JULY 26, 2026 — The Malaysian government has cautioned the public and media organizations regarding the risks of using artificial intelligence to generate imagery of the national flag, reports the Star.
Speaking in Ipoh following the launch of the 2026 National Month celebrations, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil urged citizens to review flag display protocols to prevent design errors, particularly regarding the flag’s 14 red and white stripes.
“We encourage everyone to learn the correct way to fly the Jalur Gemilang and to be careful when using AI to generate content so that there are no mistakes or omissions. This is very important,” Fahmi stated.
The ministry is collaborating with the Malaysian Press Institute and the Malaysian Media Council to monitor published depictions during national observances, with enforcement initially prioritizing educational guidance over formal legal action.
“If the errors are not rectified, we will then consider the appropriate follow-up action. But we will begin by providing advice,” Fahmi added.
Government scrutiny over AI-generated vexillological content follows prior high-profile incidents in which generative tools omitted critical symbolic features from national emblems.
In April 2025, senior editors at Sin Chew Daily were detained and questioned by police after publishing an AI-generated front-page graphic that omitted the Islamic crescent from the Jalur Gemilang during a diplomatic state visit.
Malaysian authorities are encouraging the public to fly the national flag through September 16 while conducting promotional roadshows to encourage proper vexillological display protocols.
Image: Malaysiakini
