KUALA LUMPUR: The Johor state government has defended the Pontian Municipal Council's 30-day closure order on two premises that hoisted the Jalur Gemilang upside down.

State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the council's action was neither "ultra vires" nor harsh but in accordance with the law.

He said it served as a stern warning to all parties not to be careless when it came to the sovereignty and dignity of the state and nation.

"The closure order is in line with the provisions under By-Law 49(2), Power to Close Premises, after confirmation of the violation.

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"It is also consistent with By-Law 45(1), Hoisting of Flags, under the Local Government By-Laws on Trade, Business, and Industrial Licensing (MDP) 2019.

"This means the action taken has a solid legal basis and is not an arbitrary decision," he said in a statement.

He added that if such incidents were to recur, stricter action would be taken to ensure that every citizen and stakeholder truly respects the symbols of national and state sovereignty, leaving no room for excuses that could tarnish the honour of the flag.

"After 68 years of Malaysia's independence, negligence should no longer be repeated as an excuse.

"Such mistakes are not trivial but an affront to the sovereignty that was fought for with blood and tears," he said.

He said the people of Johor, regardless of race or background, must realise that respecting the Jalur Gemilang and the Johor state flag is not a choice but an obligation.

"A flag is not just a piece of cloth flying on a pole; it is a symbol of sovereignty, dignity, and loyalty.

"Respecting the flag means respecting the state and the nation itself. Every citizen bears both a moral and legal responsibility to uphold this symbol.

"The excuse of worker negligence is unacceptable, as the employer, being a citizen, must be fully responsible for any offence or mistake committed at their premises," he said.

On Aug 26, a mini-market in Pekan Nanas was ordered to close for 30 days after flying the Johor flag upside down, an act that went viral on social media and sparked public anger.

Pontian police chief Superintendent Mohammad Shofee Tayib had said that preliminary investigations foundthe incident was not deliberate but due to negligence by those who put up the flag.

Prior to that, on Aug 21, a private dental clinic in Pontian Trade Centre was ordered to close for 30 days after it was discovered flying the Malaysian flag upside down.