Cops record statements of eight individuals over display of Israeli flag in Kelantan

KOTA BHARU: Police have recorded statements from eight individuals over the raising of an Israeli flag on a boat during the “500 Pelayaran Solidariti Kelantan untuk Gaza” event held in Lembah Sireh, here, last Oct 10.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the statements were recorded from the event organiser, actors, advertiser, and printer involved in the display of the flag.

He said that although the act was done for acting purposes, it still constitutes an offence as it involves a sensitive symbol, and Malaysia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.

“Although it was done as part of a re-enactment or sketch, it remains an offence because it can create confusion and raise sensitive issues within the community.

“We do not want the people to misunderstand and the investigation paper regarding this matter has been completed and it will be submitted to the State Public Prosecutor for further action,” he told a press conference at the Kelantan Police Contingent Headquarters on Tuesday (Oct 21).

He said the Israeli flag, which the police had confiscated, was not purchased online but was printed by the organiser.

Meanwhile, Mohd Yusoff sais the police will investigate allegations by Thai authorities that a group of criminals involved in the robbery of a gold shop at a supermarket in the Sungai Golok town had fled to Malaysia.

However, he said there had been no official request from Thailand regarding the matter.

“So far, there has been no official request from them for us to assist in the investigation. The allegation was made based on the discovery of several items on the riverbank near our border, but we will still check and investigate the possibility that the suspects are in Malaysia.

“We are ready to cooperate through official channels such as Interpol or bilateral security meetings that are held from time to time,” he said.

He advised the Thai authorities to provide detailed information including the identity or DNA of the suspects if it is confirmed that they are believed to have fled into Malaysia.

On Oct 5, it was reported that 10 men armed with M16 and AK104 rifles stole jewellery worth almost RM3.11mil after robbing a supermarket.

The incident occurred at 6.30pm (Thailand time) while customers were shopping at the premises. – Bernama