PETALING JAYA, Aug 30 — Three universities said they have not received any complaints from their African students about the blanket ban against African tenants at a condominium here.

Sunway University Inti International University, and Taylor's University also said they are unaware of how many of their students stay at Ridzuan Condominium in Bandar Sri Subang.

“The majority of the international students live on campus here,” said Sunway’s international office manager Lum Pey Wah.

The office’s assistant manager of welfare, Ricky Lam, said international students also have a choice when it comes to renting outside campus.

“(But) If they face any problems or challenges on the tenancy or with the landlord, we provide advice on how to handle or resolve the problem,” he said.

Taylor's University vice chancellor Datuk Dr Hassan Said said student welfare is their top priority.

"Student are encouraged to forward their complaints to the Taylor’s Hostel Management or to International Students Services and the complaints will be attended to accordingly," he said in an email reply to The Malay Mail Online.

An official from the Inti International University said it only had 15 to 20 students from Africa.

“If they really need any help, of course we would offer them a place in our managed accommodation... we do have African students staying there,” the official said.

If any of the African students staying at Ridzuan Condominium are evicted, both of these universities can accommodate them in their housing services. 

Inti International University offers three different options for off-campus housing.

The rent for property in Subang Jaya ranges from RM300 to RM1,000 a month.

Sunway University has three different options for on-campus housing located in Sunway, with rent ranging between RM330 and RM1,500 per month.

Taylor's University provides both on and off-campus accommodation but the former at the Lakeside campus is currently full.

Its vice chancellor said students can seek assistance from the university's housing management to find private accommodation off-campus.

The Malay Mail Online had on Monday reported about the blanket ban imposed last week by the management of the Ridzuan Condominium against “African” tenants.

The decision came after the majority of the condominium’s residents voted at an annual general meeting held on July 6 against renting their units to foreigners from the continent, whom they allege to have “caused a lot of nuisance.”

Despite being a continent of 54 countries with diverse and distinct ethnicities, cultures, languages and societies, its people are commonly pigeonholed using the “African” catchall, while the derogatory label “Awang Hitam” (literally, Black Fellow) is also used by Malay-language dailies in reference to their dominant skin colour.

The negative perception towards African migrants in Malaysia is believed to stem from the frequency of cases of drug smuggling, financial scams, frauds and sex crimes reportedly involving the group.

The Immigration Department reported that a total of 79,352 Africans entered the country last year.

The department also issued 25,467 student visas to Africans in 2012 to study in public or private institutions.