KUALA LUMPUR: The use of certain emblems or names for the purposes of trade, business or work is prohibited, said Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.
He said according to a police report received on July 1, the sale of national emblems is widespread online.
"The emblems under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963 (Amendment 2016) include emblems, coats of arms and official seals of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, the emblem or official seal of the United Nations, and awards and titles.
"These include medals, badges and decorations instituted under the statutes of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the emblem of International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) and Bank Negara," he added.
Last Tuesday, local media reported that police had begun investigating the sale of medals, car stickers, and other items bearing the coats of arms of various states, as well awards issued by Sultans and state Governors.
Other emblems forbidden from being sold are of government enforcement agencies such as the Prisons Department, Immigration Department, People's Volunteer Corps, and Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Abdul Hamid said those found guilty of flouting the prohibition could be sentenced to not more than three years' jail, or a fine of not more than RM20,000, or both.
In a separate development, he said 546 copies of a book which allegedly insults the coat of arms of Malaysia were seized by police; while statements from the book cover artist, publisher, and printer have been recorded.
He said police are looking for the editor of the book to assist in the investigation.
The case is being probed under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 5 of the Emblems and Names (Preventing Unlawful Use) (Amendment) Act 2016, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Section 8 (1) of the Printing Presses and Publication Act 1984," he said.
The book, titled 'Rebirth: Reform, Resistance, And Hope In The New Malaysia', features a modified logo similar to the coat of arms of Malaysia on its cover. – Bernama