The Malaysian police reported that a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a small store today, Saturday, after top executives of the store chain were accused of hurting the feelings of Muslims by selling socks printed with the name of Allah. Images of the socks for sale at one of the "KK Super Mart" stores sparked outrage on social media among Muslims who found it offensive.
Religion is a sensitive issue in Malaysia, where Malays, most of whom are Muslim, make up two-thirds of the 34 million population, alongside significant Chinese and Indian ethnic minorities. The official news agency Bernama reported that allegations of hurting religious feelings were directed on Tuesday last week at the founder and chairman of "KK Super Mart," Chai Kee Kan, and his wife, Loh Siew Moi, a company manager, along with three representatives from a supplier. All have pleaded not guilty.
Wan Muhammad Zuhari Wan Busu, the police chief of the Kuantan district, told Reuters via phone on Saturday that a branch of "KK Super Mart" in the eastern state of Pahang was attacked with a Molotov cocktail just before dawn. Bernama indicated that this was the second attack of its kind, following another firebombing at a different branch of the chain in Perak state on Tuesday.
Wan Muhammad Zuhari stated that the police have not yet identified a suspect in today's attack but are combing the area and examining surveillance footage for evidence. He added that police believe the attack is linked to the sale of the socks, "but we are still investigating."
The attack caused some items in the store's front to catch fire, but employees were able to extinguish the flames quickly, according to media reports. "KK Super Mart," the second-largest convenience store chain in the country, apologized for offering those socks for sale, stating that it takes the matter seriously and has taken immediate steps to cease their sale. They also filed a lawsuit against the sock supplier for sabotage and damaging their brand's reputation.
