abruptly hung up.

I called again a third time, this time as a British tourist. The same woman answered and sounded very welcoming. She said that I could easily book a room online.

When I asked why my Malaysian friend wasn’t able to do it, she said Malaysians are banned but she proposed that my friend use my name instead to make an online reservation.

I then called as a reporter from The Malay Mail, stating that I had received complaints from a Nigerian about the hostel’s hospitality.

She claimed that the Nigerian tourist was making racist remarks at her.

When I inquired why people from certain countries are banned from booking online, she said Malaysians, Indians and those from the Middle East often book online but fail to inform of cancellations, resulting in losses for them.

I have several African friends and I see them contributing a lot socially and economically.

When they visit me at home, I greet them with open arms.

I feel this kind of blatant stereotyping should not be condoned, especially in the hospitality industry.