KUALA LUMPUR – Vern’s Holding Sdn Bhd has recalled its high-heeled shoes that parked controversy due to markings on the sole resembling the word “Allah” in Arabic script from over 70 of its outlets nationwide, including Sabah and Sarawak.
In saying this, Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff also added that the company clarified the circumstances surrounding the issue and extended its apologies over the matter.
“As the religious affairs minister had instructed, Jakim held a meeting today with Vern’s Holding Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Seri Ng Chuan Hoo.
“The meeting was held to investigate and ask for an explanation regarding the matter as well as to discuss the company’s measures to prevent similar issues in the future,” she said in a statement.
Earlier, Ng, who was met by reporters after giving a statement to Jakim at its headquarters, apologised profusely and vowed not to make similar mistakes in the future.
“Even though this issue is a misunderstanding, I understand that Muslims are unhappy because their feelings have been hurt.
“I apologise. I will take this as a lesson (to) be more sensitive and careful in the future,” Ng, who referred to himself as Ah Foo, was quoted as saying by Buletin TV3.
Yesterday, a Facebook video of a man claiming that a high-heel shoe from Vern’s had an inscription said to resemble the word “Allah” on its sole made rounds on social media, inciting the ire of certain quarters.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar had subsequently instructed Jakim to summon those responsible for the shoes to provide their explanation on the matter.
Hakimah also said that the department fully supports the police in investigating the matter.
“If it is found that the logo was deliberately stamped on the shoes produced by the company, appropriate action must be taken according to the country’s laws.
“Jakim does not want such cases to occur again, whether it’s Vern’s or any other parties involved in product sales,” she added.
All entrepreneurs, manufacturers, suppliers, and importers are also urged to consistently check and pay serious attention to sensitive issues involving religion and race. Hakimah stressed that this is important to maintain the harmony and wellbeing of the people in the country.
“At the same time, all parties are advised against raising issues that touch upon the sensitive aspects of race, religion, and royalty (3R), as these can potentially create tensions and disrupt harmony,” she added.
She also said that this issue should be left to the police now that they have opened an investigation into the matter.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain told Scoop yesterday that police had opened an investigation paper on the issue after several reports were made nationwide about the post.
He also told a press conference today that authorities have seized a total of 1,145 pairs of shoes from Vern’s outlets in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kedah.
In a statement yesterday, Vern’s also apologised over the logo and clarified that its design was inspired by the silhouette of a high-heeled shoe.
Stressing that it never intended to disrespect or undermine any religion or belief, the company also said that it has ceased the sale of the affected products while offering refunds to customers.
The controversy followed a furore last month over socks printed with the word “Allah” on the shelves in the KK Mart convenience store chain. – April 8, 2024