The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) has apologised over the "mistake" in its Chinese New Year advertisement publicised in a Chinese daily.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the ministry attributed the cock-up to a technical error in the advertisement.

"KPDNKK would like to extend a million apologies for the publishing of the Chinese New Year advertisement. It is due to a technical error in the advertisement.

"Happy Chinese New Year for those who are celebrating and Happy Holidays to all Malaysians. Gong Xi Fa Cai!" read the statement...