The government views seriously the misuse and alteration of the country's coat of arms by any quarters, said the Prime Minister’s Department today, reiterating that it is an offence under Act 414 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963.

In a statement, it quoted Section 3 (1) Act 414 as stating: “Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, no person shall, except with the written permission of the minister, use of any specified name or specified emblem, or any imitation for the purpose of any trade, business, calling or profession.”