GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is receiving widespread praise as its enforcement officers assist local businesses in properly displaying the Jalur Gemilang.
Officers have been observed patrolling and checking the flags hoisted around various locations on the island, offering help to ensure the Jalur Gemilang is displayed correctly.
The team, led by MBPP Enforcement Director Noorazrein Noorazlan Ong, has been replacing torn or damaged flags tied to road signs and poles and assisting shop owners in placing flags at entrances.
A video snippet posted on Saturday (Aug 23) of their recent efforts on the MBPP Facebook page has garnered over 13,000 likes and 1,000 comments, with netizens praising the approach, This comes in the wake of recent viral incidents where harsh reactions were reported towards those perceived to disrespect the Jalur Gemilang due to improper placement.
Social media user using the handle @Abel said in an X post that this demonstrates moral values, intelligence, and authority in a dignified and compassionate manner.
"In a world full of challenges and violence, follow this good example," the user said.
User @Kris Kanth said this was the correct way to do things.
"Educating is better than punishing!" he said.
@Dzul Fazley Ahmad agreed, stating that this is the right approach.
"This is the way to go. Congratulations to the local council; keep up the great work," he said.
@Martin Lim echoed the sentiment, saying it's the right way to improve flag placements.
"We should correct people this way," he said.
@Tamil Maran Velayutham praised the initiative, stating that it sets a good example.
"This is the example we want. If there are mistakes and wrongs, please handle them in a good way," he said.
The council's Facebook page mentioned that "Ops Negaraku" is in conjunction with the celebration of Merdeka month.
"MBPP enforcement officers have implemented Ops Negaraku – a small effort to ensure that the Jalur Gemilang continues to fly majestically at premises around the city.
"In this operation, the enforcement team helped replace worn and torn flags with new ones and corrected the position of flags that were upside down or moved by the wind.
"We reminded premises owners of the importance of treating the flag with respect.
"The Jalur Gemilang is not just a piece of cloth that is flown, but a symbol of our unity as Malaysians.
"It should be cared for, respected, and flown with pride," the post read.
The post further encouraged all citizens to ignite the spirit of patriotism by flying the flag at their premises.
"Don't worry — the important thing is that we sincerely show our love for the country," it said.
Noorazrein said that Ops Negaraku is not about enforcement.
"It is a small initiative by MBPP to help the community fly the Jalur Gemilang with pride and respect.
"We started on Aug 13, instructing our patrol officers to observe for any worn-out flags or those flipped over.
"Last week, our team purchased some flags and went to the locations to replace them.
"This initiative will continue until Merdeka Day, as our goal is to ensure that the community feels proud to fly our Jalur Gemilang correctly, with full respect and patriotism," he added.
