Police in Malaysia are investigating an incident where socks with images of deities were on sale at a store in Shah Alam. The case is being classified under Section 427 of the Penal Code for causing mischief, which carries a jail term of up to two years, a fine, or both upon conviction. Authorities are trying to track down the suspect and reviewing CCTV footage from the store to gather more information.
The sale of the socks had drawn the attention of Malaysia’s king, who called for an investigation and “strict action” against those responsible for the incident. Photos of the socks quickly circulated on social media and sparked public outrage, particularly among Muslims who found the images disrespectful, especially during the fasting month of Ramadan. The incident has raised concerns about religious sensitivity and cultural insensitivity in Malaysia.
KK Super Mart, the store where the socks were being sold, has issued an apology for the incident and stated they are taking the matter “seriously.” The company has also taken action to immediately stop the sale of the socks. Additionally, the supplier of the socks, Xin Jian Chang, has apologized for the situation and explained that the problematic socks were part of a larger shipment of 18,800 pairs ordered from a company in China. Authorities are working to investigate the incident further and hold those involved accountable for their actions.
The investigation into the sale of the socks is ongoing, with police working to track down the individuals responsible for the incident. The authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the store to gather more information and evidence related to the case. The offence is classified under Section 427 of the Penal Code, which deals with causing mischief and carries potential penalties including jail time, fines, or both upon conviction. Police are committed to bringing those involved to justice.
The incident involving the sale of the socks with images of deities has prompted a rare royal rebuke from Malaysia’s king, who has called for strict action against those responsible. The public outcry and social media attention surrounding the incident have highlighted concerns about religious sensitivities and respect for different cultures in Malaysia. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting tolerance and understanding in a diverse society.
In response to the controversy, KK Super Mart and Xin Jian Chang have issued apologies for the incident and have taken steps to address the situation. The store has stopped the sale of the socks and is cooperating with authorities in their investigation. The supplier has also expressed regret for the situation and explained that the controversial socks were part of a larger shipment ordered from a company in China. Moving forward, it is essential for businesses and individuals to be mindful of cultural sensitivities and to uphold respect for different beliefs and traditions in a multicultural society like Malaysia.