‘Pak guard’ Nepal, wanita ditahan kes bendera terbalik

Two individuals - a 34-year-old security guard from Nepal and a 48-year-old local woman - were detained on Monday following the discovery of an inverted Malaysian flag and a Johor state flag at an industrial site in Indahpura, Johor. The incident was brought to light when photos of the inverted flags circulated on social media. Tan Seng Lee, the Chief of Police in Kulai, stated that the male suspect, who worked as a security guard, was suspected to be the individual who placed the inverted flag, while the woman was accused of surrendering and directing the flag placement.

Additionally, Malaysian and Johor state flags were reportedly seized during the arrest. The suspects were held in custody for four days until August 21 to assist the investigation. According to Tan, the case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Flags and Emblems Act 1963, Section 14 of the Light Offenses Act 1955, Section 505b of the Penal Code for causing public outrage, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

On Sunday, Exco Johor member Jafni Md Shukor said a Johor state factory in Kulai District Council (MPKu) area was temporarily closed due to the inverted Malaysian and state flags. He stated that the action was taken under the 2019 Small Business, Trade and Industrial Services Act to ensure the company provided explanations and completed the acknowledgment promise.

"Both flags placed inappropriately have been promptly rectified. Meanwhile, the company's manager will be called upon urgently to provide explanations," he said on Facebook. Clearly, disregarding respect for national and state symbols cannot be considered a reason to downplay the importance of their protection.