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SINGAPORE – In a few more days, residents will have to stop displaying the national flag outside their homes.
After Wednesday (September 30), those who continue to display the flag will risk being fined up to $ 1,000 under the Singapore Gun and Flag Rules and the National Anthem.
Each year, the flag can be displayed outside a building or in an open space without a flagpole between July 1 and September 30.
Earlier this year, the deadline was extended to allow the flag to be displayed in such a way from April 25 to September 30 as a symbol of reunion during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) had said that the move to amend the rules to allow the flag to be displayed for a longer period was in response to requests from the public.
Following the amendment, a letter writer from the Straits Times Forum asked if the ministry would consider allowing the flag to be displayed outside homes throughout the year.
“Many other countries allow their flags to be displayed in homes, businesses and vehicles throughout the year, provided the proper protocols are observed,” said the writer, Dhevarajan Devadas.
He added that he noted that there had been a “visible decrease” in the number of people displaying the flag outside their homes during the National Day period, and that it could be helpful to grant more leeway in displaying the flag.
In response, MCCY Engagement and Resilience Division Senior Director, Mr. Letchumanan Narayanan, said: “One consideration in allowing the flag to be displayed will be whether we can safeguard the flag’s dignity, including how it might be subject to wear and tear. as a result of prolonged display or negligence. “
He added that the rules for displaying the flag have evolved over time.
In 2007, the rules were amended to allow the flag to be displayed without a flagpole or the need to be lit at night between July 1 and September 30. Previously, this was only allowed during the month of August for National Day celebrations.
Amelia Koh, 29, of Bukit Batok, who prides herself on displaying the national flag outside her home every year, said it was nice to be able to display the flag earlier this year.
“Back then when Covid-19 started, the government encouraged us to hang the flags as a sign of solidarity. Seeing everyone displaying their flags before National Day was a good feeling,” said engineer Koh.
Two weeks ago, he stopped displaying the flag to comply with the rules.
“I saw that my neighbors kept it, so I told myself that it was better that I stay now too,” she laughed.
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