FOUNDER and executive chairman of KK Mart Group, Datuk Seri Dr Chai Kee Kan, 57, today pleaded not guilty at the Shah Alam Sessions Court for intentionally wounding the religious feelings of others by selling socks bearing the word “Allah”.
He said he understood the charge under Section 298 of the Penal Code read out to him before Judge Muhamad Anas Mahadzir.
The section provides for imprisonment of up to one year, a fine, or both, upon conviction.
They were both allowed to post bail of RM10,000 each, and the case has been fixed for mention on April 29.
Also charged with the same offence was his wife, Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui, who is the company director. She too pleaded not guilty.
On March 16, Chai made a public apology for the mistake made in his 23 years in the business, saying he could not accept the sales of socks bearing the word 'Allah'.
It was earlier reported that KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd filed a lawsuit against Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd and its director Soh Chin Huat yesterday over an alleged breach of contract and sabotage after the company was supplied with socks bearing the word “Allah” without its knowledge.
KK Supermart filed the lawsuit through Messrs David Gurupatham & Koay at the Shah Alam High Court, naming Soh and his company as the first and second defendants.
Based on the plaintiff’s record, the defendant had placed the socks at the premises without being supervised by the store’s workers as only a cashier was on duty and alleged that the defendant had deliberately sabotaged its business and destroyed its reputation, which resulted in a boycott and negative comments from the public. - The Vibes, March 26, 2024
