The Kuala Langat District Council (MDKL) has begun taking down all manner of advertising materials featuring the 1Malaysia logo considered as conveying a political message. 

The materials include banners, bunting and business services advertisements.

Council president Abdul Razak Jaafar said the operation began two weeks ago following a directive from the Selangor state secretariat office.

NONE He added that state executive councillor Ronnie Liu ( right ) chaired a standing committee on local government in September where the policy was adopted.

"It was, however, only finalised by a state exco meeting recently.

But confusion arising from the move has forced the council to seek clarification from the state.

"I would like to know whether the ban should include business premises, such as the 1Malaysia Clinic and the like.

"I have already written for a more detailed guideline," said Abdul Razak. Meanwhile, MDKL councillor Munusamy Erishin said that the licensing subcommittee met yesterday to discuss the matter.

On complaints from traders that their banners had been turned illegal overnight, Erishin said the usual practice is for a notice to be served on the affected parties before action is taken.

‘ We don't do it, others shouldn't'

"Though they have been granted licences before this, the banners are deemed have contravened the local by-laws now," he added.

The Star reported that the ban was announced yesterday by chairman of the state housing and local government committee Liu.

He said the logo was a political message and as such cannot be allowed to be featured on billboard advertisements.

"You don't see any billboard in Selangor carrying the PKR, PAS and DAP logos," Liu was quoted as saying.

Last month, MCA Kelana Jaya facilitator Ong Chong Swen had too cried foul over the Subang Jaya Municipal Council's ban on the 1Malaysia logo and national emblem on her Deepavali greeting bunting.