KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has fined two of the country’s largest media groups RM100,000 each over separate incidents involving the misrepresentation of national symbols and false information about the police chief.
MCMC said the fines were issued against Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad and Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd after approval from the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Sin Chew’s penalty stemmed from an incident in April when the newspaper published an illustration of the Jalur Gemilang without the crescent moon — a key element symbolising Islam in the national flag — during coverage of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit.
The omission sparked public outrage and drew a sharp rebuke from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who called it “unacceptable”.
The newspaper apologised, blaming a technical error, but suspended senior editorial staff while investigations were carried out.
Sinar Harian, meanwhile, was sanctioned over an Instagram post in June that misrepresented the profile of newly appointed Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, wrongly suggesting he had held a leadership role in a local political party.
The error prompted clarifications from both the Royal Malaysia Police and the party concerned, while the IGP himself stressed he had never been involved in politics in his nearly four decades of service.
Sinar Harian later apologised and suspended the staff responsible.
MCMC said both investigations were carried out under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, with the compounds issued under Section 243 of the same law.
The commission underscored that the Jalur Gemilang is a symbol of sovereignty, unity, and national dignity that must always be depicted accurately.
It also warned that the dissemination of false content involving national security institutions could undermine public order and erode trust in the authorities.
“All media organisations and social media users are reminded to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of published content, especially when it involves official national symbols and institutions,” MCMC said in its statement today.
The communications regulator added that it will continue to strengthen enforcement and roll out digital literacy initiatives to preserve harmony and stability in the country. — September 19, 2025
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