KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will not hesitate to take action against individuals attempting to exploit social media platforms by making unwarranted comments, potentially inciting racial tension over the shoe logo issue.
In a statement earlier, the commission said actions would be taken under the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.
This is following a post that went viral yesterday after a man allegedly claimed that a high-heel shoe had an inscription resembling the word “Allah” on its sole.
MCMC also urged the people to allow the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and other authorities the space to conduct an investigation into the allegation.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar had instructed Jakim yesterday to call up the relevant quarters regarding a viral social media post showing a shoe logo alleged to resemble the word “Allah”.
Jakim, said Mohd Na’im, was ordered to summon those responsible for the shoes to clarify the issue today.
MCMC also advised the public to refrain from uploading, sharing, or spreading social media content pertaining to sensitive matters such as race, royalty, or religion (3R).
Instead, they are to report such content to MCMC through the following link: https://aduan.mcmc.gov.my, or to police for appropriate action, it said.
Vern’s Holding Sdn Bhd had also apologised over the logo that appears on the soles of some of the shoes sold by the company that allegedly resembles the word “Allah” in Arabic.
In a media statement on Sunday, the company clarified that it had absolutely no intention of coming out with a logo that sought to belittle or insult any religion or belief.
The logo, it said, was “100% inspired” by the image of interconnected lines resembling the strap of a high-heeled shoe.
Earlier, it was reported that police have opened an investigation regarding the viral issue of a shoe logo alleged to resemble the word “Allah”.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed the matter to Scoop when contacted.
In response to the controversy, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh gave fashion company Vern’s a 24-hour deadline to explain.
He said a boycott of the company’s products will be initiated if there is no explanation within the timeframe. – April 8, 2024