KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh remains resolute in his stance against the 24-hour convenience store chain involved in the socks controversy.
Now, Akmal is irked over what he claims is an "unauthorised banner" by KK Mart instead of an apology banner as he had demanded.
In a recent Facebook post, it was revealed that there was an "unapproved banner" which featured Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and advertised the "Jualan Ihsan Rahmah for Visit Melaka Year 2024".
Akmal claimed that KK Mart put up the banner without obtaining permission from the local authorities in Melaka and its chief minister.
"We asked them to put up an apology banner, but instead they opted to display another," he said.
However, it is understood that the convenience store had previously displayed apology messages on large electronic displays and cash registers at its outlets nationwide.
The message reads: "KK Mart extends apologies to the Muslim community for the Miranosock brand with the words 'Allah' on them.
"The company took action by terminating the services of the supplier, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, and is pursuing legal action against them. All products from this supplier are now discontinued across the KK Super Mart outlets nationwide.
"Our goal is to foster harmony within diverse religious and ethnic communities. We regret the issue that occurred and sincerely apologise."
Akmal said he would urge the local authorities to take enforcement action to remove the banner.
He reiterated his stand, along with his supporters, to maintain their boycott of KK Mart indefinitely, regardless of any discounts or low-priced items offered.
"Our dignity cannot be compromised. We appreciate the swift action taken by the Melaka local authorities," he added.
On March 17, Umno Youth gave the management of KK Super Mart two days to put up a banner at all 881 branches of the convenience store nationwide to apologise for the sale of the controversial socks.
Akmal warned that the wing would initiate a "stronger boycott" against KK Super Mart in the event the management of the convenience store failed to heed its demands.
On March 22, police completed their probe into the sale of the socks bearing the word "Allah" involving KK Supermart and the sock's distributor, Xin Jiang Chang Sdn Bhd.
Federal Police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said they were waiting for a directive from the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) on the next course of action.
He said four separate investigation papers on the issue had been submitted to the AGC.
