Kuantan Authorities Warn Local Businesses To Fly Jalur Gemilang Or Pay Fine
Many businesses have not put up the Jalur Gemilang at their premises to celebrate Independence Day after two weeks of entering National Month.
By Suraya Athira — 16 Aug 2022, 05:04 PM — Updated about 2 years ago
The Kuantan Municipal Council (MBK) announced that businesses that do not fly the Jalur Gemilang will be fined beginning 18 August
In its Facebook post, the council reminded business owners to comply with the regulation since it is part of the premises' licence requirements.
It added that all Kuantan business owners must ensure that the flags flown must also not be torn and frayed.
The municipal council also attached photos of premises in Kuantan that have not yet put up the national flags in the Facebook post.
The MBK's ruling comes following the launch of the Fly The Jalur Gemilang campaign, which has yet to receive an encouraging response from local business premises
In honour of the 2022 National Month, the government launched the Fly The Jalur Gemilang Campaign on 30 July to enliven the patriotic spirit of Malaysians.
However, many businesses and offices have yet to decorate their premises with the national flag to honour the once-a-year celebration.
According to Bernama, only a few buildings in Kuala Lumpur can be seen flying the Jalur Gemilang, including government offices, schools, hospitals, roads, and public parks. Participation from the private sector is still upsetting.
Following the lack of involvement by the private sector, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah said he will call up business premises to encourage them to put up the flag
He said that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will be contacting building owners and premises to urge them to fly the Jalur Gemilang to ensure the success of the campaign.
"With regard to the city hall, we've installed lots of flags, including small ones, among the trees to celebrate the 65th National Day," he added.
Professor Datuk Teo Kok Seong suggested increasing the penalty for businesses that do not fly the national flag at their premises because this "trend" was not new
The Principal Fellow at the Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) emphasised that Section 107(2) of the Local Government Act 1976 needs to be amended since he found the maximum fine of RM250 not commensurable, reported Bernama.
"The existing fine needs to be increased while cancellation of the licence for failing to abide by the condition set should serve as a lesson. They deliberately do not want to fly (the Jalur Gemilang) while the regulation already exists," he added.
