Upside-down flag: Pontian local council shuts dental clinic for 30 days

A private dental clinic at the Pontian Trade Centre has been ordered to close for 30 days after it was found flying the Jalur Gemilang upside down.

Sinar Harian quoted Pontian Municipal Council president Abdul Azim Shamsuddin, who said the closure notice was issued to the clinic at around 8.20am today.

He said the move was taken after checks found the premises had breached the council’s 2019 Business and Trade Licensing By-Laws, which include requirements on the proper display of national and state flags.

“Every premises, licensed or unlicensed, under these by-laws is required to fly the Jalur Gemilang or the Johor flag correctly during certain periods, including National Day celebrations.

“This closure order was made under by-law 49(2), which empowers the president to close any premises that violate licensing conditions or by-laws,” he reportedly said.

Azim added that the owner may submit a written appeal during the closure period, but the final decision rests with the council president.

‘We didn’t expect this to happen again’

The incident came to light after a 33-second video went viral showing the Jalur Gemilang flown upside down on the second floor of a three-storey shoplot, while the Johor state flag was correctly displayed beside it.

The clip also showed several members of the public and police officers gathered outside the premises. Police have since launched an investigation.

Sinar Harian also quoted Pontian district officer Kamalludin Jamal, who expressed disappointment about the incident.

“We were shocked and did not expect this to happen again, especially involving a dental clinic.

“This is very disappointing for the district administration. I urge the public to be more careful so such incidents do not recur,” he said.

Earlier today, Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan, who is also deputy works minister, urged calm and said the flag’s position had already been corrected.

The latest flag gaffe followed a similar incident in Kepala Batas, Penang, which led to Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh’s rally with over 100 protesters, including members of Umno and Bersatu youth wings, to “educate” a hardware store owner caught on video hanging a Jalur Gemilang upside down.

The 59-year-old shop owner was arrested, detained overnight, and later released on police bail.

Akmal was subsequently investigated over the rally and confirmed that he will be charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code at the Bukit Mertajam magistrate’s court tomorrow (Friday).

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