Misusing the Singapore Flag and Other National Symbols

Last updated on August 8, 2025

Suppose you’re preparing for National Day, and you want to display the Singapore flag outside your home. Or, perhaps, you’re considering using the Lion Head symbol for an event that you’re organising at your estate’s community centre. How do you ensure that you use these symbols respectfully and, more importantly, legally?

Singapore’s National Symbols Act, which took effect on 1 August 2023, provides clear guidelines on the appropriate use of our cherished national and presidential symbols. In this article, we explain what are the permitted uses of these symbols under this new legislation, as well as the consequences and penalties for misusing the national and presidential symbols in Singapore.

What is the National Symbols Act and Its Regulations?

The National Symbols Act (the Act) replaces the previous Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem (SAFNA) Act. This new legislation provides a comprehensive framework to promote the appropriate use of Singapore’s national and presidential symbols. The accompanying Regulations detail how these symbols – including newly recognised ones like the National Pledge, Presidential Symbols, and Public Seal – may be used.

The Act also introduces a new stop order mechanism (detailed below). Stop orders will be issued to individuals who have misused the National Flag, National Anthem or National Pledge. The order gives them a chance to correct their actions (i.e. stop the misuse of these symbols) before further action is taken.

In simpler terms, while the Act sets out the overarching principles, the Regulations serve as the rulebook, offering specific guidelines on the respectful use of each symbol as well as the penalties for their misuse. This ensures that our national symbols are used in ways that reflect our shared values and national pride.

Who oversees the Act and Regulations?

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) is responsible for administering and enforcing the National Symbols Act and its Regulations. They provide guidance, process applications for specific uses, and take action against misuse when necessary. Approvals for the commercial use of the National Symbols would require approval from MCCY’s Minister (the Minister).

Guidelines for Using National and Presidential Symbols & Penalties for Their Misuse

Let’s delve into each symbol’s significance and the guidelines governing their use, including the applicable penalties under the Act for misusing any of the National/Presidential Symbols:

National Flag

The National Flag is a powerful emblem of our nation’s sovereignty and unity. Under the Act, amendments were made to encourage the use of the National Flag through greater flexibility.

Permitted uses

Displaying the Flag: During the National Day period (1 July to 30 September), you can display the flag outside your home without a flagpole or illumination at night. Outside this period, the flag should be flown from a flagpole and illuminated if displayed at night. However, the Minister may permit display without a flagpole and illumination during other significant occasions.

Use on Attire and Merchandise: You can use the flag’s image on attire for non-commercial purposes year-round, provided it’s done respectfully (e.g. use of the flag’s image on a pair of flip-flops would fall foul of this guideline). For commercial or decorative use during the National Day period, no approval is needed if the flag is used respectfully.

More details on the guidelines for use of the National Flag can be found here.

Prohibited uses

Graphics or words on National Flag: A person must not produce or display a flag where elements of the National Flag are distorted or modified, including superimposition of graphics or words. Offenders can be fined up to $10,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 6 months.
Display of damaged National Flag: It is an offence to knowingly display, or cause to be displayed, a National Flag that is damaged or not in a proper and clean condition. This offence carries a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
Use of National Flag for a private funeral: A person must not knowingly use or display the National Flag or an image of the National Flag at a private funeral, wake, memorial service or other funerary rite, ceremony or procession unless approved by the Minister. Doing so without approval is an offence that carries a fine of up to $5,000.
Use of the National Flag for commercial purposes: During the National Day period, use of the National Flag (and its image) for commercial purposes will not require the Minister’s approval, as long as the use does not give rise to disrespect of the National Flag. For example, a local clothing company that intends to sell t-shirts with an image of the National Flag affixed on them to commemorate National Day will not need to obtain the Minister’s approval. Outside of the National Day period, however, commercial use of the flag is strictly prohibited. The National Flag must also not be used as a means of advertisement or for the purpose of any advertisement (e.g., a cafe uses the image of the National Flag in its promotional materials for an exclusive menu of local dishes), or as a trademark (e.g., a restaurant specialising in local dishes includes a small image of the National Flag as part of its logo, intending to distinguish and market itself as a true-blue Singaporean brand). Offenders who breach the Regulations on the use of the National Flag for commercial purposes are also liable to a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
Disrespecting the National Flag: Committing an act which is considered disrespectful to the National Flag is a serious offence which carries a fine of up to $30,000 and/or an imprisonment term of up to 6 months. Disrespectful acts would include using the National Flag as a tablecloth, placed on a floor (e.g. as a playmat), flown or displayed upside down, or damaged via physical means such as burning, cutting, and shredding. Do note that allowing or causing the National Flag to touch the floor or ground, even when lowering the National Flag from a staff or flagpole, is considered an offence here, and is subject to the same penalties.

National Anthem

The National Anthem, ‘Majulah Singapura’ (“Onward Singapore”), embodies our nation’s aspirations and unity.

Permitted uses

Performance: It must be performed with respect, using the official Malay lyrics and prescribed melody.

For instance, the National Anthem is played at every National Day Parade, when the President is receiving a general salute.

Additionally, the National Anthem may be performed or sung on any appropriate occasion. This is usually during solemn occasions, in line with the general rule of showing respect to National Symbols. An example of this would be singing the National Anthem during school assemblies, where respect is being shown to the National Symbol.

Prohibited uses

While the National Anthem may be rearranged (e.g. digitally created covers of the National Anthem), it will need to comply with the guidelines set out in the Regulations. These are:

Ensuring that the National Anthem is not incorporated into any other composition or medley;
That every arrangement of the National Anthem accurately reflects the complete tune and, if lyrics are included, the complete lyrics of the National Anthem;
The rearrangement must be done respectfully and with dignity.

A person must also not make a musical record that includes a rearrangement of the National Anthem that contravenes the Regulations. Doing so is an offence punishable with a fine of up to $5,000.

The tune or lyrics of the National Anthem must also not be used for any commercial purpose unless prior approval from the Minister is obtained. Doing so without approval is an offence, which is punishable with a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to 6 months.

National Coat of Arms (State Crest)

The National Coat of Arms symbolises the authority of the government, and serves as a symbol of Singapore’s status as a self-governing and independent state.

Permitted uses

Its use is strictly reserved for official, government purposes.

Prohibited uses

The National Coat of Arms cannot be displayed within private office premises, and can only be displayed within the premises of Government Ministries.

It also cannot be used as a means, or for the purposes of any advertisement, as well as for any commercial purposes. For example, in 2022, a local bakery, Pine Bakery, was informed by MCCY to stop using the National Coat of Arms on its products. The bakery had been promoting a ‘passport cake’ – modelled after the Singapore passport – on social media. The bakery was told that they were not permitted to receive commercial profits by selling items related to the National Coat of Arms. Following MCCY’s notice, the bakery pulled the product off the shelves and stopped promoting the product.

It is also an offence to make (e.g. by printing or sketching) or deal (e.g. by publishing or selling) in copies of the National Coat of Arms. The Act further prohibits making, using or displaying an image or object that is or includes a distorted or otherwise modified design of the National Coat of Arms (e.g. an image of the Crest is printed on a vase, but is stretched to fit the design of the vase). These offences are punishable with a fine of up to $30,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to 6 months.

Lion Head Symbol

Introduced in 1986, the Lion Head symbol represents courage, strength, and excellence. It was created with the intent to be an alternative symbol that people and organisations could use to express their loyalty and commitment to the nation. It is also one of the newly recognised symbols under the Act.

Permitted uses

The Lion Head symbol may be used more flexibly as a symbol of national pride, and any Singaporean individual, organisation or company may use the Lion Head Symbol to identify with the country. For example, a Singapore company may feature the symbol on notebooks gifted to all staff to commemorate National Day.

The official colours of the Lion Head symbol are (Pantone red 032, white or black), and the symbol may also be depicted as an outline form, embossed or portrayed as a watermark.

Prohibited uses

The Lion Head symbol must be treated with dignity and respect, and in accordance with the law. It must also not be distorted or used in offensive contexts.

While individuals and organisations may use the Lion Head symbol for the purpose of identifying with Singapore, it should not be represented as any official endorsement for products or services.

The Lion Head symbol is also not for exclusive use, and should not be registered as or as part of any trademark.

While the Act does not provide for specific penalties for the misuse of the Lion Head symbol in particular, it is likely that its misuse could also carry a fine and/or an imprisonment term.

National Pledge

The National Pledge reflects our commitment to unity and progress, as well as to forge a common identity and sense of belonging among citizens of different races and religions.

The National Pledge is available in Singapore’s official four languages – English, Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu and Tamil – and is recited by students during flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies as well as on important occasions such as the National Day Parade and National Day Observance Ceremonies.

Permitted uses

The National Pledge may be recited at any appropriate occasion, such as during school assemblies, SAF Day, the National Day Parade, and at National Day Observance Ceremonies.

Individuals taking the National Pledge should clench their right fists to the left side of their chests as a gesture to symbolise loyalty to the nation. When taking the National Pledge, individuals should recite the National Pledge in full. The National Pledge may also be recited in any of the four official languages.

Prohibited uses

The National Pledge should not be used in a disrespectful manner. There is also no specific prohibition against the use of the National Pledge from being recited as a rap or song – however, it should always be used in a respectful manner.

Individuals or organisations who wish to use the National Pledge for any commercial purpose (e.g., as part of a product design which will be sold commercially) or as a means of advertisement or for advertising purposes will require prior approval from the Minister.

Any unauthorised use of the National Pledge is an offence that is punishable with a fine of up to $10,000 and/or an imprisonment term of up to 6 months.

Public Seal of Singapore

The Public Seal represents the Republic of Singapore, and authenticates important state documents.

Permitted uses

Its use is strictly controlled and typically limited to official purposes. It may only be used by or with the authority of the President, or as required or allowed by law. Any unauthorised use of the Public Seal is punishable with a fine of up to $30,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to 6 months.

Presidential Symbols

These include the Presidential Standard, Presidential Coat of Arms, and the Seal of the President. These are also newly recognised symbols under the Act.

Permitted uses

The Presidential Standard may only be flown, displayed or otherwise used by or with the authority of the President, while the seal of the President may only be affixed by or with the authority of the President.

Prohibited uses

Unauthorised uses of any of the Presidential Symbols are prohibited under the Act. These include:

To knowingly make or deal in a copy of the Presidential Coat of Arms, or cause a copy of the Presidential Coat of Arms to be made or dealt in.
To knowingly make, use or display a distorted reproduction of the Presidential Coat of Arms.
Any other unauthorised use of the Presidential Standard, Presidential Coat of Arms, or seal of the President, i.e. without the authority of the President.

These are offences that are punishable with a fine of up to $30,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to 6 months.

Stop Orders for Misuse of National Symbols

Besides the penalties of fines and imprisonment terms for the misuse or unauthorised use of the National and Presidential Symbols, the Act also introduces a new stop order mechanism.

Stop orders can be served to individuals who have used the National Flag, National Anthem or National Pledge disrespectfully, and a failure to comply with a stop order will constitute an offence. This mechanism aims to provide clarity on what is disrespectful use and will give users a chance to correct their actions before further action is taken.

A stop order must be in writing and served on the person against whom the order is made. A stop order includes the following:

Describe the disrespectful act against which the order is made
Explain why that act is disrespectful
Specify what is required of the person against whom the order is made; and
State that a contravention of the order is an offence, punishable with a fine of up to $20,000, imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both.

Can you appeal against a stop order?

A person against whom a stop order is made may appeal by writing to the Minister.

The appeal must be within 14 days from when it was served on the individual, and include any supporting documents in support of the appeal or as required by the Minister in relation to the appeal.

After considering the appeal, the Minister may confirm, vary or revoke the stop order that is the subject of the appeal. Do note that the Minister may also reject an appeal without considering its merits if the appeal is not made in accordance with the Regulations.

Further Legal Actions for Misuse of National/Presidential Symbols

The authorities are technically not precluded from taking further action against offenders who misuse the National and/or Presidential Symbols, beyond the imposition of fines, prison terms or stop orders as discussed above.

For example, the Government has previously stated that it owns the copyright for most national songs, to prevent “misuse that might diminish or denigrate the standing of such symbols and songs”. In fact, in 2021, the Government had indicated that it was prepared to initiate legal proceedings over ownership claims of a national song, ‘Count on Me, Singapore’ after an Indian composer had published a video featuring a song, ‘We Can Achieve’ which appeared to have similar to ‘Count on Me, Singapore’.

The publisher of the allegedly plagiarised song eventually apologised and removed the videos from their platforms, and no further legal action was taken.

Taking another example of burning the National Flag – which is a serious offence of disrespecting the National Flag. If in the process of burning the National Flag, the offender causes other items in the vicinity to get burned or damaged, they could potentially also face charges under the Penal Code for the offence of mischief or even vandalism.

Such an instance occurred in 2019, when a 25-year-old man used a lighter to set fire to a flag which was hung along a common corridor. It resulted in damage to seven other state flags that had been vertically tied together across seven floors. He was arrested and charged with one count of committing mischief.

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Singapore’s national and presidential symbols are more than just emblems; they represent our shared identity, values, and aspirations, and aim to foster a sense of pride and unity among Singaporeans. The National Symbols Act and its Regulations provide clear guidelines to ensure these symbols are used respectfully and appropriately.

If you or someone you know is facing charges under the Act for misusing a national or presidential symbol, you are strongly advised to seek guidance from a criminal lawyer on your rights and options. You can kickstart your search for an experienced criminal lawyer.