Malaysian retailer charged for selling ‘Allah’ socks

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – A Malaysian court has handed down charges against a retail chain and supplier after it put socks emblazoned with the word “Allah” on sale.

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

Two executives from the KK Super Mart convenience store chain – 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.