Swedish flag flown outside Ikea Tampines: Is it allowed?
A Swedish flag was spotted outside Ikea Tampines even though it is an offence to display a foreign flag in Singapore.
In response to a Stomp query, an Ikea Singapore spokesperson said: "Ikea Singapore has an approved permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs to display the Swedish flag at both our Alexandra and Tampines stores, alongside the Singapore flag."
A Stomper shared a photo of the flag on a pole next to a pole flying the Singapore flag outside the Swedish home furnishing outlet at Tampines North Drive 2.
"I saw your India and China flag articles," he said. "What about a Swedish flag instead?"
The Stomper was referring to earlier Stomp reports about an Indian flag hung next to a Singapore flag at a Sengkang condo and a flag of the People's Republic of China displayed at a condominium construction site in One-North.
The National Emblems (Control of Display) Act states that displaying any flag or national emblem that is not of Singapore in public is considered an offence. An emblem is considered as being displayed in public when it is visible to members of the public.
If convicted of the offence, the person could face a fine of up to $500, a jail term of up to six months or both.
Exceptions to the Act include diplomatic representatives of a foreign power to Singapore, where authorisation has been granted by the Government, and on ships and aircraft.
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