'Allah' Socks Case: Here Are The Details Of Everyone Charged & Punishments They May Face
All five accused claimed trial.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 26 Mar 2024, 02:00 PM
Five directors of KK Super Mart and its supplier, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, have been charged over the sale of socks bearing the word 'Allah' at the Shah Alam Sessions Court today, 26 March
According to Utusan Malaysia, KK Super Mart founder Datuk Seri Dr Chai Kee Kan and director Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui were charged under Section 298 of the Penal Code.
The duo are husband and wife.
Section 298 of the Penal Code deals with intentionally hurting religious feelings. If found guilty, they may face a jail term of up to one year, a fine, or both.
Chai and Loh pleaded not guilty to the offence, reported the New Straits Times.
Meanwhile, three directors of Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd were charged under Section 109 of the Penal Code for abetting the offence
The provision stipulates that abettors will receive the same punishment prescribed by the principal offence if found guilty.
The directors are Soh Chin Huat, his wife Goh Li Huay, and their child Soh Hui San.
They also pleaded not guilty to the charge, reported Harian Metro.
Left to right: Soh Chin Huat and Goh Li Huay appearing at Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Court Complex in Shah Alam today, 26 March.
Image via Utusan MalaysiaThe charges against the KK Super Mart directors and their supplier come after the King decreed last Tuesday, 19 March, that stern action be taken against the parties involved
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim expressed his displeasure at the controversy, stressing, "Muslims revere the word 'Allah'... such matters that incite anger should not arise."
"Whether it was intentional or not, and whether [the socks] were imported or produced locally, I want the enforcement agencies to investigate this matter and take strict action to ensure such incidents are not repeated," said the King.
Following the King's decree, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said immediate action must be taken to prevent disrespect towards any religion, particularly Islam, reported the New Straits Times.
Meanwhile, KK Super Mart has also filed a lawsuit against Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd for allegedly sabotaging its business by supplying the controversial socks, reported Berita Harian.
KK Super Mart is demanding RM10.5 million for the damage caused to its brand and RM20.3 million for the damage caused by the aborted proposed listing on the stock exchange.
The company is also seeking RM1.5 million a week for the damage caused by the loss of profits.
