PETALING JAYA: The education ministry has apologised for a mistake in the design of the Jalur Gemilang printed in its Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results analysis report, the latest snafu involving the national flag.

The ministry said a thorough investigation was ongoing and admitted that the mistake was unacceptable.

“We have asked for the analysis report that was distributed earlier today to be returned, and amendments are being made,” it said in a statement.

“This carelessness is unacceptable as the Jalur Gemilang symbolises the nation’s dignity and sovereignty. Stern and immediate action has been taken against all parties involved,” it added.

The report contained an image of students in a classroom, with a Jalur Gemilang with two stars instead of one hanging on the wall. The flag also only had eight alternating red and white stripes instead of 14.

Last week, Sin Chew Daily courted controversy for publishing a graphic illustration featuring the Jalur Gemilang without the crescent moon, leading to a police investigation and the detaining of two top editors.

Sin Chew swiftly apologised for the “technical mistake” and suspended its chief editor and deputy chief sub-editor pending the outcome of the investigation.

Kwong Wah Yit Poh is also being investigated over a Facebook post purportedly showing the Jalur Gemilang without the crescent moon.

A Singapore-based baby food vendor that opened a booth at a trade show in Kuala Lumpur also recently apologised for putting up a video showing the Jalur Gemilang without the crescent moon.

sos