A Malaysian shoe company has agreed to stop selling one of its popular women's designs after complaints from Muslims that the brand's logo resembled the Arabic word for God.
Hours before the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, police confiscated more than 1,100 shoes from Vern's stores across the country as the company issued an apology.
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
But the founder of Vern's, Ng Chuan Hoo, was ordered on Monday to explain the shoes to the Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM), the agency that handles Islamic affairs across Malaysia.
"JAKIM leaves it to the relevant authorities to investigate as an investigation paper has been opened by the police," JAKIM director-general Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said in a statement.
"JAKIM also does not want such a case to recur in the future, whether by Vern's Holding Sdn Bhd or anyone producing whatever sales product."
The controversy comes from the shoes' logo which replicates a high-heeled shoe with straps but is recognisable as the word "Allah" in Arabic script.
In a statement on its Instagram page, Vern's insisted that the similarity was accidental while apologising for any offence the logo may have caused.
"We would like to clarify that we have absolutely no intention of creating a logo design that aims to disparage or insult any religion or belief," the statement said, translated from Bahasa Malaysia.
"For everyone's knowledge, this logo is 100 per cent inspired based on the shadow of a rope line connected to a high heel shoe, as shown in the attached picture.
"However, we admit that there are flaws in the logo design that may result in it being misinterpreted, thereby offending many parties."
Vern's is also offering refunds to customers who wish to return the shoes.
Religion is a sensitive issue in Malaysia, where Muslims account for two-thirds of a population of 34 million, with large ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities, plus a sizeable expatriate population of non-Muslims.
JAKIM said if evidence that the logo was deliberately created to mimic the word "God" in Arabic, legal action would 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.
"[It is important] to maintain harmony among the public in the country," Mr Hakimah said.
"Everyone is advised not to stir up issues touching on ... religion, race and royalty that can cause tension and sow discord."
The footwear controversy followed another 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 last month with offending the religious feelings of Muslims, and some stores were hit with small petrol bombs. No injuries were reported.
Mr Ng, who is a non-Muslim of Chinese background, told The Star newspaper that he would be "careful" of future designs.
"I hope to learn from the incident and to be more careful and sensitive in the future," he said.
ABC/AP
