KK Mart, vendor issue public apology for controversial socks on store shelves

PETALING JAYA: The convenience store chain that had socks with “Allah” on them for sale on its shelves and the vendor involved have made a public apology, saying that the goods were sold on a consignment basis.

“The company does not have any intention to disrupt public harmony.

“As such I humbly apologise to all Malaysians, especially those from the Muslim faith,” said KK Super Mart founder Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai.

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He said product management of the product concerned was done entirely by the vendor via a space rental system at its convenience stores without the supervision of KK Super Mart employees, reported Sinar Harian on Saturday (March 16).

Chai said inspections were carried out at 800 of its branches nationwide and only three outlets carried the socks and 14 pairs had the word on them.

“A police report was lodged at the Sungai Besi police station on Thursday (March 14),” he said, adding they were fully cooperating with relevant authorities.

“In addition, explanatory letters to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Home Ministry, Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) and the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) have also been prepared.

Chai said this at a press conference at Menara KK on Saturday (March 16) to explain the issue.

Also present was Soh Chin Huat, the owner of the vendor company Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd.

“The socks were imported from China and were among sacks containing 1,200 pairs each of different designs, so I overlooked and did not do a full inspection of each item.

“The incident has opened my eyes to be more careful when bringing in products from abroad and I apologise for this,” said Soh.