Govt must take action against anyone insulting Islam, says PAS about sock incident

The Parti Islam Se-Malaysia Pusat (PAS) reportedly wants the government to take stern action against those who insult Islam. He comments come on the heels of an incident where KK Mart was flamed for selling socks with the name "Allah" printed on it.

According to media reports, PAS consumer affairs committee chairman Khairil Nizam Khirudin said such insults provoke anger among Malaysian Muslim.

Don't miss: MY beauty brand blurs actress' face in ad after controversy with SG actor 

This is particularly during Ramadan, as the word "Allah" holds the utmost significance to the Malaysian Muslims. 

Khairil reportedly added that PAS does not want it to be a continuing trend where the sanctity of Islam is mocked and followed only by apologies.

He reportedly added that other similar incidents can occur if no firm action is taken against parties involved. 

The consumer affairs committee chairman also reportedly said that the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and the Islamic Development Malaysia Department (Jakim) must work together to tighten provisions in the Trade Descriptions Act 2011. The act is related to the sale of goods involving the sensitivity of Islam in Malaysia. 

Yesterday, KK Mart issued a statement on Facebook apologising for selling the offensive socks. It said that it regretted the incident and that it has since been in touch with its vendor for further clarification.  

KK Super Mart founder Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai also reportedly issued a verbal apology at a press conference over the weekend. He said that product management of the socks were done by a vendor through a space rental system at its convenience stores and without the supervision of KK Super Mart employees.

Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Malaysia's Religious Affairs minister, has since said that KK Mart and its vendors must learn from this and that this is a very sensitive issue particularly because it happened in the month of Ramadan, according to The Star. 

Meanwhile, Home Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the Home Ministry will continue its probe into the sale of socks bearing the word "Allah" at KK Super Mart convenience stores, despite the clarification and apology issued by KK Mart following the blunder.

"Even though an apology has been issued by KK Mart and the vendor involved, the Home Ministry will continue with investigations to tackle this issue, which ignited widespread concern and unease among the public," said Shamsul. 

"If found guilty, the relevant party could face a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment for no more than three years, or both." 

Join us this coming 24 - 25 April for #Content360, a two-day extravaganza centered around four core thematic pillars: Explore with AI; Insight-powered strategies; Content as an experience; and Embrace the future. Immerse yourself in learning to curate content with creativity, critical thinking, and confidence with us at Content360!

Related articles: 
KK Mart draws ire after controversial sock issue, Religious Affairs minister steps in 
FamilyMart MY brand sentiments plummet following calls for boycott over Israel links  
How Zara's apology for its controversial campaign 'gaslit' consumers