Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – A Malaysian shoe company recently faced backlash after some Muslims claimed that the logo on their footwear resembled the Arabic word for God. Vern’s Holdings swiftly issued an apology and ceased selling the shoes in question, acknowledging that the design led to the misinterpretation. The company took immediate action by halting sales and offering refunds to customers.
The controversy regarding the logo on the high-heeled shoes emerged following a previous incident involving socks printed with the word “Allah” being sold in a major Malaysian convenience store chain. This sparked outrage among Muslims, resulting in charges being filed against the store owners and their suppliers for offending religious sentiments. In response, some stores were targeted with small petrol bombs, though no injuries were reported.
Religion remains a sensitive topic in Malaysia, where the majority of the population practices Islam. The Arabic word “Allah” holds sacred importance for Malaysian Muslims, making it offensive to associate the word with apparel, such as shoes and socks. Social media posts drew attention to the shoe logo, prompting investigations by religious authorities and law enforcement agencies in response to public complaints.
Simultaneously, tensions persist over the sock controversy, with the convenience store chain attributing the stocking of the offensive items to a mistake by their supplier. The supplier, in turn, apologized for their oversight in not properly inspecting the imported goods. Calls for boycotting the chain have arisen, with political figures facing scrutiny for their involvement in the matter.
In light of these events, the issue serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to navigate religious sensitivities in a country where diverse ethnic groups coexist. The incidents have sparked discussions not only about respect for religious beliefs but also about the responsibilities of businesses in upholding cultural sensitivities. The company’s swift response and apology demonstrate an awareness of the need to address such controversies promptly to mitigate potential backlash.