A parade in Muar, featuring a dragon replica went viral on social media after China flags were spotted hanging below the replica.
In a viral TikTok post by @21fadhlan, the parade saw a group of bystanders, including children with their eyes glued to the parade, which was part of a programme to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the district’s Tiong Hua Association.
In response to the foreign flags attached to the replica, the post remarked,
“What is the motive?”
PDRM released a statement
In an official statement by PDRM in Muar last night (January 19), the police confirmed that a report about the matter was lodged on the same day of the event (January 18, Saturday), and they are currently taking proactive measures to investigate the matter.
“The celebration began at 6.10 PM, and during the event, there was a procession featuring lion dances and a dragon replica, which was claimed to be the longest in Malaysia and passed through several main roads in Muar.”
However, the replica did not only feature Chinese flags. According to police’s observation at the scene, Malaysia’s flags – the Jalur Gemilang – were also featured on the right side of the replica, while the Chinese flags were attached to the left side.
At the time of writing (January 20), PDRM had summoned the organisers of the event, including witnesses to aid in the investigation. The case is being investigated under Section 505(B) of the Penal Code, Section 6(2) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, and Section 3(1) of the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949. If found guilty, the organisers can face a jail time of not more than 3 years and receive a fine of not more than RM11,000.
Raiz Mukhliz, Muar’s district Chief Police also urged the public not to make any speculations while the investigation is still ongoing.
