KK Mart founder, socks supplier charged

KK Mart Super Mart founder Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai and his wife Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui today, face charges separately in different courts for intentionally wounding the religious feelings of others over selling socks with the word ‘Allah’.

They arrived at Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Court Complex this morning.

25 minutes later, Chai and his wife stepped into the courtroom, where Chai set to face charges under Section 298 of the Penal Code, facing Judge Muhamad Anas Mahadzir, with legal representation provided by counsels Datuk Rajpal Singh, Datuk David Gurupatham, Datuk R.S Sodhi, Datuk Theng Book, and James Ee.

Both pled not guilty to the charges under section 298 of the Penal Code.

Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, the company that was responsible for distributing socks to KK Super Mart, will also face charges in a separate court, New Straits Times reported.

On March 13, social media went frenzy as images surfaced of socks emblazoned with the word “Allah” being retailed at KK Mart in Bandar Sunway, sparking fury within Malaysia’s Muslim populace.

Since then KK Mart has apologised, and the supplier, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, had to temporarily shut down after its business licence was revoked by Batu Pahat Municipal Council.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Salleh, as reported by multiple media outlets, sharply criticised KK Mart, asserting its apology was insufficient, and urged a widespread boycott. He also insisted that the company display nationwide apology banners to address the issue.