Swift action: Razarudin (second from right) speaking during a press conference at Pulapol in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Having seized over 1,000 pairs of shoes from Vern’s Holding, the police will call up the company’s management as part of the investigation into the use of the word “Allah” on the sole of the shoes.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the Criminal Investigation Department would work together with the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) on the case.
“No arrest has been made yet but a total of 1,145 pairs of shoes have been seized in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kedah.
“Investigations are ongoing. We want to determine if there is an offence in relation to the logo of the shoes,” he told reporters yesterday.
As of 7pm on Sunday, eight police reports have been lodged on the matter.
Razarudin said investigations would include recording statements from the top management of the shoe company.
“The Jakim’s report is another important aspect that we will look into,” he said.
Following a viral post alleging the word “Allah” was used in the logo of the shoes that was printed on its sole, the company clarified that the graphic is actually a stylised high-heeled shoe with straps.
Vern’s Holding also apologised for offending any sensitivities, especially that of Muslims.
“We had no intention of designing a logo that undermines or insults any religion or belief.
“It was 100% based on the silhouette of a high-heeled shoe with straps.
“However, we admit that there are flaws in the logo design that may result in it being misinterpreted,” it said in a statement.
Separately, Jakim said further investigation is needed to determine if the contentious shoe logo had any intentional element.
“Jakim fully supports police action to conduct further investigations.
“If there are any deliberate elements in the logo, appropriate action must be taken based on laws in the country,” it said in a statement.
Jakim also said the founder of the shoe company was called in for a meeting at its headquarters in Putrajaya yesterday.
The meeting, Jakim said, was to investigate the matter while seeking an explanation, including steps which the company should take to avoid a repeat of the incident.
“Vern’s Holding had given an explanation on the matter and apologised.
“The company had taken drastic steps to immediately withdraw the product in question from more than 70 branches throughout the country, including Sabah and Sarawak,” it said.
Jakim said it took a serious view on the matter and advised Vern’s Holding and those involved in the sales of products not to repeat such incident in future.
“We advise all parties not to raise issues that touches on 3R (race, religion and royalty) which could give rise to tension that could threaten harmony,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reminded the public not to upload, share or spread social media content that touches on 3R, Bernama reported.
“Anyone with information regarding a shoe logo from a local company, which allegedly resembles the word ‘Allah’, should report it to the authorities, including the police or the commission via the link https://aduan.mcmc.gov.my, for further action.
“MCMC will not hesitate to take action under the Communications and Multimedia Act against any party attempting to take advantage of the issue by making posts or comments that could incite tension among the races.
“All parties must give space to Jakim and the authorities to conduct investigations into the allegation,” it said in a statement.
