Second Media Outlet Under Investigation for Incomplete Jalur Gemilang Illustration Following Sin Chew Daily Incident

Recently, one of Malaysia's oldest Chinese-language newspapers, Sin Chew Daily, faced heavy backlash following a publication on the newspaper's front page that displayed the Jalur Gemilang without its crescent moon – an important Islamic symbol.

Image Credit: Sin Chew Daily

The mistake appeared in the April 15, 2025 edition that reported on the arrival of the Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Malaysia.

Following the criticism, Sin Chew Daily published an apology.

“The image used on today's front page featured a Malaysian flag missing its crescent moon, which was an unintentional design error."

"We sincerely apologise to all readers and members of the public for the oversight,” it wrote.

Image Credit: Sin Chew Daily

The incident had also garnered the attention of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who criticised the action by calling it unacceptable and a matter of national concern.

An investigation has also been launched by the Home Ministry (KDN). The case was investigated under two acts: the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963 [Act 414] and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 [Act 301].

Another Chinese-language daily under investigation for the same mistake

Image Credit: Malaysiakini

In other related news, Kwong Wah Yit Poh also came under fire and is currently being investigated by the Home Ministry over an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang posted on Facebook.

As reported in FMT, the ministry had received a complaint regarding the issue on the Kwong Wah Yit Poh Facebook page dated April 16, 2025.

As a result, Kwong Wah Yit Poh is also being investigated under the same acts as Sin Chew Daily.

It is also reported that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had summoned the Kwong Wah Yit Poh management over the Facebook post. The matter is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.

Featured Image Credit: The Star, FMT