Malaysia mini-mart executives charged over ‘Allah’ socks

All five executives pleaded not guilty to the charges and face a maximum jail term of one year or a fine, or both, on conviction

The case had drawn a rare royal rebuke from Malaysia’s king who called for an investigation and “strict action” against any party found guilty

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A customer walk out from KK Mart convenience store in Puchong area on the outskirts of of Kuala Lumpur. KK Super Mart and its supplier has apologised for the socks. Photo: AP

Published: 4:56pm, 26 Mar 2024

A Malaysian court charged five executives from a mini-mart chain and its supplier with hurting religious feelings on Tuesday after several pairs of socks emblazoned with the word “Allah” were put on sale in one of its stores.

The case had drawn a rare royal rebuke from Malaysia’s king, who called for an investigation and “strict action” against any party found guilty.

Photos of the socks spread on social media, sparking public outrage as some Muslims regarded them to be insulting, especially as their sale took place during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Chai Kee Kan, 57, CEO of local chain KK Super Mart, and his wife who serves as a company director, were charged with “deliberately intending to hurt religious feelings” in the Muslim-majority nation, according to a charge sheet seen by reporters.

Three officials from supplier Xin Jian Chang were charged with abetting the alleged crime.

All pleaded not guilty to the charges and face a maximum jail term of one year or a fine, or both, on conviction.

KK Super Mart has apologised for the socks, saying it viewed the matter “seriously” and had taken action to stop sales immediately.