Barely weeks after the incident which saw the Jalur Gemilang being hoisted upside down at a hardware shop in Penang, another case has emerged, this time in Pontian, Johor.
Harian Metro reported that the incident was brought to light following a 33-second clip which circulated on social media, where it showed the flag being hung upside down next to the Johor state flag at a dental clinic.
Police probing dental clinic over upside down flag
In a statement by the Pontian Municipal Council (MPPn), it said had received a report of the incident and responded by deploying two enforcement officers to the site.
“A direct inspection at the scene confirmed the offence, with the flag hung inside the second-floor window of the premises. When enforcement officers arrived, the clinic had already closed for the day.
“MPPn and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) contacted the staff, who were asked to return to the site immediately.”
A total of four individuals — three women and one man — were then taken to the Pontian District Police Headquarters (IPD) for further investigation.
The case is now being probed under Local By-Law 45 on the Display of Flags, part of the 2019 Local Licensing By-Laws for Trade, Business and Industry (MDP).
MP calls for calm
Following the incident, Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan urged the public to show restraint, adding that the dental clinic staff revealed the upside down flag was a mistake.
I urge everyone to remain calm. This matter is being addressed, and the authorities are already taking the necessary action.
“Let us remember that this is not an issue of race. It is a matter of awareness, attentiveness, and patriotism. All communities and all parties must be careful when dealing with sensitive matters, while the authorities must ensure that the law is upheld at all times,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
Ahmad added he has spoken to the MPPn president and secretary and the district officer in charge, and he will be meeting with the district deputy police chief today to discuss the matter.
Thinking of displaying the flag but not sure how? Here’s the correct way to do so:
