Malaysian brand Vern’s under investigations for shoes purportedly stamped with ‘Allah’ logo design

In a statement on Sunday, Vern’s – which has over 60 stores across Malaysia – issued a public apology over the incident and clarified that the logo design for its line of high heels could be “misinterpreted”, adding that it was a stylised depiction of the footwear.

“We acknowledge that there are flaws in the logo design that may result in it being misinterpreted, thereby offending the feelings of many parties,” it said, adding that it has no intention of belittling or insulting any religions or beliefs.

The firm also said that it has since taken immediate steps to stop the sale of the shoes and have offered refunds to customers who have already purchased the items.

United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) youth chief Akmal Saleh – who has been vocal about a boycott against KK Super Mart for its “Allah” socks gaffe – said that he has accepted Vern’s explanation on the issue and that the misunderstanding has been cleared.

“The company has also halted the production of the shoes in question.

“I would like to thank the company for their explanation. This has provided relief to all Muslims,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page.

Meanwhile, Free Malaysia Today reported Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) leader Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal as saying that this latest controversy has made Islam “look very petty and bad”.

“Our actions need to be based on knowledge and not blind emotion,” the former deputy minister for national unity said on X.

Malaysia’s religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said that the Islamic development department (JAKIM) will investigate the issue and urged all parties to remain calm.

He also stressed that the Prime Minister’s Department for Religious Affairs would not compromise with any party proven to have acted in a manner that insults Islam.

Mr Razarudin – the Inspector-General of Police – said the authorities have seized a total of 1,145 shoes from Vern’s at its outlets in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Kedah and Penang.

The New Straits Times also reported that the police will call in the seller and manufacturer to assist in its investigations.