8-4-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Vern’s Holdings, a Malaysian shoe company, has issued an apology and ceased the sale of certain footwear following criticism from some Muslims who alleged that the logo bore resemblance to the Arabic script for the word God.
The logo, stamped on the soles of certain high-heeled shoes, featured the silhouette of a stiletto heel with an ankle spiral wrap. While acknowledging potential misinterpretation due to design flaws, Vern’s promptly halted sales of the shoes and initiated refunds for affected customers.
In a statement shared on social media, Vern’s expressed remorse, stating, “We have absolutely no intention of designing a logo aimed at belittling or insulting any religion or belief.” The company sought forgiveness and pledged to rectify the mistake with compassion.
This controversy comes on the heels of a recent uproar over socks bearing the word “Allah” found in a major Malaysian convenience store chain. The owners of KK Mart, along with representatives from one of its suppliers, faced charges on March 26 for allegedly offending the religious sentiments of Muslims, sparking minor incidents of violence.
Religion is a sensitive issue in Malaysia, with Muslims constituting the majority of the population. The Arabic word “Allah” holds profound significance for Malaysian Muslims, making its association with footwear particularly offensive to many.
The matter gained traction through critical social media posts highlighting the logo’s resemblance, prompting investigations by religious authorities and police following public complaints.
Meanwhile, tensions linger over the previous socks controversy. KK Mart Group distanced itself from the incident, attributing it to items mistakenly sent by the supplier. In a separate development, a leader of a Malay nationalist party’s youth wing faces scrutiny over a social media post advocating a boycott of the convenience store chain.
Critics have questioned the party’s motives, alleging a bid to garner ethnic Malay support following significant losses in the previous general elections. Amidst these developments, a BERSATU leader has criticized the furor over the shoe logo, asserting that Islam should not be portrayed in a negative light over perceived offenses.
