KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has called for firm action against the display of incomplete or incorrect versions of the Jalur Gemilang, following a recent incident at an exhibition in Mid Valley.
At least five police reports have been lodged over a version of the national flag displayed without the crescent moon – a symbol representing Islam as the official religion of the Federation – at the TCE Baby Expo yesterday.
The company behind the booth, Singapore Lactation Bakes (SLB), is now facing backlash on social media over the error.
Speaking to reporters at Surau Al-Mu’min in Bukit Kerinchi today, Fahmi expressed frustration over the recurrence of such incidents, despite consistent public awareness efforts by the Department of Information Malaysia (JaPen).
“Yesterday, we were shocked by an incident that occurred at an exhibition in Mid Valley, where a particular company displayed an incomplete version of the Jalur Gemilang.
“As the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, together with some members of our unity coalition, we lodged a report at the Pantai police station. We have urged the police to investigate the matter and take stern action under the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949.
“I urge all parties involved in organising programmes and events to understand the protocol regarding the use of the Jalur Gemilang. There are guidelines in place that must be followed, and we are all obliged to adhere to them – including media practitioners.
“We should not simply allow those who commit such mistakes to apologise and move on, especially considering that JaPen has been diligently educating the public on the dos and don’ts of displaying the Jalur Gemilang.
“Although the company has since taken down their promotional video, we will leave it to the police to take appropriate action based on their investigation. So far, five reports have been lodged regarding the incident, and we anticipate more to come,” said Fahmi.
The Mid Valley episode adds to a string of recent controversies involving the misuse of the national flag, including separate cases involving two Chinese-language dailies – Sin Chew Daily and Kwong Wah Yit Poh – both currently under investigation under the Emblems and Names (Preventing Improper Use) Act 1963.
Sin Chew Daily has suspended several editors over what it termed a “technical error” involving the flag.
Meanwhile, the editor-in-chief and deputy chief sub-editor of Kwong Wah Yit Poh have been detained to assist in investigations into a similar incident. – April 20, 2025