Provocative Socks discovered at KK Mart
On March 13th, Firdaus Wong, an independent preacher shared images of socks with a 'provocative term' being offered for sale at a KK Mart store in Bandar Sunway.
Six hours later, KK Mart delivers an apology, stating that the product was sourced from a vendor as a consignment item. KK Mart lodges a police report the next day.
KK Mart Extends a Public Apology
Following the discovery of the offensive socks, KK Mart and its vendor have release a public apology in a press conference for the inappropriate socks discovered due to unintentional oversights of a few socks mixed with the big bundle.
The apology acknowledges the insensitivity of the socks and expresses regret for any offense caused to the Muslim community.
Akmal Saleh's Persistent Calls for KK Mart Boycott
Despite the apology from KK Mart and its vendor, Akmal Salleh has persistently called for boycott of KK Mart even before the completion of the investigation process.
His public uproar caused uneasiness due to religious sensitivities and disrupt harmony among communities.
Minister for Religious Affairs called for Calm
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar has urged Muslims to keep calm and let authorities investigate over the controversial socks issue in a recent statement. The issue has sparked widespread debate and concern within the Muslim community.
KK Mart Briefs Jakim on Updated SOPs
In response to the controversy, KK Mart has briefed Jakim on updates to its standard operating procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The preventive measures aim to address any lapses in compliance and prevent a recurrence of such sensitive issues.
Sultan Ibrahim Advocates for Severe Action
Sultan Ibrahim has called for severe action to be taken in response to the controversial socks bearing inappropriate sensitive words that were being sold at KK Mart.
The Sultan's stance emphasizes the seriousness of the issue and the need for accountability.
Police Launch Investigation and Seize Offensive Socks
Upon Akmal and other Umno Youth leaders lodging police reports, the police launched an investigation to probe the case.
During an inspection at a factory near Batu Pahat, police seized a few pairs of the controversial socks as part of their ongoing efforts to probe the issue.
Meanwhile, Bukit Aman CID Director, Shuhaili Zain, said 4 investigation papers had been opened after 143 reports were lodged nationwide on the issue, with 174 statements have been recorded, mostly from KK Mart personnel and management.
KK Mart placed an order for 18,000 pairs of socks, out of which 14 pairs were found to have the 'offensive word' printed on them.
A 35-year-old man has been given a six-month jail sentence and fined RM12,000 for a Facebook post deemed insulting to Islam.
A second man, aged 33, received a six-month prison sentence and was fined RM15,000, with a default of four months' imprisonment, for admitting to posting offensive remarks on Facebook.
Vendor Expresses Concerns About Personal Data
The vendor of the offensive socks has expressed concerns over the leaked personal data of its top management. The vendor has urged the public to refrain from resorting to violence and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the situation.
Meanwhile, the vendor said it was considering legal action for negligence against its supplier in China.
Vendor Showcause by Authorities
Vendor has been given 60 days to explain to the local authorities why the factory should not be closed down for breaching its business licence terms.
Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, the chairman of the State Housing and Local Government Committee, stated that investigations revealed the company's breach of the business license terms issued by the Batu Pahat Municipal Council (MPBP) for operating a shoe storage and distribution facility.
KK Mart Outlets in Johor Raided
74 KK Mart outlets, including 52 in the Greater Johor Baru area, were raided.
However, no socks with 'offensive word' printed on them were discovered in any of the outlets that were inspected.
The Segamat Municipal Council also directed the closure of a store that sold alcohol without a license and confiscated 196 bottles of alcohol.
KK Mart takes Legal Action against Vendor
KK Super Mart & Superstore Sdn Bhd (KK Super Mart) has initiated legal action against the vendor, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, accusing them of harming its business by providing socks featuring the 'provocative term', aiming to obtain a court declaration regarding unlawful interference with its operations.
Additionally, KK Mart seeks court orders for Xin Jian Chang and its director to compensate for incurred losses, prevent future interference, and claims RM10.5 million for brand and goodwill damage, along with RM20.3 million for the disrupted IPO process.
It also seeks aggravated damages, punitive, and exemplary damages to be determined by the court.
KK Mart Founder and Wife charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court
Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan, who is the founder and group executive chairman of KK Group, the owner of the KK Mart convenience store chain, and his wife, Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui, who serves as a director in the company, have been accused under Section 298 of the Penal Code.
The charges stem from the sale of socks bearing the word ‘Allah’ at one of KK Mart’s outlets in Selangor.
They were accused of intentionally hurting the religious sentiments of others. Both individuals were granted bail at RM10,000 each, and the case is scheduled for mention on April 29. If convicted, they could face imprisonment for up to one year, a fine, or both.
Vendor and Directors charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court
Soh Chin Huat, director of Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, his daughter and managing director Soh Hui San, along with Chin Huat's wife, Goh Li Huay, were charged under Sections 109 and 298 of the Penal Code for allegedly abetting the distribution of contentious socks to a convenience store chain.
Each of them was granted bail of RM10,000. If convicted, they could face a maximum sentence of one year in jail, a fine, or both.
Furthermore, KK Supermart and Superstore Sdn Bhd and Xin Jian Chang were separately charged as corporate entities in the same case.
This is the detailed overview of the updated developments of KK Mart's controversial socks incident.
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