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HOME Ministry has launched an investigation into a viral video showing an incomplete version of the national flag, the Jalur Gemilang, displayed at a recent baby expo in the capital.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the probe would be conducted in the same manner as an ongoing investigation into a similar issue involving the publication of an incomplete Jalur Gemilang illustration on the front page of a local newspaper.
“I take this opportunity to remind everyone that the national flag is a symbol of our country’s identity and carries deep meaning and significance.
THE Home Ministry has launched an investigation into a viral video showing an incomplete version of the national flag, the Jalur Gemilang, displayed at a recent baby expo in the capital.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the probe would be conducted in the same manner as an ongoing investigation into a similar issue involving the publication of an incomplete Jalur Gemilang illustration on the front page of a local newspaper.
“I take this opportunity to remind everyone that the national flag is a symbol of our country’s identity and carries deep meaning and significance.
“Any form of carelessness, negligence, or oversight that may cause public unease should ideally be avoided,” he told reporters during the ministry’s monthly assembly.
The incident, which sparked criticism online, involved a backdrop behind a booth operated by a Singaporean baby food company at a baby products expo held at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The flag shown was missing the crescent moon symbol, a key component of the Jalur Gemilang.
Commenting further on the investigation into *Sin Chew Daily*, Saifuddin said authorities would handle the matter with due diligence and wisdom under existing legal frameworks.
“We received a response from Sin Chew Daily yesterday. We will study it carefully before deciding on any action,” he said.
On 17 April, media outlets reported that the editor-in-chief and deputy chief editor of the local Chinese daily had been detained to assist in the investigation regarding the front-page illustration. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed the duo were released a few hours later.
The newspaper had featured the incomplete flag image in conjunction with its coverage of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia. The publication later issued a public apology, explaining that the incident was due to an unintentional technical error.
The matter drew widespread criticism, including from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who urged the newspaper’s management and editorial department to exercise greater caution and thoroughly vet materials before publication. - April 22, 2025