KUALA LUMPUR – Some 36 police reports have been lodged against convenience store chain KK Super Mart’s socks with the word “Allah”, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (Lenggong-BN).
He added that the police opened an investigation paper on March 14 under Section 298A of the Penal Code (insulting any religion) and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (misuse of network facilities).
Shamsul told the Dewan Rakyat today that checks by enforcement officers in all KK Mart outlets found that the socks are no longer being sold on its premises.
“We will conduct further investigation into the management and vendor to ensure this incident is not repeated.
“We take note of the apology issued by KK Mart and its vendor but the ministry will continue its investigations as this has stirred public sentiments.
“If found guilty, both parties will be fined up to RM20,000, jailed for not more than three years, or both.”
Over the weekend, Umno Youth gave the chain store’s management two days to erect banners in all of its branches nationwide to apologise for the sale of socks printed with the word “Allah”.
Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who is Merlimau assemblyman, had also lodged a police report against KK Super Mart for the sale of the goods, urging police to investigate the matter under Section 298A of the Penal Code on causing disharmony or enmity on religious grounds.
Umno Youth’s demands came despite KK Super Mart founder Datuk Seri KK Chai having apologised over the matter.
He also explained that the management of the product was handled by a vendor without the supervision of KK Super Mart employees, with only 14 of the offending products found in three out of 800 branches nationwide. – March 18, 2024