Kuala Lumpur, 19 September 2025 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has imposed fines of RM100,000 each on Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad and Sinar Karangkraf Sdn. Bhd. for separate offences involving misuse of the national flag and dissemination of false content. The compounds were issued after obtaining approval from the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).
In the case of Sin Chew, the penalty stems from publishing an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang on its digital newspaper platform. The missing component was deemed a breach of respect toward Malaysia’s national symbol, which the MCMC says represents national sovereignty, unity, and dignity.
Sinar Karangkraf, publisher of Sinar Harian, was fined for distributing false content related to the Inspector-General of Police via its Instagram account. The inaccurate profile connected the IGP to senior leadership of a local political party, claims that were not based on verifiable information.
Both media companies were found in violation of Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), with compounds issued under Section 243. The MCMC emphasised that misuse of national symbols coupled with false reporting can undermine public trust and social harmony.
