KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry said the police would deploy all resources to control and maintain public order in the country, in response to the recent molotov cocktail attack on a KK Mart convenience store earlier today.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, said the police took the attempted arson attack at the convenience store seriously following the first incident at KK Mart Bidor, Perak, on March 26.
He urged those who advocated this boycott to take responsibility and immediately stop the act of inflaming public sentiment.
"Give space and full trust to the police to carry out the task of identifying, arresting and investigating individuals involved.
"Let the legal process proceed for the security, peace and harmony of the people and the country," he said in a statement today.
Saifuddin said the police investigation found five pairs out of 18,000 pairs of socks bearing the word "Allah".
He said this deeply hurt the feelings of Muslims and the socks had been confiscated, and sales had been halted.
Despite apologies from KK Mart directors and legal charges, however, this episode grew dangerous when some parties exploited religious, racial, and group sentiments for personal gain.
"It has been proven that our concern about the 3R (royal, race and religion) issue is well-founded and reasonable, even though it is disputed by some parties.
"This sock issue shows how easily the emotions and sentiments of the people can be played by irresponsible parties," the minister said.
Saifuddin said the recent arson attack had also caused anxiety among the local residents and the entire population as Hari Raya Aidilfitri approached.
Therefore, he said, the question at hand was whether these irresponsible individuals would use the holiday season by carrying out another attack while people were celebrating Hari Raya.
"I advocate and encourage the public to boycott a brand. It may not be a legal offence, but it is illegal for the public to trespass on or attempt to set fire to KK Mart premises.
"This act can result in property damage and loss of life. The police will continue to take legal action in the interest of the public," he said.
He believes that the majority of people cherish security while living in harmony and respecting one another's differences.
"Let us together reject and strongly condemn acts of violence such as this," he said.