KUALA LUMPUR: The company Naelofar Hijab, the headscarf company owned by popular celebrity and businesswoman Neelofa, has issued a public apology following the controversial launch of her new range of headscarves at a nightclub here.

In a statement issued by Noor Nabila Mohd Noor, the managing director of NH Prima International Sdn Bhd, the company which owns Neelofa’s brand, expressed its regret that the event which was supposed to be a special occasion for Neelofa had become a controversy.

“We are taking immediate corrective steps to fix the wrong that we have committed,” she said.

Noor Nabila said the company had taken heed of the people’s reaction on the issue and would use them as guidance to prevent a recurrence.

“We will take into account all cultural and religious sensitivities in all our future decisions and we hope that you can give us the chance to improve ourselves.

“Nothing is more important than gaining everyone’s trust and confidence,” she said yesterday.

Neelofa, whose real name is Noor Nelofa Mohd Noor, 29, was strongly criticised after she reportedly organised the launch of her new line of headscarves or hijab at the nightclub on Monday.

Noor Nabila clarified that throughout the event, the organisers had ensured that any alcoholic branding, bottles, glasses as well as cutlery were removed.

These included sealing access to the bar and other clubs, prohibiting smoking, and hiring an external caterer that served halal food and provided their own cutlery and glasses to the guests.

Following the uproar, Federal Territories mufti Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri advised Neelofa to follow the true Islamic tenets in her daily life and activities as a Muslim.