KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry will continue its probe into the sale of socks bearing the word "Allah" at KK Super Mart convenience stores, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
This, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, was despite the clarification and apology issued by KK Mart Group following the blunder.
"The ministry will continue to probe the operator of the convenience store chain and the vendor involved, following the sale of socks which ignited widespread worry and unease among the public.
"If found guilty, the relevant party could face a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment for no more than three years, or both," he said in reply to an additional question from Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar).
Shahar had asked about the actions taken by the ministry regarding the issue.
Shamsul Anuar said the ministry was taking seriously the issue and enforcement actions have been taken with inspections carried out at KK Super Mart premises nationwide.
"Following the inspection, it was found that KK Super Mart has recalled the product from all its branches nationwide."
Earlier, photos of the socks being sold at a KK Super Mart in Bandar Sunway went viral, drawing criticisms from social media users, with some even calling for the chain to be boycotted.
KK Mart Group later issued an apology through its founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr K.K. Chai, after the sale of the socks went viral.
He was quoted as saying that even he could not accept the sales of socks bearing the word "Allah".