A Malaysian court on Tuesday charged five executives of a convenience store chain and their supplier with hurting religious sentiments after several pairs of socks bearing the word
"Allah"
were put up for sale in one of its stores.
The affair sparked a rare rebuke from the King of Malaysia, who called for an investigation and the adoption of
“strict measures”
against the guilty parties.
Photos of the socks spread on social networks, sparking public outrage, with some Muslims considering them insulting, especially since their sale took place during the month of Ramadan.
Chai Kee Kan, 57, general manager of local chain KK Super Mart, and his wife, a director of the company, were charged with
"deliberate intent to hurt religious sentiments"
in the predominantly Muslim country, according to a court filing. accusation consulted by AFP.
Religion, a sensitive issue in Malaysia
Three managers of the supplier Xin Jian Chang were accused of complicity.
All have pleaded not guilty and face a maximum prison term of one year as well as a fine, if convicted.
The five people were released on bail.
Deputy Prosecutor Masri Mohamad Daud told reporters that the next hearing would take place on April 29.
KK Super Mart apologized for the socks, saying it had taken steps to remove them from sale immediately.
Supplier Xin Jian Chang also expressed contrition, saying the
“problematic socks were part of a larger batch of 18,800 pairs ordered”
from a China-based company.
He said
“only five pairs of socks”
had the word sensitive on them.
Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, where Muslims make up more than two-thirds of the country's 34 million people.
Religion is a sensitive issue in the country which experienced deadly race riots in 1969. Last week, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar reminded Malaysians to ensure social harmony by refraining from discussing issues sensitive issues related to religion, race and royalty.