Dr Akmal accepts explanation from company selling shoes with contentious logo

PETALING JAYA: Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has accepted the explanation from the company involved in the controversy over shoes with a logo said to resemble the word "Allah" in Arabic script.

Verns Holdings Sdn Bhd, in a statement Sunday (April 7), said that the logo was actually a stylised depiction of a high-heeled shoe with straps.

According to Dr Akmal, the misunderstanding had been cleared and it is not the word "Allah" in Arabic script but a logo depicting a shoe.

"The company has also halted the production of the shoes in question.

"I would like to thank the company for their explanation. This has provided relief to all Muslims," he said in a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday.

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Verns Holding had apologised in a statement Sunday evening for offending any sensitivities.

"We had no intention of creating a logo that undermines or insults any religion or belief and we are hoping to be given the opportunity to explain its design.

"Our management would like to humbly apologise to all and we are hoping for a chance to correct the oversight," read the company's statement.

ALSO READ: Jakim to question those involved in shoe controversy on Monday

According to Verns Holdings, it has taken immediate steps to cease the sales of the shoes affected and will offer refunds to customers who have purchased the shoes.

It said the logo was "100%" inspired based on the silhouette of a high-heeled shoe.

"However, we admit that there are flaws in the logo design that may result in it being misinterpreted and thereby offending others," added the company.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain told The Star earlier Sunday (April 7) that the police would look into an allegation that the word "Allah" in Arabic script had been found on the sole of a shoe.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said he had instructed Jakim to summon all relevant parties involved in the controversy to explain themselves on Monday (April 8).