THE founder of shoe company Vern’s Holding Sdn Bhd said he had a cordial meeting with Islamic Development Department (Jakim) officials today, and assured his full cooperation with investigations into the contentious shoe logo.

Ng Chuan Hoo, 51, said in the meeting, Jakim officials offered some guidance to him over the matter.

A women’s high heel shoe design from the company had courted controversy over a logo which some said resembled the word “Allah”.

Vern’s Holding yesterday clarified that the logo was actually a stylised graphic.

“Let Jakim and police do what needs to be done with regard to their investigations.

“After their investigations, I will cooperate fully with their next course of action,” Ng was reported as telling reporters after a meeting with Jakim officers at their headquarters in Putrajaya this morning.

He said the logo issue was a misunderstanding and apologised for causing uneasiness and hurt to the Muslim community.

“In this respect, I apologise. I hope to learn from the incident and to be more careful and sensitive in the future, especially with regard to business,” he said.

He added that the particular shoes had been withdrawn from shelves and online sale.

Ng also said that he would be giving a statement to police later today.

“I am waiting for them to call me in for a statement,” he said.

The shoe controversy surfaced online yesterday following social media claims that these shoes displayed a logo resembling the word “Allah”.

Earlier today, police seized a total of 1,145 pairs of shoes in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kedah. No arrests were made. – April 8, 2024.