Probe of socks issue wrapped up, awaiting AG's instructions, says CID chief

KUALA LUMPUR: The investigation of the socks controversy involving convenience store chain KK Super Mart has been completed, says CID director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.

The investigation paper (IP) has been submitted to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC), he said on Friday (March 22).

"We are waiting for further instructions from the AGC," he told a press conference at Bukit Aman here.

Comm Mohd Shuhaily said police have recommended for KK Super Mart and the socks' vendor to be prosecuted but are still waiting for instructions from the AGC.

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Comm Mohd Shuhaily said police opened four IPs after 143 police reports on the issue were lodged nationwide.

"Three IPs have been completed with the perpetrators prosecuted.

"Only the IP involving KK Super Mart and the socks' vendor is still pending," he said.

In the course of the investigations, a total of 174 statements have been recorded, mostly from KK Super Mart personnel and management, he said.

"Overall, KK Super Mart ordered 18,000 pairs of socks and 14 pairs had the word 'Allah' printed on them.

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"The socks were ordered last month and distributed in early March.

"On March 13, it was found that some of the socks had the word 'Allah' printed on them," he added.

He urged anyone who purchased the socks concerned to come forward and hand them over to the police.

"(This is) so that we can identify other outlets or shops selling such socks.

"Refrain from recording a video or spreading it on social media," he said.

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It was previously reported that officers from the CID Special Investigation Unit and Legal Division were investigating the case 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".

Police are also investigating the matter under Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 for misusing network facilities.