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Vern’s apologises for shoe logo, says it can be misinterpreted

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The company acknowledges that there are shortcomings in the logo’s design that could offend Muslims.

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Free Malaysia Today
Vern’s Holding Sdn Bhd said it has taken immediate steps to cease the sale of the shoes and is prepared to refund customers who have purchased them. (X pic)

PETALING JAYA:
Shoe company Vern’s Holding Sdn Bhd has apologised for the logo design of a line of high-heeled shoes which the company said could be misinterpreted.

The company’s management said it has taken immediate steps to cease the sale of the shoes and offered refunds to customers who have purchased them.

The company statement came hours after religious authorities called for an investigation into shoes bearing a logo purportedly resembling the Arabic script for the word “Allah”.

A police investigation is being carried out, with eight complaints lodged so far in Pahang, Johor, Terengganu, Kedah and Penang, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain, told FMT.

After Vern’s Holding issued its statement, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who has previously called for a boycott of KK Mart, thanked the company for clearing the air.

“It was merely the shoe’s logo and the company has ceased producing the shoes. This is a relief for Muslims,” he said.

Free Malaysia Today
The company’s management explained that the logo was inspired by the image of interconnected lines resembling a high-heeled shoe.

The company explains

Vern’s Holding said the logo design, imprinted on the sole, “was inspired by the image of interconnected lines resembling a high-heeled shoe”.

“We acknowledge that there are shortcomings in the logo’s design that could lead to misinterpretation, thereby offending the feelings of many parties,” the statement said.

“We have absolutely no intention of designing a logo aimed at belittling or insulting any religion or belief. The management would like to humbly apologise and seek forgiveness. We hope for compassion so we can rectify this mistake,” the statement said.

Vern’s said the incident is a valuable lesson for the company to be more careful when making any decisions.

Jakim investigation

Earlier today, religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said the Islamic development department (Jakim) would investigate a complaint over the logo design on the shoes. He called for all parties to remain calm and provide space for Jakim and the authorities to investigate the matter.

In a Facebook post that went viral earlier today, a man said he bought the shoes from the company’s outlet in Kuantan. He shared a video showing the shoe and its sole after taking it out of the packaging.

Police report

He lodged a police report in Kuantan this afternoon. The report stated that the case will be investigated under the Penal Code for intentionally wounding the religious feelings of others, and under the communications act for misuse of network facilities to cause offence.

The shoes issue follows a controversy over socks bearing the word “Allah” found at a convenience store of the KK Mart chain. The company made a formal apology. However, its founder and a company director have since been charged, accused of “intentionally wounding the religious feelings of Muslims”.

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