Toy store Hamleys says sorry over headscarf incident

Hamleys Malaysia has apologised after reports that it bars female staff from wearing the ‘tudung’ (headscarf). – Screenshot from Facebook, December 22, 2014.Well-known British toy store Hamleys yesterday apologised to the public following allegations that it had a ruling that barred female staff from wearing the "tudung" (headscarf).

Hamleys Malaysia, in an official statement on its Facebook page, denied that the company practised such a policy.

"We welcome everyone who is interested to work with us to apply, no matter what race or religion," it said.

The statement followed a complaint posted by actor Datuk Rosyam Nor on Twitter last Thursday expressing disappointment after his daughter had allegedly been asked to take off her headscarf as a requirement for employment.

The post caught the attention of Puteri Umno chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin who reportedly said such action by the toy retailer went against the rights of Muslims and was also indicative of the prejudice that still existed among some people against Muslim women wearing the "tudung".

The wing criticised the toy retailer for discriminating against its Muslim staff and demanded an apology over the issue.

Hamleys Malaysia meanwhile said that upon investigation, one of its new employees had acted outside her duty and relayed the wrong information to Rosyam's daughter.

"Disciplinary action has been taken against the employee," it added.

"The management sincerely apologise over the issue and hopes that Rosyam and Muslims, especially women are not hurt by the incident."

Hamleys is the oldest toy shop in the world and one of the world's best-known retailers of toys. It is named after William Hamley, who founded a toy shop called "Noah's Ark" at No.231 High Holborn in London in 1760.

Hamleys is now a global brand with 30 stores across 12 countries and territories including India, Malaysia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Scandinavia. – December 22, 2014.