KUALA LUMPUR: Vern's Holding Sdn Bhd has issued a clarification and an apology over a shoe logo which has become a source of controversy.
In a statement, the company's management clarified the logo was inspired by the image of interconnected lines resembling the strap of a high-heeled shoe.
"However, we acknowledge that there are shortcomings in the design of the logo that could lead to misinterpretation, thereby offending many.
"With humility, we, the management, sincerely apologise to everyone and seek forgiveness while hoping for kindness to allow us the space to rectify the mistake that has occurred," the statement read.
The company said they have taken immediate steps to halt the sales of the shoe and are prepared to refund customers who have purchased the items.
It added that such an issue teaches them to be more careful in every decision to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar instructed the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to call up the relevant quarters regarding a viral social media post showing a shoe logo alleged to resemble the word "Allah.
Jakim, said Mohd Na'im, was ordered to summon those responsible for the shoes to clarify the issue tomorrow.
He also urged people with information on the matter to channel it to the authorities, including police.
This is following a post that went viral after a man allegedly claimed that a high-heel shoe had an inscription resembling the word 'Allah' on its sole.