KUALA LUMPUR – A seafood wholesale and retail shop in Taman Suria, Jitra found itself inadvertently targeted by a boycott due to its name resembling the controversial convenience store chain KK Mart.
Nur Hamidah, the owner of the shop known as KK Fresh Mart in Kedah, clarified that the acronym stood for Kuala Kedah Fresh Mart, emphasising no association with KK Mart.
She explained that the shop’s name and logo had been used for years, were entirely original, and not a mimicry of any other brand.
However, erroneous dissemination of her shop’s images – mistaken for KK Mart – led to a call for a boycott, severely impacting her business.
“We are seafood distributors, wholesalers, and retailers from Kuala Kedah. We are operating in Jitra to expand the fresh seafood market,” Nur Hamidah said
She also pleaded to those calling for the boycott of her business to cease making baseless allegations while seeking to restore her shop’s reputation.
Despite an apology from the individual responsible for the defamation, Nur Hamidah opted to retain her statement on social media to prevent further propagation of the boycott.
The controversy surrounding KK Mart arose following the sale of socks printed with the word “Allah” at one of its outlets in Petaling Jaya.
This prompted calls for a boycott, notably from Umno Youth Leader Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh.
Videos circulating on social media depicted protests outside various KK Mart locations.
In response, KK Super Mart Group founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri K.K. Chai issued an apology during a recent press conference.
He clarified that the socks, imported from China, were among 1,200 pairs with different designs. – March 24, 2024