KUALA LUMPUR – Convenience store chain KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan and his wife Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui have been acquitted of their criminal charges over the “Allah”-printed socks fiasco.
This is confirmed by the couple’s lawyer Datuk Rajpal Singh to Scoop.
Rajpal also said Johor-based manufacturer Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd’s directors Soh Chin Huat, Goh Li Huay and Soh Hui San have been acquitted.
However, the Shah Alam sessions court handed the two companies a RM60,000 fine each.
Rajpal said the acquittal comes after the Attorney-General’s Chamber (AGC) accepted their representation letters that sought to have their charges withdrawn.
This was conveyed by the prosecution in today’s proceeding before judge Muhammad Anas Mahadzir.
In a typical scenario, an accused individual in a criminal case would usually submit a representation letter to the AGC requesting a review of their charges seeking to either reduce or drop them.
On March 26, Chai and Loh – in their capacities as KK Mart’s founders and executive chairpersons– were charged under Section 298 of the Penal Code for intentionally hurting the religious sentiments of Muslims by displaying socks with the word “Allah” printed on them on the sales display rack at one of their convenience store outlets.
The section carries a maximum jail term of one year, fines or both upon conviction.
They were accused of committing the offence at one of their store’s branches in Sunway on March 13, around 6.30am.
On March 26, the company also faced a similar charge for the same offence and legal provision, in which Chai was named as the representative of KK Supermart & Superstore.
Meanwhile, Xi Jian Chang’s directors were also charged on March 26 with abetting KK Mart in its offences.
However, Xin Jian Chang as an entity faced additional charges for similar offences, in which Chin Huat was named the company’s representative.
All five accused and the two companies had pleaded not guilty to the charges and were released on RM10,000 bail, each.
Prior to today’s decision, all the accused were set to have their cases tried together, as decided by the court on April 29. – July 15, 2024