Anger over shoes bearing logo resembling Arabic word for God

KUALA LUMPUR (AP):

A Malaysian shoe company has apologised and stopped selling some of its footwear after some Muslims said the logo resembled the Arabic writing for the word God.

Vern’s Holdings said the logo stamped on the soles of some high-heeled shoes depicted the silhouette of a stiletto heel with an ankle spiral wrap. It acknowledged, however, that shortcomings in the design may have led to the logo being misinterpreted. The company also said it acted immediately to stop sales of the shoes and issue refunds to customers who bought them.

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

Police said Monday they confiscated more than 1,100 shoes from Vern’s stores. The Department of Islamic Development, an agency that handles Islamic affairs in Malaysia, also summoned the company’s founder, Ng Chuan Hoo.

The local Star English-language newspaper quoted NG as saying he regretted the uneasiness caused and hurting the Muslim community. “I hope to learn from the incident and to be more careful and sensitive in the future,” he said.

The Islamic department said if evidence that the logo was deliberately created to mimic the word “God” in Arabic, legal action will be taken to prevent similar future incidents.

It also urged businesses to remain vigilant of sensitive issues that can threaten the country’s racial unity.

The footwear controversy followed a furore last month over socks printed with the word “Allah” on the shelves in a large Malaysian convenience store chain. The owners of KK Mart and representatives from one of its suppliers were charged on March 26 with offending the religious feelings of Muslims, and some stores were hit with small petrol bombs. No injuries were reported.