Malaysia’s king on Tuesday condemned a convenience store chain and called for an investigation after several pairs of socks were found bearing the words “Allah”, which suggests God in Arabic, was found on the market in one in all her stores.
The king is the official head of Islam within the predominantly Muslim Southeast Asian country.
The rare royal reprimand reminded Malaysians to make sure social harmony by refraining from discussing sensitive issues regarding religion, race and the royal family.
Some Muslims found the controversial clothing offensive, especially for the reason that socks were sold in the course of the fasting period of Ramadan.
Race and religion are sensitive issues in a rustic that saw deadly race riots in 1961.
KK Super Mart apologized for the socks.
“We take this matter seriously. “Immediate action has been taken to stop the sale of the stockings in question,” it said in a press release last Wednesday.
Its supplier, Xin Jian Chang, also apologized, saying the “problem socks were part of a bigger shipment of 18,800 pairs ordered” from the China-based company.
“Contrary to previous reports, it was confirmed that only five pairs of socks contained the sensitive word,” it said.
Sultan Ibrahim said that mistakes regarding religious and racial issues can’t be allowed.
“Whether it’s intentional or not, whether it’s imported or exported in a neighborhood factory, I would like law enforcement authorities to analyze and take strict motion,” the king said.
