Bagan PAS had earlier complained that Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) officers had removed the flags put up for its annual general meeting and attributed this action to the chief minister heading to town for an official event nearby.
MPSP secretary Rozali Mohamud said PAS had committed an offence by displaying an advertisement without the council’s permission.
He said 11 banners and 50 flags along Jalan Bagan Luar, Butterworth, were brought down on Sunday.
Bagan PAS was holding its 21st AGM at the Veenai Hotel on Jalan Bagan Luar.
Rozali said as a goodwill gesture, the flags were returned to the party.
“We were merely enforcing the law and reminded them that what they had done was an offence.
“Those planning to put up any sort of flag or banner must get the council’s approval.
“We are ready to advise any of those planning to put up banners. Just come over and chat with us,” Rozali said when contacted.
According to Rozali, PAS has committed an offence under Section 5 of the MPSP by-laws (Advertisement) 2001 for putting up flags and banners without the council’s licence.
Under the by-law, an advertisement can be any sort of signage of a trade, organisation, business and others on cloth or any sort of medium.
An exception is given to small notice boards indicating sale or rent of land or house, and notice boards pertaining to developer-related projects.
Those convicted of the offence can be fined a maximum RM2,000 or jailed a year.
Yesterday, Bagan PAS Youth information chief Muhd Hafiz Ilyas had claimed that MPSP officers had removed PAS flags as the CM was officiating an event nearby.
He also claimed he had confirmed this with a “high-ranking” MPSP officer.