Religious socks issue: KK Mart and supplier fined RM60,000, founder and wife walk free

The Shah Alam Sessions Court has reportedly fined KK Mart and one of its suppliers Xin Jian Chang RM60,000 each over the controversial "Allah" socks issue. 

This is after both companies pled guilty to amended charges for causing religious offence, reported Malaysiakini. 

Meanwhile, KK Supermart & Superstore founder and executive chairman Chai Kee Kan and his wife Loh Siew Mui are reportedly walking free from criminal charges in the same case. 

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An acquittal was also reportedly granted to Chai, Loh and three company directors. 

On 26 March, Chai and Loh claimed trial on the charge of intentionally hurting the religious feelings of others. The charge was framed under Section 298 of the Penal Code. If convicted, it would result in imprisonment up to a year, a fine or both. 

Supplier Xin Jian Chang directors Soh Chin Huat, Goh Li Huay and Soh Hui San reportedly faced a charge of conspiring to intentionally wound the religious sensitivities of Muslims. 

The trio were charged under Section 109 of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence not exceeding a year, a fine or both. 

KK Mart first drew ire on 18 March after images of the socks featuring the word "Allah" went viral on 13 March. In response to the incident, KK Super 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. 

Despite its apology, calls for a boycott came its way, with UMNO Youth chief Akmal Saleh claiming it as a way to "defend Islam against insult." 

A month later, Chai met with the King of Malaysia to apologise for the controversy caused by the sale of the socks. 

In a social media post by the King, Chai had asked for forgiveness from the King, as well as from Muslims who were offended by the socks. 

The King decreed that all parties, including KK Mart, must be more careful with the products they sell, especially imported goods, to avoid any recurrences of the issue.

He also warned parties against taking advantage of the incident, including inciting the people, adding that he does not want the issue to be prolonged any further.

Chai and Loh then submitted their representation to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) in end April. 

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