Although the company has openly apologised for insulting the national symbol, he said stern action was needed as national emblems must be respected.

The shoe incident is the second after a book was recently published with a cover design similar to Malaysia’s national coat of arms.

“Apologising does not work for me now,” Saifuddin said. “When a mistake is made, it must be investigated and, if found guilty, appropriate punishment must be meted out. If not, it’s very easy to make a mistake and then apologise as such an incident can recur.

“The case regarding the printing of the book is said to be under investigation… this case too I will monitor and forward to (the relevant authorities) for stern action to be taken,” he told reporters today.

In another development, Saifuddin said the Information Ministry is producing a guidebook on the use of the names and emblems of Malaysia.

He said that many people are not aware of such things, including the correct form of the nation’s coat of arms, and that many were not aware of the law regarding the matter, which is the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963.

“We will also explain the proper use of the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag) because there have been times when we have made mistakes. For example, can we use the flag to make clothes? This is one of the things many are unsure of.

“This matter will be studied in detail. We encourage everyone to show off the flag, but it must be done in a proper and ethical manner. These are among the things that will be explained in the guidebook,” he said.

Fake or not? Check our quick fake news buster here.