Cops Confirm Probing Into Kk Mart Socks Controversy

---

Police have confirmed the opening of two investigation papers on the sale of socks bearing the word Allah in KK Mart.
A total of 42 police reports have been received from across the country related to this issue, said the Criminal Investigation Department director Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain in a statement today.
He said the case is being investigated by Bukit Aman’s Special Crime Investigation Unit, Prosecution/Legal Division (D5) under Section 298A of the Penal Code for causing disharmony, disunity, or enmity on religious grounds, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper network facility use or service.
“The case is still under investigation. PDRM advises the public not to speculate in a way that could disrupt the investigation process.
“PDRM also reminds the public to be mindful and considerate towards sensitive issues, especially those involving public concern and national security through social media,” he added.
Cops confirm socks no longer available
Earlier, Deputy Home Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the ministry is investigating KK Mart, despite the convenience store chain already issuing an apology.
He said the police have inspected KK Mart premises nationwide and found that the socks were no longer available.
Deputy Home Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah“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“The inspection results showed that KK Mart had withdrawn the socks from all its branches nationwide.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.
‘Public alarm and concern’
During the oral question session today, Shamsul said they are probing into the matter because it has caused public alarm and concern.
He was responding to a question from BN’s Paya Besar MP Mohd Shahar Abdullah, who wanted to know what actions the Home Ministry had taken to address the incident that has hurt the feelings of the Muslim community.
Shamsul 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.
- Mkini

---