Police to call up KK Super Mart reps

KUALA LUMPUR: The police will summon representatives from KK Super Mart and several other individuals to assist in the investigation into the recent sale of socks bearing the word “Allah”.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said that all the individuals involved would be called up to give their statements sometime this week.

He said the investigation is being conducted under Section 298A of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

A total of 42 police reports have been lodged involving the case, according to Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.

He said two investigation papers have been opened in connection with the case.

“Officers from the department’s Special Investigation Unit and Legal Division are investigating the case.

“The case is classified under Section 298A of the Penal Code for causing disharmony, disunity, or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion.

“We are also investigating under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for misusing network facilities,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Comm Mohd Shuhaily reminded the public not to speculate on the case as it is still under investigation.

“We also hope the public is aware and concerned about sensitive issues, especially matters that could cause public distress and involve national security,” he said.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said despite the public apology by the convenience store chain for inadvertently selling the socks, the police probe will continue.

The Deputy Home Minister told Parliament that the investigation will cover the distributor and vendors involved in the matter for allegedly inciting public outrage and uproar.

“If found guilty, the parties involved may be subject to a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both,” he said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar) during the ministry’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Mohd Shahar had asked the Home Ministry to state the actions taken to put a stop to sales of socks with the word “Allah” at KK Super Mart outlets.

According to Shamsul Anuar, the case is being monitored by the police and the ministry to ensure that such an incident will not happen again.

Based on police investigation, all the socks have been removed from KK Super Mart outlets, he said, following a check at all of its premises nationwide.

In a related development, a PKR Youth wing member has called for all Malaysians to stay away from taking part in actions that could cause disunity and tension.

Ashraf Hadi said no parties should act unilaterally and carelessly, adding their actions should not violate existing laws.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure peace and harmony,” he added.

On Sunday, political leaders, individuals and groups called for understanding and closure to the issue.

They urged for cooler heads to prevail, saying the episode should serve as a lesson to all to be more careful in dealing with religious sensitivities.