JOHOR BARU: Police have recorded statements from three individuals as part of their investigation into the waving of a foreign national flag during an international cultural festival parade in Sentosa.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the incident occurred on Oct 20 during an event in Taman Sentosa, though the flag-waving took place inside a shopping mall at the site.
"A police report was lodged on Monday (Oct 28) after a video of the flag-waving incident went viral on social media," he added. "So far, three witnesses have recorded their statements to aid the ongoing investigation."
Comm Kumar made these remarks during a Deepavali gathering held at the Johor police headquarters on Thursday (Oct 31). He mentioned that police are also awaiting a statement from the event organiser, who is currently in Bangkok, and will proceed once they return.
The Johor Baru City Council had approved the event, which attracted participants from various countries, he added.
Comm Kumar confirmed that the police are investigating the incident under Section 3(1) of the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Following the viral video, Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat said that the police had received a report at 3pm on Monday regarding the incident, which had circulated widely on social media.
He added that the event was organised by a cultural association in Sentosa and included participants from over 10 countries as part of a religious gathering.
The police urge anyone with additional information to contact the Johor Baru South Hotline at 07-218 2323 or visit a nearby police station to assist in the investigation.
