SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Dr Chai Kee Kan, the founder and executive chairman of KK Mart Group, is expected to be charged at the Sessions Court here with intentionally wounding the religious feelings of others over the sales of socks bearing the word "Allah" at its 24-hours convenience store chain.

Chai, 57, and his wife Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui, arrived at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Court Complex at about 8.30am.

The couple entered a court room at 8.55am where Chai is expected to be charged under Section 298 of the Penal Code before judge Muhamad Anas Mahadzir.

Chai will be represented by counsels Datuk Rajpal Singh, Datuk David Gurupatham, Datuk R.S Sodhi, Datuk Theng Book and James Ee.

Loh is expected to be charged at another court.

KK Super Mart's former vendor, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, which supplied the socks bearing the word 'Allah', will be charged at another court,here.

On March 13, social media was abuzz after images showing a pair of socks bearing the word 'Allah' allegedly being sold at a KK Super Mart shop in Bandar Sunway.

The incident triggered a frenzied reaction among various quarters, with some calling for a boycott of the stores.

On March 16, Chai made a public apology for the mistake made in his 23 years in the business, saying he could not accept the sales of socks bearing the word Allah, what more to print such products.

Xin Jian Chang owner Soh Chin Huat said the socks were obtained in bundle from China and it arrived in a batch of 1,200 pairs at their facility in Batu Pahat, Johor last year.

He said the socks were sent out to various KK Mart premises on Jan 29 and their employees made a mistake by not scrutinising them.

The socks have been removed from the stores nationwide.

Federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the case was being investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code for issues related to religion, causing disharmony, disunity, or hatred, malicious intent, or detrimental to unity.

Chai and seven others were called up by the police to have his statement recorded on March 19.

On March 22, Federal Police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said they have completed the probe and were awaiting for the Attorney-General's Chambers directive.

As of yesterday, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said 178 police reports have been made on the matter.

expressed his displeasure and sadness and reminded all segments of society to uphold national harmony and refrain from exploiting sensitive issues related to religion, ethnicity, and royalty.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar called for swift action to prevent any disrespect towards any religion, particularly Islam.

Suktan

a lawsuit at the High Court here against its former supplier, Xin Jiang Chang Sdn Bhd, for allegedly sabotaging its business by supplying socks bearing the word 'Allah'.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2024/03/1030591/kk-chai-be-charged-wounding-religious-feelings-others-over-allah