A minimart in Pekan Nanas, Pontian, has been ordered to close for 30 days after it was found to have hoisted the Johor flag upside down on Monday.
Pontian municipal council president Azim Shamsuddin said a closure notice, effective yesterday, had been issued to the premises, reported Sinar Harian.
Azim said the council took action after finding that the premises had violated its 2019 business and trade licensing by-laws, specifically regarding the display of flags.
He said the Pontian council’s by-laws gave him the authority to order business premises to close for breaching licence conditions or by-laws. The premises’ owner can lodge an appeal.
Azim underscored the importance of flying the national and Johor flags correctly, noting that they are symbols of respect towards the sovereignty of the nation and state.
“Business owners should not allow their workers to put up flags without supervision. They must take responsibility for what their employees do,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pekan Nanas state assemblyman Tan Eng Meng said a special monitoring team had been formed to ensure the proper display of the Jalur Gemilang and the Johor flag.
The gaffe comes days after a private dental clinic in Pontian was ordered to close for 30 days by the local council after it was seen displaying the Jalur Gemilang upside down.
