Fresh ‘Allah’ row erupts in Malaysia over shoes featuring Arabic-like logo

Vern’s Holdings apologised for a logo on the soles of high-heeled shoes that some said resembled the Arabic writing for the word God

The controversy followed a furore last month over socks printed with the word ‘Allah’ seen for sale in a large Malaysian convenience store chain

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Published: 2:02pm, 8 Apr 2024Updated: 2:11pm, 8 Apr 2024

A Malaysian shoe company has apologised and stopped selling some of its footwear after some Muslims said the logo resembled the Arabic writing for the word God.

Vern’s Holdings said the logo stamped on the soles of some high-heeled shoes depicted the silhouette of a stiletto heel with an ankle spiral wrap. It acknowledged, however, that shortcomings in the design may have led to the logo being misinterpreted. It said it acted immediately to stop sales of the shoes and issue refunds to customers who bought them.

“We have absolutely no intention of designing a logo aimed at belittling or insulting any religion or belief,” Vern’s said in the statement posted on social media. “The management would like to humbly apologise and seek forgiveness. We hope for compassion so we can rectify this mistake.”

The controversy followed a furore last month over socks printed with the word “Allah” seen for sale on the shelves of a large Malaysian convenience store chain. The owners of KK Mart and representatives from one of its suppliers were charged March 26 with offending the religious feelings of Muslims, and some stores were hit with small petrol bombs. No injuries were reported.

Religion is a sensitive issue in Malaysia, where Muslims account for two-thirds of a population of 34 million, with large ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities. “Allah”, the Arabic word for God, is sacrosanct to Malaysian Muslims and many found it offensive to associate the word with feet.

The matter came to light after critical social media posts highlighted the logo’s resemblance. Religious authorities and police have said they were investigating the matter after receiving complaints from the public.

A KK Super Mart convenience store in Malaysia. The company said it was sent the offending socks by its supplier and had not agreed to stock them. Photo: Shutterstock

Meanwhile, tensions have remained over the earlier case. KK Mart Group, the country’s second-large chain of convenience stores, has said the supplier sent items the company had not agreed to stock. The supply company founder has said the socks were imported from China as part of a large shipment and apologised for being careless in their inspection.

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