KUALA LUMPUR – The Regent of Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has called for firm action on the sale of socks printed with the word “Allah.”
He said misuse of the Arabic name for God should “not be underestimated” as it was a sacred word held in high esteem by Muslims.
“I urge the authorities to take firm action and ensure that this kind of issue will not happen again.
“I take this seriously and hope that this matter does not disturb the country’s harmony,” Tunku Ismail said on X.
Police are currently investigating the sale of the socks at convenience store chain KK Mart after photos of the item went viral last week, stirring outrage.
To date, 42 police reports have been lodged nationwide, despite the company having apologised and recalled the socks.
KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Seri K.K. Chai apologised profusely at a press conference on Saturday, explaining that the socks were imported from China and were among 1,200 other pairs, each with different designs.
He admitted he did not do a full inspection of every pair but stressed that of KK Mart’s 800 branches nationwide, only three outlets carried the socks, and only 14 pairs had “Allah” on them.
KK Mart has also lodged a police report on the matter, besides placing an apology note on digital displays at all its outlets.
Despite this, there remain calls to boycott the convenience store chain, fuelled by Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh. – March 19, 2024