“The ministry has received a complaint about an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang on the Kwong Wah Yit Poh Facebook page dated April 16,” said the ministry.

It said in a Facebook post that the complaint followed an investigation into Sin Chew Daily for a similar offence under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963 and Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

“Such offences will not be taken lightly and will be investigated under the relevant provisions of law governing digital media,” said the ministry.

Sin Chew Daily had come under fire over an illustration on the front page of its April 15 print edition which incorrectly depicted the Jalur Gemilang without the crescent moon.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said 13 reports had been filed over the matter, which is being investigated under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

Yesterday, Sin Chew issued an apology and attributed the gaffe to a “technical mistake”. It said the digital version of the illustration was immediately changed, and the amended version would be republished today in print.

In a separate statement today, MCMC said it had summoned the Kwong Wah Yit Poh management over its Facebook post and the matter is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.

“MCMC views the matter seriously and will give its full cooperation to the home ministry and police in further investigations into the issue if necessary.

“MCMC warns all parties, whether they are media organisations or members of the public, not to upload or spread content that mocks or depicts the Malaysian flag in an incomplete manner.

“Stern action can be taken against any party that violates this regulation. MCMC is committed to ensuring digital media use in Malaysia is proper and respectful of national symbols,” said the commission.