Printer apologises, says last-minute order led to incorrect Jalur Gemilang star worn by Kedah MB

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — A printing company has blamed a rushed last-minute order and less thorough quality checks for an incorrect Jalur Gemilang star appearing on attire worn by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and several dignitaries at a Merdeka event.

Berita Harian reported that NE Creative Ventures has apologised publicly to the Kedah Menteri Besar’s Office and accepted full responsibility for the mistake, after photographs of the attire went viral on social media.

The Ayer Keroh, Melaka-based company said an error during production resulted in the star on the printed Malaysian flag having fewer than the official 14 points.

“The design of the attire was printed based on the reference artwork file received before undergoing a technical tracing process during the production stage.

“We acknowledge that an oversight occurred after receiving an additional last-minute order to meet a tight deadline, resulting in the detailed checking process, or quality control, being less thorough,” the company said in an official letter to the Menteri Besar’s Office that was sighted by the national daily.

The company said it would immediately provide replacement attire that complied with the official specifications of the Jalur Gemilang.

It also said it took public criticism over the viral images seriously and would tighten its standard operating procedures, particularly for products featuring official symbols, state crests or corporate logos.

“We deeply regret any inconvenience caused and greatly appreciate the cooperation and tolerance shown by all parties involved.

“From today, the company will require customers to sign a final artwork approval form before any printing process, especially for items involving official symbols, state crests or corporate logos,” it said.

Pictures of Sanusi and several dignitaries wearing the attire drew criticism online after social media users noticed that the star on the Jalur Gemilang did not have the required 14 points.

The photographs were first published by Warta Kedah, the Kedah state government’s official media channel, before being widely shared on social media.

The clothing was worn during the Merdeka Kibar Jalur Gemilang Boat Parade last Friday, held in conjunction with Malaysia’s 69th Independence Day celebrations.

The event was jointly organised by the Anak Bukit and Suka Menanti state constituency service centres and officiated by Sanusi.

Nearly 100 boats took part in the parade from Kampung Alor Madi to the State Museum while flying the Jalur Gemilang.