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 toconcerns 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.

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"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.