KUALA LUMPUR – Sarawak’s Parti Bumi Kenyalang has issued a fervent call to the state government to intervene and safeguard the operations of KK Mart stores in the wake of a brewing controversy surrounding the discovery of socks bearing the word “Allah.”
The party’s president, Voon Lee Shan, underscored concerns over potential economic repercussions and effects on religious sensitivities as the store faced mounting pressure from certain quarters for its alleged insensitivity.
Voon said amid a backdrop of Sarawak’s recent loss of local banks due to mergers with larger institutions, KK Mart, with its 881 outlets nationwide, stood as a symbol of local entrepreneurial success.
Founded by Sarawakian entrepreneur Datuk Seri K.K. Chai, the store has garnered admiration and pride within the state, Voon said.
However, the recent uproar over the socks emblazoned with a word deemed sacred by some has ignited calls for the closure of KK Mart from certain political figures and activists, Voon noted.
In response, Parti Bumi Kenyalang has urged the Sarawak government to take decisive action to protect the convenience store chain from potential harm.
“Sarawak has lost her local banks and Sarawak should now not lose a business like KK Mart as a ‘Business Ambassador’ for Sarawak,” Voon said in a statement.
“One should not discount the possibility of sabotage against KK Mart by business rivals or religious extremists to destroy a flourishing businesses from Sarawak.”
Voon also urged police to prevent hate-mongering against KK Mart and to investigate any attempts to undermine its business.
“Now it seems some groups of people are behaving like law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges with disregard to professionals who are empowered to do the job.”
“Such behaviour of a few can give a negative image to law enforcement agencies,” Voon said.
He also said police should investigate those who had created hate against the chain under the Sedition Act 1948. – March 26, 2024