Malaysian retailer, supplier charged for selling ‘Allah’ socks

 *Sale of socks during the holy month of Ramadan prompted outrage among Muslims who regard the product as insulting.

 AL JAZEERA NEWS

  

A customer walks out from KK Mart convenience store in the Puchong area on the outskirts of of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 A Malaysian court has handed down charges against a retail chain and supplier after it put socks emblazoned with the word “Allah” on sale.

Eight people were charged on Tuesday with hurting religious feelings after photos of the offending articles of clothing caused outrage on social media.

 Five executives from the KK Super Mart convenience store chain, including CEO Chai Kee Kan and his wife, Loh Siew Mui, who serves as a company director, were charged with “deliberately intending to hurt … religious feelings”, according to the charge sheet.

Three representatives from supplier Xin Jian Chang were also charged. KK Super Mart is suing the supplier for “sabotage” over losses and damage to the chain’s reputation.

All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, they face up to a year in jail, a fine, or both penalties combined.

Religion is a sensitive issue in the Muslim-majority nation. The sale of the socks, which amounted to just 14 pairs, according to KK Super Mart, during the holy month of Ramadan prompted particular outrage among fasting Muslims.

The case has even drawn a rare royal rebuke from Malaysia’s king, who called for an investigation and “strict action” against any party found guilty.