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THE Home Ministry (KDN) has launched an immediate investigation into the Chinese-language daily Sin Chew Daily after the newspaper published an incomplete version of the national flag, Jalur Gemilang, without the crescent symbol on its front page.
The ministry expressed deep regret over what it described as a serious oversight, stating that the publication of the flag without its crescent – which symbolises Islam as the religion of Malaysia – reflects a grave lapse in professionalism.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the ministry said, “This is not just a careless mistake. It undermines the integrity of one of our most important national symbols and has the potential to disrupt harmony in Malaysia’s multicultural society.”
The ministry said it was initiating legal action under two specific laws: the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963 [Act 414] and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 [Act 301].
“The Jalur Gemilang is not merely a piece of fabric. It is a symbol of Malaysia’s sovereignty, unity, and national identity. It must be treated with utmost respect by all,” the ministry said.
KDN warned that any party found to have failed to adhere to the official specifications of the national flag as outlined in Act 414 could face legal consequences.
“The publication of the national flag in an incomplete form, especially without the crescent symbol, is a breach that goes beyond mere editorial carelessness. It can potentially spark tension among Malaysia’s diverse communities,” the statement added.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national security and public order, stressing that it would not tolerate any publication or act that could jeopardise the nation’s peace and stability.
“As the ministry entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining public safety and harmony, we will not compromise when it comes to matters that threaten Malaysia’s stability and cohesion,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Police (PDRM) have confirmed they are investigating a local Chinese-language newspaper after a controversial front-page illustration of the Malaysian flag appeared without its crescent moon — a central symbol representing Islam, the official religion of the country.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the authorities had so far received 13 public complaints regarding the incident, which went viral on social media and drew widespread condemnation.
“Yes, we have received the reports, and an investigation is currently underway,” he said when contacted earlier today.
The case is being handled under Section 4(1)(b) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which governs content deemed offensive, misleading, or likely to cause public concern. Police will also be calling in individuals linked to the publication to have their statements recorded in the coming days.
The disputed image, published on the newspaper’s front page yesterday, showed a version of the Jalur Gemilang placed beside the Chinese national flag — but notably missing the crescent moon, which traditionally accompanies a 14-point star. The omission quickly drew the ire of many Malaysians online, who viewed it as an affront to national identity and religious sensitivity.
The newspaper has since issued a public apology, blaming the incident on a “technical error” and expressing regret over the oversight.
Despite the apology, many social media users continued to express outrage, accusing the publication of disrespecting national symbols and calling for stricter scrutiny of editorial standards.
The incident has reignited debates around press responsibility, national unity, and the limits of tolerance in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
In response, the newspaper has issued a public apology, stating that the error was unintentional and the result of a technical mishap during production.
In a statement, the publication said, “The crescent was unintentionally omitted due to a technical error. We deeply regret this oversight and extend our sincerest apologies.”
It added that corrective measures had been taken immediately, including replacing the digital version of the flag and preparing a corrected version for print, which was republished in Wednesday’s edition of the newspaper.
The incident has drawn scrutiny not only from the Home Ministry, which is also investigating the publication under separate legislation, but from the wider public, many of whom see the error as a serious breach of national respect and protocol. – April 16, 2025