JOHOR BARU: The Pontian Municipal Council's (MPPn) decision to issue 30-day closure notices to two premises for flying the national and state flags upside down is lawful, says state executive councillor Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.
The Johor housing and local government committee chairman said the action was consistent with the provisions under 49(2) of the Business and Trade Licensing Bylaws (UUK) 2019, which gave councils the power to close premises following confirmation of a violation.
“The notice issued by the MPPn president is not ultra vires nor is it an act of cruelty.
“It is a legal action and also a serious reminder that everyone must not be careless or dismissive when dealing with issues that touch on the sovereignty and honour of the state and the nation.
“After 68 years of independence, negligence of this nature should not continue to happen,” he said in a statement here.
He warned that if such incidents were to happen again, tougher and uncompromising action would be taken.
“The firmness of the law is important to ensure that all citizens and stakeholders respect the symbols of national and state sovereignty, and to prevent flimsy excuses that tarnish the dignity of the flag we all love,” he added.
He said such mistakes were not minor but a slap against the sovereignty fought for with blood and tears.
Jafni added that Johoreans, regardless of race or background, must understand that respecting the Jalur Gemilang and the Johor flag was not a choice but a duty.
“A flag is not just a piece of cloth fluttering on a pole; it is a symbol of sovereignty, dignity and loyalty.
“Respect for the flag means respect for the state and the country.
“The excuse of workers’ negligence is unacceptable as local employers must be fully responsible for offences and mistakes committed at their premises,” he said.
On Wednesday (Aug 27), MPPn ordered a mini supermarket in Pekan Nanas, Pontian, to close for 30 days after it was found to be flying the Johor flag upside down.
This came just days after a dental clinic in the same district was issued a similar order for displaying the Jalur Gemilang upside down.
