Penang police chief urges public to avoid flag gaffe rally
In a statement tonight, Azizee said the police have taken note of the upcoming protest tomorrow and urged against participating to ensure the safety of residents and maintain public order.
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The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Police heighten security ahead of anticipated gatherings over upside-down flag in Kepala Batas
KEPALA BATAS: The police have barricaded the road in front of the shop lots where two men were recorded raising the Jalur Gemilang upside-down at a hardware store, to prevent any untoward incidents. Plainclothes police officers were seen as early as 1pm to block off the area after reports of a gathering there on Thursday evening (Aug 14). One police officer, who declined to be named, said they expect a crowd to gather there at around 5 pm. "We were told they would gather nearby and come in a convoy. "We have blocked the road and all entry points to the row of shoplots. No one will be allowed to cross the tape. "They can gather by the side," he said. He said officers would be stationed at the location throughout the day. "There are a few of us here right now and some doing rounds in the area," he said. The row of about 10 shops either chose to remain closed or closed their doors early. The police had asked them to consider closing for the day the day before due to safety reasons. The hardware shop that raised a Jalur Gemilang upside-down has been closed since Sunday (Aug 10). The controversy began after a 21-second video clip filmed outside a hardware store in Kepala Batas surfaced on Saturday (Aug 9). It showed the Jalur Gemilang being hoisted upside-down by a man while the other recorded. The incident sparked widespread public outrage. It was reported that the 59-year-old man involved admitted to the error, explaining that he was merely measuring the flagpole height and had not yet secured the flag when the recording was made. He claimed to have corrected the flag's orientation afterwards. On Thursday, Bukit Aman advised all parties to cancel their plans to gather in Bertam, Kepala Batas, to protest against the incident. IGP Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail stated that the police take seriously any issue that could threaten public safety and well-being. "In the interest of preserving community safety and preventing confrontations between groups, we advise that the gathering be called off," he said. The IGP stated that investigations are ongoing, with 38 reports lodged nationwide, including 17 in Penang and 21 in other states. "The probe also covers action against individuals who recorded and shared the footage. "The investigation paper was submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor on Monday (Aug 11) and is now under review," he said.
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Businesses near flag incident store close early ahead of planned gathering
KEPALA BATAS: Around 10 shops along Jalan Bertam Permata have closed early today as a precautionary measure ahead of a planned gathering linked to a recent national flag incident. The decision follows the circulation of a viral video showing the Jalur Gemilang flown upside down outside a hardware store in the area, which sparked widespread public outrage. An electrical goods shopkeeper, who identified herself only as Yen, said local businesses had agreed to shut by midday due to concerns that a protest might take place later in the day. "Police came to see us yesterday evening and advised that it would be safest to close for the day. They asked about our usual closing hours and suggested we not open at all today. "However, we couldn't notify all our customers in time, as some had arranged to collect items. So, we decided to open for half a day instead," she told reporters. Yen said her shop usually operated until 6pm, while others in the row tend to stay open even later, including a nearby bundle clothing store that often trades late into the night. "But today, we all agreed it was best to close early. Even the clinic nearby is shutting its doors by noon. We don't want any trouble," she added. The hardware store at the centre of the controversy has remained closed since Sunday. Yen said the incident had a visible impact on local trade, with noticeably fewer customers passing through. "It's clear some people are avoiding this row because of what happened," she said. Checks by the New Straits Times at midday found several other businesses, including a car accessories shop, a clinic and an air-conditioning wiring service, pulling down their shutters. Earlier today, police urged organisers to cancel the planned gathering in Kepala Batas over the upside-down Jalur Gemilang incident. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail stressed that the authorities took seriously any matter that could threaten public safety and order. He confirmed that investigations into the incident were ongoing. So far, 38 police reports have been lodged nationwide — 17 in Penang and 21 in other states. Police had previously confirmed that an investigation was launched after a video of a man hoisting the Jalur Gemilang upside down went viral on Aug 9. The footage, posted on Facebook, showed the man raising the flag incorrectly while another person recorded the act. The hardware store owner has since apologised, describing it as an unintentional mistake, and has stated his willingness to face any consequences.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Let the authorities handle it: Rafizi on flag controversy
PETALING JAYA: Let the authorities investigate errors involving the Jalur Gemilang before turning them into an issue, says former minister Rafizi Ramli. Rafizi said there are many possible reasons a flag might be flown upside down, including an honest mistake. 'Most people would not even dare to do it on purpose as they are afraid of the Umno Youth chief, who may bring a whole gang to stage a protest. 'So, let investigations be carried out by the authorities for each case to determine whether it was intentional or a mistake,' he said in a video on social media. Rafizi also noted that there are provisions to press charges if such acts are believed to be intentional. 'Let it go to court and let the court decide whether the accused really meant it or not. 'If an investigation from the start shows it was an unintentional mistake, then there's no need to turn it into an issue. 'Because if I were a citizen - especially a non-Malay - who put up a flag to show love for my country only to end up being targeted by Umno Youth? I would think twice before doing it again,' he said. On Aug 9, a 59-year-old hardware shop owner in Kepala Batas, Penang, was investigated after the national flag was found hanging upside down outside his shop. The shop owner said it was an unintentional mistake made while measuring a flagpole, which he corrected shortly after. Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Salleh had announced plans to stage a protest at the shop, but the gathering did not take place after police were stationed in the area and advised against it. Rafizi, who was also a former PKR deputy president, reminded young politicians to know their limits. 'Our value lies in the knowledge and vision we bring to improve society. While you're young, maybe you can make a name for yourself with socks, flags, shoes, slippers and hats. 'But when you're older, people will laugh at you when they see you as the 'sock, flag, shoe, slipper and hat' politician. So, know your limits,' he said. He also reminded Umno Youth that there was once a time when they proudly raised a keris at their assemblies. 'It was that keris that people remember, and it became one of the reasons Umno was rejected by part of the people,' he said.
