![[X] Zulaikha Farhana](/_ipx/q_80&s_60x60/https://cdn.newswav.com/ugc-assets/31-1700639405060-1942-1700556722855-WhatsApp-Image-2023-11-20-at-5.33.07-PM.jpeg)
Police are set to recommend legal action against convenience store chain KK Mart and its local supplier, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, over the sale of socks printed with the word "Allah." Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, the director of Bukit Aman's Criminal Investigation Department, stated that police have submitted investigation papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers and are awaiting further instructions.
"Both KK Mart and its supplier," Shuhaily said succinctly during a press conference this morning. Xin Jian Chang, located in Sri Gading, Johor, was raided by police three days ago. Shuhaily reported today that police found 14 pairs of the offending socks at the supplier's premises, which had been recalled and returned by KK Mart. Earlier reports indicated that police found five pairs during the raid.
Police have recorded statements from 174 individuals and received 143 police reports nationwide regarding the sale of the socks, which first surfaced on social media last week. Investigations also included an examination of KK Mart's procurement process. Shuhaily emphasized that there is no indication that such socks are still available on the market.
"Anyone who mistakenly bought them, please surrender them to the police and inform us where you purchased them," he added. "Do not take photos and make them viral." Shuhaily urged religious leaders to help maintain calm in their communities, as the police are already handling the matter.
KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Seri K.K. Chai issued a profuse apology at a press conference on Saturday, following social media outrage. He explained that the socks were imported from China and were among 1,200 other pairs, each with different designs. Chai admitted to not inspecting every pair thoroughly but stressed that only three of KK Mart's 800 branches nationwide carried the socks. The pair that sparked outrage was found at the Bandar Sunway outlet in Selangor.
Meanwhile, supplier Xin Jian Chang apologized for an oversight in its quality control process, stating that it had made every effort to ensure that all 18,800 socks received from its vendor in China were cleared for sale in Malaysia.
Calls for a boycott of KK Mart stores by Muslim consumers have emerged, with videos circulating on social media showing individuals protesting and confronting store staff in various locations.
The boycott calls have led to tensions in some areas, with reports of confrontations between protesters and store employees. Despite this, KK Mart has assured the public that it is taking the matter seriously and is cooperating fully with the authorities.
In response to the controversy, religious leaders have called for calm and urged the public to allow the authorities to handle the situation. They emphasized the importance of respecting each other's beliefs and avoiding actions that could incite further unrest.
The incident has sparked a debate about the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for religious beliefs. Many have called for stricter regulations on imported goods to ensure that items that could be deemed offensive are not sold in the country.
As the investigation continues, both KK Mart and Xin Jian Chang have pledged to review their processes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. They have also expressed their commitment to respecting the religious sensitivities of Malaysians and ensuring that their products comply with local laws and regulations.
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