Chinese national, 38, arrested after flying M'sia flag upside down in Johor

A 38-year-old Chinese national has been arrested after the Malaysia national flag was found displayed upside down at a factory in Senai Airport City, Johor, following the circulation of a video on social media.

The incident

The Johor police chief said the man was arrested at about 4pm on Sunday (Jan. 11) after a 16-second clip showing the national flag being flown upside down began circulating online, reported the Malay Mail.

The flag, also known as a “Jalur Gemilang”, was found at a plastic manufacturing factory in Taman Eko Perniagaan 2.

Arrest

Police said the man has been remanded for three days to facilitate investigations, with the remand running until Jan. 14.

The Malaysia flag was also seized during the arrest.

Initial checks found that the suspect has no prior criminal record and tested negative for drugs.

Authorities believe the detained man is the factory’s operations director and investigations are ongoing to determine how and why the national flag was flown upside down at the premises.

Stop-work notice issued

Meanwhile, Senai assemblyman Wong Bor Yang said the Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) had issued an immediate stop-work notice to the factory, according to the New Straits Times.

Wong said enforcement action should focus on facilitating investigations rather than becoming premature punishment, stressing the importance of due process.

The Johor police chief also emphasised:

“At the same time, the public is advised to not make any speculations or spread provocative statements regarding this issue through any social media platforms.”

Top images via China Press