KUALA LUMPUR: The majority of cases involving the Jalur Gemilang being displayed upside down were mostly due to unintentional careless mistakes, says Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
The Deputy Home Minister said the cases involving the improper or inverted display of the Jalur Gemilang flags, when investigated, were done by mistake.
“Based on the facts, most of the cases involving the flags that were displayed upside down were due to carelessness, and not to insult.
“The ministry through the police prioritise the approach of giving advice, warnings and instructing corrective action on site,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during the oral question and answer session, on Thursday (Nov 20).
Shamsul Anuar was responding to a supplementary question from RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who wanted to know what actions were taken against those who were found displaying the national flag upside down or improperly.
He also said that 22 cases were recorded between 2022 to 2025 nationwide relating to the improper display of the Jalur Gemilang.
“There were 17 investigation papers opened in 2025, followed by three in 2024, two in 2023 and no investigation papers were recorded in 2022.
“Offences related to the use of national symbols, including the Jalur Gemilang, are subject to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963 and other relevant laws,” he told the Lower House.
Shamsul Anuar said this when replying to a question from Wan Razali Wan Nor (PN-Kuantan), who asked for the number of cases involving the improper or inverted display of the Malaysian flag, and the number of cases prosecuted or penalised in the last four years; and whether the Ministry intends to increase penalties for offences related to national symbols, including the flag.
He said the existing penalties are deemed sufficient to raise awareness and serve as a deterrent for whoever found violating the laws involving the abuse of national symbols.
“However, the ministry will continue to monitor current developments and does not rule out the possibility of reviewing present needs or matters related to existing legal provisions,” he added.
