KUALA LUMPUR – Authorities have seized 1,145 pairs of shoes from fashion company Vern’s after the brand courted controversy over its logo design which allegedly resembled the word “Allah” in Arabic script.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said that the products were seized from the store’s outlets in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kedah.
Stating that no arrests have been made in the case so far, Razarudin added that the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department will continue working with the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) in an investigation into the matter.
“We need to confirm whether the logo is Arabic calligraphy or just graphics to describe the high-heeled shoes. Of course, we’ll summon the (product) sellers and manufacturers as well (for questioning),” Razarudin told a press conference today.
Yesterday, a Facebook video of a man claiming that a high-heel shoe from Vern’s had an inscription said to look like the word “Allah” on its sole made the rounds on social media, inciting the ire of certain quarters.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar had subsequently instructed Jakim to summon those responsible for the shoes to provide their explanation on the matter.
Razarudin told Scoop then that police had opened an investigation paper on the issue after several reports were made across the country from netizens who had seen the Facebook post in question.
Vern’s Holding Sdn Bhd later apologised over the logo and clarified that its design was inspired by the silhouette of a high-heeled shoe.
“We sincerely apologise for any unintended offence caused. Our intention was never to disrespect or undermine any religion or belief,” the company said in a statement yesterday, adding that it has ceased the sale of the product while offering refunds to customers.
In response to the furore, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh gave the company a 24-hour deadline to explain the design, warning that a boycott of its products will be initiated if there is no explanation within the stipulated time frame.
Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, on the other hand, had called on Muslims to not be hasty and paranoid over matters deemed challenging to Islam, as Muslims should act guided by knowledge, not “impulsive emotions.”
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has since cautioned that it will not hesitate to take action against individuals attempting to exploit social media platforms by making unwarranted comments and potentially triggering disharmony over the shoe logo issue. – April 8, 2024