Johor factory temporarily shut over 'upside down' flags
Published: Aug 17, 2026 6:05 PM
Updated: 8:11 PM
A factory in Johor has been temporarily shuttered after allegedly displaying both the Jalur Gemilang and Johor state flag upside down.
In a statement on Facebook, state housing and local government committee chairperson Jafni Shukor said that the action by the Kulai Municipal Council (MPKU) was in line with powers previously exercised by local authorities under the Trades, Business and Industrial Licensing By-Laws 2019, including provisions governing the display of flags and the closure of premises.
It was not immediately clear how the flag came to be displayed upside down, including whether it had been blown into that position by the wind or was incorrectly hung.
READ MORE: Malacca rep proves flags hung correctly can still end up inverted
"In this regard, MPKU has taken action to temporarily close the premises until the company provides an explanation and completes the letter of undertaking. Both incorrectly displayed flags have also been promptly rectified.
"The Kulai district officer is coordinating the matter with MPKU and the relevant agencies to ensure that appropriate action is taken promptly in accordance with the applicable laws," Jafni said.
At the same time, he said that the police are investigating the matter and that the company’s director will be summoned to explain, adding that further action must be taken without favour if there were any breaches of the law or applicable conditions.
"I wish to issue a firm reminder to all premises owners, companies and industry players in Johor: respect the Jalur Gemilang and the Johor state flag.
“Ensure that every flag is displayed correctly, properly and with a full sense of responsibility. Negligence cannot be used as an excuse to take the respect due to symbols of the nation’s and state’s sovereignty lightly.
"We will await the outcome of the investigation to determine the cause and the responsibility of the parties involved, but our position is clear: the nation’s dignity must be upheld, the dignity of Johor must be upheld, the flags must be respected, and the law must be enforced," Jafni added.
Akmal congratulates state govt
In an immediate response, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh congratulated the Johor government.
"This is what should be rightly done instead of defending those who deliberately put the flag upside down," Akmal said.
While not naming anyone explicitly, the Merlimau assemblyperson appeared to be taking subtle jabs at DAP and Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) members, with whom Akmal locked horns last year, before and during protests over a flag blunder in Penang.
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh in a rally last year to educate a Bertam hardware store owner on how to put up a Jalur Gemilang properly
On Aug 14, 2025, over 100 protesters, including members of Umno and Bersatu youth wings, gathered in Kepala Batas, Penang, in a rally to "educate" the hardware store owner on how to put up a Jalur Gemilang properly.
Both LFL and DAP mobilised their members to protect and defend the hardware store owner, Pang Chin Tian, from what was deemed to be excessive harassment.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke subsequently instructed DAP Youth representatives nationwide to file police reports against Akmal, over a slew of alleged offences relating to the protest.
On Aug 14, 2025, over 100 protesters, including members of Umno and Bersatu youth wings, gathered in Kepala Batas, Penang, in a rally to "educate" the hardware store owner on how to put up a Jalur Gemilang properly.
Both LFL and DAP mobilised their members to protect and defend the hardware store owner, Pang Chin Tian, from what was deemed to be excessive harassment.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke subsequently instructed DAP Youth representatives nationwide to file police reports against Akmal, over a slew of alleged offences relating to the protest.
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