Authorities to coordinate response to Vern's controversial shoe logo, over 1145 pairs seized

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The Prime Minister's Department (religious affairs) will be meeting the relevant authorities soon to coordinate their actions in addressing the issue of a Vern's Holding shoe logo which allegedly resembled the word 'Allah'.

The relevant authorities include the State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIN), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

According to Bernama, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said that safeguarding the sanctity of Islam and the well-being of the Muslim community is the department's primary commitment.

He reportedly added that the department will not compromise with any party that have done things that insult Islam.

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In addition, he reportedly said that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has been instructed to provide full cooperation to PDRM in completing the investigation.

Na'im also reportedly advised all parties to remain calm and not to take any rash steps that violate the laws, as well as to uphold morals and behaviours so that harmony and unity in the country are always preserved.

The MCMC has also released a statement on Facebook urging any party with information regarding the shoe logos to report to the PDRM.

It added that the MCMC will not hesitate to take action under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 if any party tries to take advantage of the issue and cause tension between races.

The statement also requested that all parties give space to JAKIM and the authorities to investigate the allegations. The public were also reminded to not upload, share or spread social media content that touches on the sensitivity of the 3Rs (race, royalty, religion).

Currently, 1,145 pairs of shoes have been seized by the police. At a press conference, inspector-general of police Razarudin Husain reportedly said that the seizures were made in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kedah.

He reportedly added that the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department would check with JAKIM to determine whether the logo resembles the word 'Allah', according to Bernama.

According to the inspector-general, no arrests have been made so far. Meanwhile, the police will call up the shoe seller and company for a statement and will wait for a report from JAKIM.

In tandem, Vern's Holding and JAKIM reportedly had a meeting over the issue. Its founder Ng Chuan Hoo reportedly said that he would cooperate fully with the authorities as part of the probe into the logo.

The issue first came to light when Umno Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh reportedly said that he received a Facebook message from an unnamed individual regarding a shoe that was found in a local shoe shop.

Vern's Holding has since released an apology for having the logo and that it had no intention of coming up with a logo design aimed at disparaging or insulting any religion or belief.

Additionally, Vern's Holding said that it has immediately stopped the sale of the shoes and said that it is prepared to refund customers who have already purchased the items.

Saleh has accepted the apology in a statement, saying that the misunderstanding has been revealed that it is not the word of 'Allah', but is the logo of high heels shoes.

He also thanked the company for the explanation that provided relief to all Muslims.

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