KUALA LUMPUR: Several directors of convenience store chain KK Super Mart & Superstore Sdn Bhd (KK Super Mart) will be charged tomorrow over the sale of socks bearing the word 'Allah'.
They are expected to be charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court tomorrow morning.
According to sources, the retail chain's former supplier, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, will also be among those charged.
The Bukit Aman Classified Crimes Unit, in a media statement, said the suspects would be charged under Sections 298 and 109 of the Penal Code with intentionally wounding the religious feelings of others, as well as for abetment.
On March 13, social media was abuzz after images showing a pair of socks bearing the word 'Allah' allegedly being sold at a KK Mart shop in Bandar Sunway.
The incident triggered a frenzied reaction among various quarters, with some calling for a boycott of the stores.
Police, on March 18, said a total of 42 police reports were lodged on the incident nationwide.
Federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the case was being investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code for issues related to religion, causing disharmony, disunity, or hatred, malicious intent, or detrimental to unity.
KK Mart Group founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr K.K. Chai, in an immediate response, issued a public apology and said the team had never made such a mistake in its 23 years in business.
The company said the sale of the socks had been immediately halted pending an explanation from the supplier.
The incident elicited a response from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim, who expressed his disappointment over the issue.
The King decreed that stern action be taken against the guilty parties.
The issue also drew the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who said immediate action must be taken to prevent disrespect towards any religion, particularly Islam.