In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Vern’s Holdings, a local shoe company, has issued an apology and halted the sale of certain footwear following complaints from Muslims who claimed that the logo on the shoes resembled the Arabic writing for the word God.
Vern’s Holdings acknowledged that the logo, stamped on the soles of some high-heeled shoes, depicted a silhouette resembling a stiletto heel with an ankle spiral wrap. While the company asserted that the design was not intended to offend any religious sentiments, it acknowledged shortcomings in the design that may have led to misinterpretation. Consequently, it took immediate steps to cease the sale of the shoes and initiated refunds for affected customers.
In a statement posted on social media, Vern’s Holdings expressed remorse for any offense caused, emphasizing that there was no intention to belittle or insult any religion or belief. The company humbly apologized and sought forgiveness from the public, expressing a desire for compassion to rectify the mistake.
This controversy follows a recent uproar over socks bearing the word “Allah” displayed in a prominent Malaysian convenience store chain last month. The incident led to charges against the store owners and suppliers for offending religious sentiments, prompting some stores to face minor acts of vandalism.
Religious sensitivities run deep in Malaysia, where the majority Muslim population regards the term “Allah” as sacred. The recent incident involving the shoe logo has prompted investigations by religious authorities and police following public complaints.
Meanwhile, tensions persist over the previous controversy involving the socks. KK Mart Group, the convenience store chain involved, attributed the incident to items sent by a supplier without its consent. The supplier, in turn, admitted negligence in inspecting the imported socks from China and apologized for the oversight.
The situation has also drawn political scrutiny, with the leader of a Malay nationalist party’s youth wing facing investigation for advocating a boycott of the convenience store chain. Critics allege political motivations behind the move, suggesting efforts to garner support among ethnic Malays following electoral setbacks.
