PETALING JAYA: Those who called for the boycott of KK Super Mart must take responsibility for stoking racial tensions and stop inflaming sentiments, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

       The Home Minister said while calling for a boycott might not be an offence, public trespass and vandalism were.

       "It is clearly an offence when the public trespasses or tries to set fire to the premises.

       "This act can result in property destruction and loss of life. The police will continue to take action based on the law in the interest of the public," he said in a statement on Saturday (March 30).

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       He said the petrol bomb incident at the Sungai Isap Kuantan store caused anxiety among local residents and the people ahead of Aidilfitri.

       "The police view these attempted arson cases seriously including the first incident which occurred at Bidor, Perak on March 26.

       "The police will also use all its strength to control and maintain public order in the country," he said, adding that legal action has been taken against the director and executive chairman of the KK Super Mart Group and the socks supplier Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd.

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       He said police investigation found that five pairs out of 18,000 pairs of socks had the word "Allah" written on them.

       Both KK Mart founder Datuk Seri KK Chai and the socks vendor have since publicly apologised over the matter.

       "This incident has become dangerous when certain parties take the opportunity to fan religious, racial and group sentiments for certain interests," he said.

       He said the socks controversy showed how easily the emotions and sentiments of the people are played by irresponsible circles.

       "I invite those who encourage this boycott to take responsibility to ease and stop the act of inflaming people's sentiments.

       "Give full space and trust to the police to carry out the task of detecting, arresting and investigating the individuals involved. Let the legal process run its course for the sake of peace and public order.

       "I believe that the majority are peace-loving people. Live in peace and with mutual respect for our differences. Let us together reject and strongly condemn this kind of violence," he added.