Menteri besar Aminuddin Harun said department heads, including those living outside of the state, are required to display the two flags at their homes.

He said other civil servants must fly at least the Jalur Gemilang.

Aminuddin said the state secretary’s office had issued a circular on the matter two days ago to nearly 7,000 state civil servants in conjunction with this year’s National Day celebrations.

“This is part of our efforts to foster patriotism in conjunction with the national month,” Bernama quoted him as saying after chairing a state executive council meeting at Wisma Negeri today.

He also said all local governments have been told to be more creative in displaying flags to enliven this year’s National Day celebrations.

“Don’t just hang them or place them on poles. That’s how it was 10 or 20 years ago. Let’s change our approach and create a livelier atmosphere,” he said.

He, however, said the display of the flags must be carried out respectfully and in honour of the symbol of the nation’s sovereignty.