KUALA LUMPUR – The Batu Pahat Municipal Council (MPBP) has issued a notice to revoke the business licence and shut down the operations of Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, the supplier of socks bearing the word “Allah” to KK Mart convenience stores.
According to MPBP, the notice was delivered today at the BPBP Tower for violating the terms of the business activities specified in the local authority-approved licence, which include the operation of a store and shoe distributor.
The notice delivery session was witnessed by municipal council president Ezahar Abu Sairin and other MPBP council members.
“The action taken by MPBP is in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 (2) and Section 49 (2) of the Small Industries Licencing, Trade, and Industrial Licencing (Batu Pahat Municipal Council) 2016,” MPBP said in a statement.
Xin Jian Chang, represented by its managing director, Soh Hui San, was present to receive the notice.”
Despite the notice, Xin Jian Chang had reportedly ceased operations effective immediately following the incident.
Sources said the closure of Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd’s facility located in the Sri Gading Industrial Park in Batu Pahat, Johor, was announced through a memo affixed to the main entrance, although no indication was provided regarding the timeline for the resumption of operations.
This decision follows a recent statement from the firm’s management addressing concerns over the alleged compromise of employees’ personal data and threats to vandalise the premises.
The temporary shutdown is believed to be an attempt to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safety of the workforce amid mounting pressure for a public apology.
A cloth banner displayed at the factory’s entrance carries an apology to Malaysians regarding the controversial incident involving the “Allah”-inscribed socks found in a convenience store in Bandar Sunway.
Yesterday, Xin Jian Chang, the company responsible for distributing the controversial socks, voiced concerns over the exposure of employees’ personal data on social media. The company highlighted that this breach divulged the residential addresses of its top management.
Earlier today, KK Group of Companies founder Datuk Seri K.K. Chai and seven others were questioned by police on the matter after the authorities received 80 reports on the issue.
Investigations revealed that a factory in Batu Pahat, Johor, was involved, and police seized five pairs of the product.
Yesterday, Xin Jian Chang apologised for the oversight, stating that the socks were imported from China and that it planned to take legal action against the supplier.
Chai had previously apologised for the incident after the socks were found to be sold at a KK Mart branch in Bandar Sunway. – March 20, 2024