Police open investigation paper on sale of ‘Allah’ socks

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have opened an investigation paper on the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah” at KK Mart in Bandar Sunway, following social media reports since March 13, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.

Shamsul Anuar said the investigation is being conducted under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which if convicted individuals could face fines of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment for a maximum of three years, or both.

“To date, 36 police reports have been filed expressing dissatisfaction over the issue and ongoing investigations are being conducted against both the management and the vendors involved to ensure these socks are not available nationwide.

“Despite the apologies from KK Mart and the vendors, we will continue to investigate due to the public outrage and concern sparked by this issue,” he said during question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat Monday.

He said this in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar) on the ministry’s actions following the sale of the socks at KK Mart Bandar Sunway.

At the same time, Shamsul Anuar confirmed the cessation of sales of the socks at all KK Mart outlets nationwide.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the police will summon representatives from KK Super Mart and several other individuals to assist in the investigation.

He confirmed that all the individuals involved would be called up to give their statements sometime this week.

The investigation is being conducted under Section 298A of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Meanwhile, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, in a statement, said police have opened two investigation papers related to the issue.

He said police have received 42 reports over the issue nationwide and the case is being investigated by Bukit Aman D5 Classified CID Unit, Prosecution and Legal Division.

“The case is currently under investigation. We urge the public not to speculate, as it may disrupt the investigation process. They must also be cautious and sensitive, especially regarding issues involving public concerns and national security, especially on social media,” he said.

In KLUANG, Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said a factory in Batu Pahat is under investigation for producing socks bearing the word ‘Allah’.

“The state government trusts the authorities will fulfill their duties and hopes that all parties, especially Muslims, will remain calm while the matter is being investigated.

“If our enforcement agencies are required for raids or joint operations, we will take appropriate action and mobilise the relevant agencies,” he told reporters after the announcement of the Sijil Menengah Rendah Agama (SMA) examination results here Monday. — Bernama