By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 9: The public has been urged to be careful when displaying or digitally reproducing the Jalur Gemilang, with the Information Department (Japen) Sarawak warning against common mistakes such as displaying the flag upside down or distorting its design, including through artificial intelligence (AI).
Japen Sarawak director Sabri Said said the public should ensure the national flag is always presented correctly and in accordance with the prescribed guidelines, whether it is flown at homes, offices, business premises, vehicles or featured in social media content.
He said this included AI-generated images, which could inadvertently depict the Jalur Gemilang incorrectly.
“AI also needs to be handled carefully. Most importantly, make sure the first colour is red. Do not start with white. The number of stars must also be correct,” he told reporters after the Ekspresi Jalur Gemilang Japen@Petronas programme at Petronas Metrocity here today.
Sabri said one common mistake was displaying the Jalur Gemilang upside down, stressing that the crescent and 14-point star emblem must be positioned on the right when the flag is displayed horizontally.
He also reminded the public that the Jalur Gemilang should not be incorporated into clothing or illustrations in a manner that makes the national flag incomplete or alters its proper appearance.
“Each person can display the Jalur Gemilang at their premises or on their vehicles, but it must be done correctly,” he said.
Sabri said the department’s role was to encourage Malaysians to fly the national flag, but individuals also had a responsibility to obtain and display it correctly.
He stressed that flying the Jalur Gemilang was more than simply putting up a flag, describing it as a symbol of national sovereignty, unity and loyalty to the country.
“Individual participation is very important because flying the Jalur Gemilang is not just about a flag, but reflects our sovereignty, unity and loyalty to the country,” he said.
As part of the campaign, Japen Sarawak distributed 200 magnetic Jalur Gemilang stickers to customers at Petronas Metrocity today, with more than 50 distributed during the morning session.
The programme was held simultaneously nationwide as part of efforts to intensify the Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign ahead of National Day and Malaysia Day.
Sabri said the campaign would continue until Sept 16 under this year’s theme, “Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka”.
He said Japen would also continue promoting the campaign outside Kuching through its Info On Wheels mobile units, which conduct daily public outreach across all 33 districts in Sarawak.
The department would also intensify social media promotions, with two daily postings featuring district-level Fly the Jalur Gemilang activities, he added.
Sabri also called on the media to help amplify the campaign, saying Japen had held a “Singgah Media” session yesterday to encourage media practitioners to participate in promoting the message.
Meanwhile, Sabri said the Jalur Gemilang kits were also symbolically handed over to Petronas representatives, including Petronas Dagangan Berhad head of Regional Retail Sabah and Sarawak, Jennifer Ang, to signify the company’s support for the campaign. — DayakDaily
