Stern Action Needed Over Sale Of Socks Bearing The Word 'allah' By Kk Mart

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Stern action need to be taken against the management of KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd (KK Super Mart) if proven that the mart was careless over the sale of socks bearing the word ‘Allah’ because it touches the sensitivity of 3R (Race, Religion and Rulers).

The Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) director-general Prof Datuk Dr. Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil said such action must serve as a lesson for all to ensure such incidents do not happen again.

“Actually such an incident is not the first time, it has happened before...therefore IKIM urge the Malaysian community to understand the sensitivities that are allowed or prohibited in any religion.

“In this issue we can see that even the Constitution provides freedom of religion but Islam is the religion of the Federation under Article 3 (1) and also emphasises that other religions can be practiced in peace and harmony throughout any part of the Federation,” he said.

He was speaking during an exclusive interview broadcast through ‘Malaysia Petang Ini’ programme produced by Bernama TV today when touching on the topic involving the sale of socks bearing the word ‘Allah’ at KK Supermart.

Earlier, photos of the socks being sold at a KK Supermart in Bandar Sunway went viral, drawing criticism from social media users, with some even calling for the chain to be boycotted.

Mohamed Azam said such an incident should not have happened, furthermore when Muslims are ushering the holy month of Ramadan.

“If such an incident happened abroad in a country where the majority of the population are Muslims, I am sure very stern action will be taken...for example if Jesus was humiliated in a country like England where a majority are Christians, action can be taken under the laws of Blasphemy,” he said.

However, he urged everyone to stay calm and not take things into their own hands and let the authorities handle the case and take the necessary action.

He added that IKIM was ready to offer the concept of Fiqh al-Ta`ayusy or co-existence among the those practicing Islam and non-Muslims to ensure everyone practiced their respective religions in peace and harmony.

-- BERNAMA