KUALA LUMPUR: Police have to date received 178 reports nationwide regarding the sale of socks bearing the word 'Allah' at the KK Mart convenience store's Bandar Sunway branch.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said police have also received 30 reports regarding displeasure over Facebook postings on the same issue.
"The Home Ministry views this matter seriously. Enforcement action was taken via checks at all KK Mart premises nationwide.
"Checks showed that KK Mart had withdrew all such stockings from their stores across the country.
"However, further investigations are ongoing on the management and vendor to ensure no repeat incidents.
"Although KK Mart and the vendor in question have issued an apology, the ministry will continue its investigation to manage the issue, which has caused public unrest," he said.
He was speaking during the winding up of the debate on the royal address at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Meanwhile, Shamsul Anuar said a total of 771 investigation papers on 3R (race, religion, royalty) issues have been opened since 2020, with 71 cases charged in court.
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.
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.