Socks controversy: Home Ministry probing KK Mart, vendor

Socks controversy: Home Ministry probing KK Mart, vendor

Published: Mar 18, 2024 1:27 PM


PARLIAMENT | The Home Ministry is investigating KK Mart following the sale of socks bearing the word Allah, despite the convenience store chain already issuing an apology.

Deputy Home Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the police have inspected KK Mart premises nationwide and found that the socks were no longer available.

"The Home Ministry takes this issue seriously and enforcement actions were taken by conducting inspections at all KK Marts nationwide.

"The inspection results showed that KK Mart had withdrawn the socks from all its branches nationwide.

"Nevertheless, we are conducting further investigations into the management and also the vendor involved to ensure that these socks are no longer available in the market," he told the Dewan Rakyat.

Police initially said it was not investigating the sale of the socks as no police reports were received over the matter at the time.

During the oral question session today, Shamsul (above) said they are investigating because the issue has caused public alarm and concern.

He was responding to a question from Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar) who wanted to know what actions the Home Ministry had taken to address the incident that has hurt the feelings of the Muslim community.

He said the parties involved could be fined up to RM20,000 or face imprisonment for not more than three years, or both.

"The police have also received 36 police reports regarding dissatisfaction with the sale of the socks at KK Mart in Bandar Sunway, Selangor," he added.

Last Wednesday, the convenience store chain apologised following a viral video of the Miranosock socks with the word Allah being sold there.

"To all KK Mart customers and the Muslim community in particular, KK Mart would like to apologise for the mistake in the sale of Miranosock branded socks at our branch in Bandar Sunway today.

"We regret and take this incident seriously. Immediate action has been taken to stop the sale of these socks," it said in a statement.