Police seizure of 1,145 shoes—what offence are they probing?

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Police Seize 1,145 Pairs of Shoes to Investigate Logo Resemblance to "Allah"

Police have seized 1,145 pairs of shoes from Vern’s Holding Sdn Bhd as part of an investigation into whether a logo on the soles resembles the Arabic calligraphy for "Allah." The seizures occurred across Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kedah, with no arrests made to date. The investigation, involving the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), aims to determine if the logo's design follows the shoe's shape or constitutes an offensive rendering of the word "Allah."
Logo Design Under Scrutiny

The core of the police inquiry centres on the design of a logo found on the soles of Vern's shoes. Authorities are working with Jakim to ascertain whether this emblem is merely a stylistic representation influenced by the shoe's straps, as claimed by the company, or if it intentionally or unintentionally replicates the Arabic script for "Allah." This distinction is crucial in determining if any laws or regulations have been contravened.
Collaborative Investigation Underway

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has stated that the police will collaborate closely with Jakim throughout this investigation. The CID will be responsible for gathering information and evidence, while Jakim's expertise will be vital in assessing the religious and cultural implications of the logo. The management of Vern's Holding Sdn Bhd is expected to be called in to provide statements to aid the ongoing probe.
Public Outcry and Company Response

The investigation was prompted by a viral video that sparked public outcry over the shoe's logo. In response to the controversy and the subsequent police action, Vern's issued a public apology. The company has maintained that the design was inspired solely by the outlines of the straps of a high-heeled shoe, asserting that it was not intended to resemble or disrespect the word "Allah." As of the previous evening, eight police reports had been filed against the company.

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Police seizure of 1,145 shoes—what offence are they probing?

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