Vern's clarifies logo is a heel, apologises and offers refunds

Local shoe company Vern's has clarified that a graphic on the soles of some of their footwear that has caused controversy, is a stylised heel.

This is after an uproar over parts of the heel strap in the design supposedly resembling the Arabic calligraphy for the word "Allah".

In a statement, the company said the logo was not intended to insult any religion.

"The logo is 100 percent inspired by the silhouette of straps attached with a high heel.

"However, we acknowledge there are weaknesses in the logo design which can be misinterpreted, and hurt the feelings of many," Vern's said in a statement.

It added that it has taken immediate steps to remove shoes that carry the design and is willing to refund customers who have bought such shoes.

"The management humbly apologises to all and hopes for kindness to be given space to rectify the mistake," Vern's said.

It added that this was a valuable lesson in being more careful in its decision-making to ensure such incidents don't repeat themselves in the future.

Purported similarities between the heel graphic and the word "Allah" were first highlighted on social media on March 23.

However, it went viral after another video highlighting the alleged similarities was posted today.

Police probing the matter

Earlier, Penang police confirmed with Malaysiakini that they had received a report on the matter.

Deputy Penang police chief Usuf Jan Mohamed said the report was lodged by a teacher who saw a post on the matter on social media.

An investigation paper has been opened under Section 298A of the Penal Code for insulting religion and under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has also instructed the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) to contact the shoe company tomorrow.

The controversy comes hot on the heels of ongoing outrage against KK Mart over the socks scandal.

The outrage has led to three firebombing attempts at KK Mart outlets in Perak, Pahang, and Sarawak.

This is despite the offending socks only being found in three outlets in Selangor. - Mkini