KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — Naelofar Hijab has apologised to those affected by the controversy surrounding its product launch at the Zouk nightclub here, saying it will consider all cultural and religious sensitivities for future events.

However, the brand insisted it took all necessary precautions to ensure attendees did not come into contact with alcohol, while only serving "halal” foods deemed permissible in Islam, and prohibited smoking.

"Now, we are taking immediate corrective steps to fix the wrong that we have committed.

Nothing is more important than gaining back everyone’s trust and confidence.

We have heard all of your comments regarding the issue, and we will take these to guide us positively to prevent any future incidents,” Noor Nabila Mohd Noor, the managing director of NH Prime International Sdn Bhd that owns the brand, said in a statement.

The brand, founded by Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor, said it made sure alcoholic branding, bottles, glasses as well as cutleries were removed during the launch, while access to the bar and other clubs was also blocked

"We also hired an external caterer that serves halal food. All the glasses and cutleries that were used by all the guests were also provided by the caterer,” she said, referring to Muslims’ dietary requirement that must avoid, among others, alcohol and pork.

She said the venue was chosen because it offers space for private events every Sunday and Monday when it is closed to the public.

"The lighting with neon effects, sound system, LED displays, lightboxes, as well as technical support were among the facilities offered by the event space, all of which are necessary and parallel to the theme of the event itself,” she added.

Neelofa, who turned 29 on Monday, celebrated her birthday with the release of her latest Be Lofa range that comprised the "Be Lofa Turban” and the "Be Lofa Shawl” headscarf range.

Her new turban line was sold out in less than 24 hours after the launch at Zouk.

However, her choice of venue was criticised by Muslims here, including Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Zulkifli Mohamad who reminded the celebrity entrepreneur to follow Islamic tenets and said the "ends do not make the means halal”.

Neelofa reportedly said she was unfazed by the public criticism, and claimed the issue had been sensationalised by those who were not present at the event.