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KK Supermart, a longstanding Malaysian local mini mart, has found itself in hot water after socks bearing the word “Allah” were found stocked on their shelves.
Although only 14 pairs were found across 3 of their 881 outlets, it was more than sufficient to stir an uproar across the country.
The Muslim community found it deeply disrespectful and a blatant mockery of Islam, resulting in a boycott movement against KK Mart outlets.
An apology was swiftly issued by KK Mart
KK Super Mart chairman and founder Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai has apologised over the sale of the controversial socks, explaining that it was an honest oversight on their part.
“The company does not have any intention to disrupt public harmony. I humbly apologise to all Malaysians, especially those from the Muslim faith,” Chai said during a tearful apology in a press statement on 15 March.
The vendor, Xin Jiang Chang Sdn Bhd, also apologised, stating that these products were imported from China and that they were unaware of the print on the socks.
Based on the current facts, KK Mart may not have malicious intent to offend the Muslim community, but rather the issue could be due to negligence in quality control and inspecting stock.
Umno Youth chief calls for “stronger” apology
Image via NSTP Pic by Sadiq Sani
However, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhammad Akmal remained unconvinced and called for a “stronger apology” from KK Mart, adding that more drastic actions will be taken if they do not.
“We want to call on all Malaysians to teach them a lesson,” he said, adding that the incident was unacceptable and that it had crossed the line. The Umno Youth chief then demanded for apology banners at all 881 KK Super Mart outlets nationwide.
Former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has hit back at the Umno Youth chief over the demands, describing them as a “bullying and humiliating tactic”.
“What gains or motives would a supermarket chain have to use the word Allah deliberately in a small part of its stock? It makes no sense that the store wants to humiliate Muslims,” Zaid shared on his X profile.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has gone on the record and said, “There are those that say to not be overly sensitive with the issue of Allah being printed on socks but this can’t be left on its own.”
“Allah is our Creator and the act of putting Allah on our feet is a huge insult that Muslims can’t ignore.”
Impact of a boycott on Malaysia’s economy
Citizens are divided on whether they should resort to boycotting KK Mart, with some supporting the notion, saying the ‘“power of boycott” has put fear in business owners, which can only be good for weeding out bad business practices.
“Boycott ni dah bagi scary moments to all business owner,” said netizen @veera (“The boycott is giving scary moments to all business owners.”)
However, naysayers have pointed out that this boycott could worsen our already struggling Malaysian economy.
One netizen pointed out, “Too many are embracing the hate of boycott, boycott, boycott. Then we complain (that the) ringgit is so low. Why? Because we sabotage ourselves lah.”
While one can see why Malaysians are upset over this issue, the sad truth is that it affects the livelihood of many others. When businesses face a loss, they begin laying off employees to make up for said losses, which in turn have an effect on the employment of many innocent Malaysians who were uninvolved.
“Boycotting will only dampen homegrown brands, while international brands like Shopee and Shein will continue to grow,” one commenter expressed.
Another commenter said, “As a Muslim, I think KK Mart should be forgiven, I think they are sincere in their apology.”
Investigations are underway by the Home Ministry
The Home Ministry will continue its investigation into convenience store chain KK Mart despite the store’s apology on the matter, Deputy Home Minister (KDN) Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said.
“If found guilty, the relevant parties may be punished with a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both,” he told Parliament on 18 March 2024.
MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said this incident serves as a good lesson to Malaysia’s diverse society.
“People should remain sensitive to religious and racial issues in their daily lives, accepting each other’s differences based on the principle of mutual respect, thus embodying the spirit of diversity and moderation in our multicultural society,” said Tan.
What do you think?
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