BATU PAHAT: The Batu Pahat Municipal Council (MPBP) has revoked the operating license of Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, the company embroiled in the controversy over distribution of socks bearing the word Allah.
This action by MPBP is in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 (2) and Section 49 (2) of the Small Licensing, Business and Industry Licensing (MPBP) Act 2016.
The local authority, in a statement, informed that this was done after the company was found to have violated the terms of the approved business license activities, namely for shoe storage and distribution.The notice was handed over by the Yang Dipertua MPBP, Ezahar Abu Sairin, to the company's managing director, Soh Hui San at the MPBP Tower, Jalan Rugayah, here, yesterday.
Yesterday, the factory located in the Sri Gading industrial area here closed operations temporarily through a notice affixed on the premises' fence.This came a day after the factory was raided by the police who found five pairs of socks on the premises.
The factory, which has been operating for a long time, is involved in the packaging and distribution of socks imported from China, mainly to KK Mart convenience stores.This action has led to various parties demanding that the management of the factory and convenience stores apologise.
Due to the issue, the Johor government established a State Joint Action Committee to comprehensively monitor and enforce issues related to the sanctity of Islam, including the word Allah.At the same time, special guidelines have been drafted to outline how businesses in the state should be conducted in a religious-friendly atmosphere and not touch on the sensitivities of the community.
On March 13, social media erupted with images of socks bearing the word Allah being sold at KK Mart in Bandar Sunway, sparking anger among Muslims in the country.