KK Mart founder, wife freed of criminal charges over 'Allah socks' issue, company and supplier fined RM60,000 each

The court also discharged and acquitted KK Mart founder Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan and his wife Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui over the charge of intentionally wounding the religious feelings of others.

The court also acquitted and discharged three officers from Xin Jian Chang, namely Soh Chin Huat, 61; Goh Li Huay, 62; and Soh Hui San, 36, who supplied the socks to KK Mart.

Sessions Court Judge Muhamad Anas Mahadzir meted out the fine on the two companies after company representatives, KK Mart general manager Tee Kok Hiem, 61, and Xin Jian Chang director Soh Hui San, 36, pleaded guilty to the charge.

The two companies were given three days to pay the fine.

"This case has attracted a lot of attention because it involves a religious issue. I want to remind, in future, to be more sensitive about issues that involve the sensitivity of the Muslim community or any religion.

"KK mart also needs to be more responsible, tighten quality control operations to not let this happen again," he said.

The charge was over the display of socks with the word "Allah" found on a display rack at the Sunway City KK Mart outlet at 6.30am on March 13 this year.

The charge was framed under Section 298 of the Penal Code which provides imprisonment for up to one year, or fine, or both upon conviction.

Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd was charged with conspiring to commit the offence.

Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Masri Mohd Daud told the court that the prosecution applied to withdraw all charges against Chai and his wife and three company directors and for all the accused to be discharged not amounting to an acquittal.

However, lawyers Rajpal Singh and Fahri Azzat, representing all the accused, requested that their clients be freed.

-- BERNAMA