KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has warned Vern's Holding Sdn Bhd to be more vigilant and sensitive to religious and racial issues.
The warning comes after the shoe manufacturer was accused to putting the word "Allah" on the sole of one its line of shoes. The company apologised and said what on the sole was a stylised skecth of the shoe. It has withdrawn the product and offered refunds.
Jakim's director-general Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said that the warning also applies to all businesses, manufacturers, suppliers, and importers.
"Today, a meeting was held between Jakim and Datuk Seri Ng Chuan Hoo, the founder and managing director of the company to further investigate the matter and discuss the company's future steps in preventing similar issues.
"Vern's has clarified its position on the logo and issued a formal apology.
"In a significant move, the company has also withdrawn the controversial product from its more than 70 outlets across Malaysia, including those in Sabah and Sarawak, demonstrating its commitment to promptly rectify the issue," she said in a statement.
Hakimah said Jakim takes a serious view of the issue with the shoe logo, which is allegedly similar to the word "Allah" and recently went viral on social media.
"This issue not only involves the sensitivity of Muslims but can also threaten the unity of the multi-racial and religious community in this country.
"Jakim fully supports the police's action in investigating the matter and emphasises that if deliberate intent is found behind the creation of the disputed logo, appropriate legal actions must be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring, sending a clear message to Vern's and all involved parties."
Hakimah also urged all parties not to stir up issues touching on aspects of religion, royalty, and race (the 3Rs) that could lead to tensions and affect harmony, and to leave the matter to the police for investigation.
Earlier today, the company's founder and managing director, Ng Chuan Hoo, met with Jakim officers at their headquarters in Putrajaya.
This meeting followed instructions from the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, for Jakim to address the concerns raised by a viral social media post showing a shoe logo alleged to resemble the word "Allah."
Yesterday, the company issued a clarification and an apology regarding the controversial shoe logo.
In a statement, the company's management said the logo was inspired by the image of interconnected lines resembling the strap of a high-heeled shoe.
"However, we acknowledge that there were shortcomings in the design of the logo that could lead to misinterpretation and offence.
"With humility, we, the management, sincerely apologize to everyone and seek forgiveness while hoping for understanding as we rectify the mistake," read the statement.