POLICE have confiscated 1,145 shoes from Vern's Holdings Sdn Bhd following allegations that the brand logo imprinted on the soles resembled the word “Allah”.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the shoes were seized from shops in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, and Kedah.
No arrests were made, he added.
The cops took action even though the shoemaker had explained yesterday that its logo is not a word but the stylised drawing of a
shoe.
"The Criminal Investigation Department will work with the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to determine whether (the logo) is a shoe design or khat symbolising the word ‘Allah'.
"There has also been no arrests yet. We want to confirm the offence first," he said in a press conference today.
The top cop said that they will be calling up the seller or manufacturer to aid in the investigation.
Yesterday, Vern’s Holding said the logo on the soles of its footwear was in fact a stylised heel.
In a statement, Vern’s Holding said the logo was not intended to insult any religion.
“The logo is 100% inspired by the silhouette of straps attached with a high heel.
“We acknowledge that there are shortcomings in the logo’s design that could lead to misinterpretation, thereby offending the feelings of many parties.
“The management humbly apologises to all and hopes for kindness to be given space to rectify the mistake,” it said in the statement.
The company said it has taken immediate steps to cease the sale of the shoes and is prepared to refund customers who have purchased them.
Also yesterday, religious affairs minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said he had instructed Jakim to look into the claims.
He also called for all parties to remain calm and give time for Jakim and the authorities to investigate the matter.
The case follows the KK Mart socks affair, in which the items bearing the word “Allah” led to a public outcry and boycott calls. Three of the convenience stores were bombed. – April 8, 2024.
