KUALA LUMPUR – The recent controversy over a local fashion company’s shoe sole design supposedly resembling the word “Allah” in Arabic has taught Vern’s Holding Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Seri Ng Chuan Hoo a valuable lesson.
Ng, who was met by reporters after giving his statement to the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) at its headquarters in Putrajaya today, apologised profusely and vowed to not make similar mistakes in the future.
“Even though this issue is a misunderstanding, I understand that Muslims are unhappy (as) their feelings have been hurt.
“I apologise. I will take this as a lesson (to) be more sensitive and careful in the future,” Ng, who referred to himself as Ah Foo, was quoted as saying by Buletin TV3.
The 51-year-old also expressed his gratitude to Jakim for being given fair treatment and advice during the meeting today, adding: “Jakim and the police will conduct their investigations… I will cooperate.”
Yesterday, a Facebook video of a man claiming that a high-heel shoe from Vern’s had an inscription said to resemble 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.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain later told Scoop that police had opened an investigation paper on the issue after several reports were made nationwide after the posting went viral.
He also told a press conference today that authorities have seized a total of 1,145 pairs of shoes from Vern’s outlets in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kedah.
In a statement yesterday, Vern’s also apologised over the logo and clarified that its design was inspired by the silhouette of a high-heeled shoe.
Stressing that it never intended to disrespect or undermine any religion or belief, the company also said that it has ceased the sale of the affected products 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.
Akmal’s Bersatu counterpart, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, however, 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