By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Mar 22 — The Selangor government will conduct checks at business premises in the state, particularly KK Mart stores, to ensure there are no more elements of insulting Islam within their operations.
This comes on the back of the recent controversy surrounding the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah” at KK Mart’s Bandar Sunway branch in Petaling Jaya.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said he held a discussion with state executive councillor for Islam Dr Fahmi Ngah yesterday about intensifying checks statewide following the incident.
“KK Mart has to prove they’re clean. Concurrently, we will conduct spot checks and if there are any other such stocks available, action will be taken.
“This serves as a warning to other businesses as well. They must exercise caution and avoid oversight.
“I hope there won’t be any arbitrary actions without considering the sensitivity of Malaysians,” he told reporters after the Mahabbah Ramadan Madani ceremony with state civil servants at the State Secretariat Building, here, today.
Earlier in his speech, Amirudin said the state government is focused on ensuring that there are no more elements of insulting Islam within business operations in Selangor.
He said enforcement and inspection is necessary as there is a possibility that similar insensitive products are being sold elsewhere too despite KK Mart’s main factory being located in Batu Pahat, Johor.
The Menteri Besar also reminded that while the controversy has touched on the sensitivity of Muslims, they should not retaliate by way of insulting other religions or inciting racial tension.
“I don’t want to hear calls to burn down or demolish (stores). If you want to boycott, that’s up to you. Yes, the issue has disappointed us, but we mustn’t respond by going berserk and causing anxiety.
“If the issue concerns the socks, then we address it by banning their sales. This is our commitment,” he said.
Last week, videos and photos of the socks being sold at the convenience store went viral, stirring anger among Muslims and drawing criticism from various parties.
Over 80 police reports have been lodged to date, with the police also having recorded statements from several individuals, including the owner and founder of KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd (KK Mart) Datuk Seri KK Chai.
Chai had issued a public apology over the incident on March 16.
Meanwhile, the Batu Pahat Municipal Council (MPBP) has revoked the business licence of the vendor that supplied KK Mart with the controversial socks.
