Pontian dental clinic probed after accidentally displaying Jalur Gemilang upside down

PONTIAN: A dental clinic here got into trouble after it was found displaying the Jalur Gemilang upside down, sparking dissatisfaction among the public.

Pontian deputy OCPD Deputy Supt Abd Hamid Abdul Rahman said initial investigations showed that the incident at the clinic in Pusat Perdagangan Pontian on Wednesday (Aug 20) was not intentional.

“The flag was put up incorrectly due to negligence by the person who installed it and not with the purpose of insulting or showing disrespect towards the national symbol.

“The clinic owner has cooperated fully and has since corrected the flag’s position,” he said in a statement.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963 and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955.

DSP Abd Hamid also reminded the public not to speculate or spread unverified information that could cause racial tension or disrupt public order.

“The Jalur Gemilang is a symbol of the nation’s sovereignty that must be respected by all.

“We urge everyone to ensure the flag is displayed correctly, especially during the Merdeka month celebrations,” he said.

Earlier, a video clip showing a group of policemen entering the clinic made the rounds on social media following images of the upside-down Jalur Gemilang displayed beside the Johor flag, which was hung in the right position.