Jakim: Further police investigation needed in shoe logo case

PETALING JAYA: Further police investigation is needed to determine if there is any intentional element in the shoe logo that allegedly resembles the word "Allah" in Arabic script, says the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

"Jakim fully supports the police's action to conduct further investigations. If there is any element that is deliberate, appropriate action must be taken based on the laws in this country," it said in a statement on Monday (April 8).

Jakim then said that the founder of shoe company Vern’s Holding Sdn Bhd, Datuk Ng Chuan Hoo was called in for a meeting at the department's headquarters in Putrajaya on Monday.

It said that the meeting is to investigate the matter while seeking an explanation from Ng, including steps which the company should take to avoid a repeat of the incident.

"Vern's Holding explained the true situation with regard to the issue and apologised.

"The company has taken drastic steps to immediately withdraw the product in question from more than 70 branches throughout the country including Sabah and Sarawak," said Jakim.

Jakim then added that it views the matter seriously and advised Vern's Holdings and all involved in the sales of products not to repeat a similar case in the future.

The department added that this includes producers, manufacturers, suppliers and importers who should pay serious attention to sensitive issues involving religion to ensure the harmony in the country.

Jakim also advises all parties not to raise issues that touch on 3R (religion, royalty and race) which could give rise to tensions that could threaten harmony.

The department said that the matter should now be left to the police to investigate.

The issue of the shoes arose following a three-minute video that had gone viral on social media in which a man claimed that the shoes he purchased displayed a logo believed to resemble the word "Allah”.

Following this, Vern’s Holding apologised in a statement on Sunday (April 7) evening for offending any sensitivities, clarifying that the graphic is actually a stylised high-heeled shoe with straps.

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

As of 7pm on Sunday (April 7), eight police reports had been lodged on the matter.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said that the police will be working together with Jakim on the matter.

Earlier today, police seized a total of 1,145 pairs of shoes in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kedah.

No arrests were made.