KUALA LUMPUR: The controversy surrounding the shoe logo with an alleged 'Allah' inscription serves as a valuable lesson for Vern's Holding Sdn Bhd to exercise greater caution moving forward, said its founder Ng Chuan Hoo.
"I would like to apologise on this issue, and I learned that from this misunderstanding, I have to be more sensitive and careful in the future.
"In doing business, we must be careful and respectful," Ng said when met by reporters after his meeting with the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) officers in its headquarters in Putrajaya today (April 8).
Ng said he was aware that the issue had hurt and caused unease to the Muslim community. He said he had ordered a halt to the sales of the shoes, when he was informed by his assistant of the viral video.
Asked about his meeting with Jakim officers, Ng said he was grateful for the guidance given to him over the matter.
"They were kind to me and guided me on the matter, for which I'm thankful for. Let Jakim and police investigate the matter and we will fully cooperate with the authorities," he said.
Earlier, Ng arrived at Jakim headquarters around 11am, to give an explanation over the issue.
Yesterday (April 7), Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar instructed Jakim to call up the relevant parties with regards to a viral social media post showing the shoe logo.
Na'im 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. The company had earlier issued a clarification and an apology over a shoe logo which had become a source of controversy.
In a statement yesterday (April 7), 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."