SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Dr Chai Kee Kan, the founder and executive chairman of the KK Mart Group, and his company director wife Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui, both pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here with intentionally wounding the religious feelings of Muslims by displaying socks bearing the word "Allah" at its Bandar Sunway outlet.
Chai, 57, and Loh, 53, who were charged separately, said they understood the charges framed under Section 298 of the Penal Code read out to them in English before judge Muhamad Anas Mahadzir.
They were charged with intentionally wounding the religious feelings of Muslims by displaying stockings printed with the word "Allah" on the sales shelves, which was sighted by one Riza Aryandi Nasution Sharif.
They had committed the offences as company directors at KK Supermart & Superstore in Bandar Sunway on March 13 at 6.30am.
In mitigation, Chai's counsel Datuk Rajpal Singh pleaded that it was a bailable offence and proposed a RM5,000 bail, which he described as sufficient to ensure his client's attendance in court.
"My client is the main person in the company and he has 5,000 staff with 810 outlets nationwide, as well as in Nepal, India and Brunei.
"He is active with non-governmental organisations and a philanthropist.
"I believe there is no reason for him to abscond," he said.
As for Loh, Rajpal said she was also a housewife and they have two children aged 21 and 17.
"I believe she will attend court proceedings when needed. She is not a flight risk," he said.
Judge Muhamad Anas set RM10,000 bail for Chai and Loh, respectively.
The court did not impose any additional conditions and set April 29 for mention.
KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd, which was represented by Chai, was also served with the same charge under the section.
Rajpal was assisted by Datuk David Gurupatham, Datuk R.S Sodhi, Datuk Theng Book and James Ee.
Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Masri Mohd Daud prosecuted.
Earlier, the couple arrived at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Court Complex about 8.30am.
On March 13, social media was abuzz after images showing a pair of socks bearing the word 'Allah' allegedly being sold at a KK Super Mart shop in Bandar Sunway.
The incident triggered a frenzied reaction among various quarters, with some calling for a boycott of the stores.
On March 16, Chai made a public apology for the mistake made in his 23 years in the business, saying he could not accept the sales of socks bearing the word Allah, what more to print such products.
The supplier, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, said the socks were obtained in bundle from China and it arrived in a batch of 1,200 pairs at their facility in Batu Pahat, Johor last year.
Its owner Soh Chin Huat said the socks were sent out to various KK Mart premises on Jan 29 and their employees made a mistake by not scrutinising them.
The socks have since been removed from the stores nationwide.
Federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the case was being investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code for issues related to religion, causing disharmony, disunity, or hatred, malicious intent, or detrimental to unity.
Chai and seven others were called up by the police to have his statement recorded on March 19.