KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, has expressed anger over the recent issue involving the sale of socks bearing the word ‘Allah’ at a convenience store chain.
The sovereign instructed the authorities today to take the sternest action against those found guilty over the matter.
In a Facebook post, His Majesty said the word Allah is highly revered in the hearts of Muslims and should not be subject to matters which could provoke anger, especially during the fasting month of Ramadan.
“Whether it was intentional or not, whether it was imported or produced locally, I want enforcement agencies to investigate and take the sternest action according to existing laws so such incidents will not recur,” said the King.
Sultan Ibrahim also said it is unbelievable for a company whose employees consist mostly of Malaysian citizens to be unaware of such matters.
Citing the royal address during the opening ceremony of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament last month, the King said that all levels of society have been reminded not to play with sensitive issues involving religion, race, and royalty.
“I have just admonished and reminded everyone about the importance of unity and mutual respect among the multiethnic society in the country in my maiden royal address in Parliament, yet this issue arises.
“We have been living in a pluralistic country for so long. Blunders involving race and religion like this are neither acceptable nor allowed to happen again,” said His Majesty.
Last week, videos and photos of the socks being sold at a convenience store in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, went viral, stirring anger among Muslims and drawing criticism from all parties, with some even calling for the convenience store chain to be boycotted, despite the apology offered by those involved.
Police confirmed receiving 42 reports and have opened two investigation papers on the issue so far.
— Bernama
