Terengganu officials address flag controversy in Kuala Terengganu

Authorities in Terengganu have addressed the controversy regarding a Malaysian flag, the Jalur Gemilang, displayed without its crescent and star at Dataran Batu Buruk in Kuala Terengganu. Terengganu Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar stated the incident was an unintentional, isolated case and promised an investigation to prevent recurrence.

Kuala Terengganu Mayor Datuk Lizan Che Mat explained that the flag did indeed have the crescent and star, but the components had been sewn on separately and were torn off by strong winds. The city council has since replaced the damaged flag with a complete one and will purchase pre-made flags in the future to avoid similar issues.

The incident has sparked political debate, with DAP Shah Alam Chairman Muhammad Shakir Ameer questioning the reaction of UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh. Shakir suggested that such controversies contribute to a culture of ‘sentiment politics’ and expressed concern that misunderstandings regarding flag displays could intimidate citizens.