Upside-Down Jalur Gemilang: Hardware Store Owner Released on Bail, PDRM Warns Against Protests

The owner of a hardware store in Jalan Bertam Perdana, Kepala Batas in Penang, who went viral after the incident of the Jalur Gemilang being displayed upside down in front of his premises, has been released on police bail after statements were taken regarding the incident.

Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Anuar Abd Rahman, said the 59-year-old man who was arrested on Saturday night (August 9) was released on police bail at about 3 PM yesterday (August 10).

“More than 10 people have recorded statements to assist in the investigation into the case and we have also completed the investigation papers for the case. The police have sent the investigation papers to the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s office today and are awaiting further instructions.”

The matter is still being investigated under Section 5 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Anuar guaranteed the media that the matter will be investigated transparently.

Hardware store owner, 2nd from the left

No rally outside the store, please

Before the store owner was arrested, UMNO Youth Chief, Dr. Akmal Saleh, voiced his desire to pay the store owner a visit to educate him on how to properly hoist the Jalur Gemilang. With the plan now delayed, Anuar said that the police had received information about the matter.

However, PDRM advised the public not to proceed with the rally to avoid disrupting the peace in the area, especially when the police are already investigating the matter, reported BERNAMA.

A video recently went viral showing the hardware store owner who appeared to deliberately hoist and wave the upside-down Jalur Gemilang, which had sparked rage among Malaysians.

Also read: “Congratulations!” – Politician Praises Malaysian Tamil Schools for Zero Jalur Gemilang Blunders