The Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said they should be displaying the flags in proper manner as the colours symbolised sovereignity and independence of the country.

"While we need to be patriotic at all times, we ought to show more during the Merdeka month not merely for decorating premises or vehicles," he told reporters here.

Tiong on Tuesday flagged-off the convoy of state-wide's national flag exploration, Kembara Jalur Gemilang that proceeded to Sibu on Monday after spending a night here.

Along with him were Kemena State Assemblyman, Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and Bintulu District Information Officer, Ahmad Satem Timun.

Dwelling further on flags display, he noted certain premises were positioning the flags wrongly and they should be seeking advices from the authorities concerned.

The attitudes of some vehicle owners who placed the flags haphazardly and causing unnecessary danger to themselves as well as others was also noticed and Tiong advised those involved not to "overdo" in showing their spirit.

He also chided the habits of some people who were waiting for free distribution of flags before displaying them, rather than to buy themselves eventhough the flags only costs a few ringgits.

Aware of this, Tiong had taken a step to stop distributing the flags free this year - a move that he had made over the last couple of years with the hope that the people shared how he felt of the national day.

"Previously, we go around to distribute the flags free with the hope that we could instil greater patriotic spirit among the people. Eventually, we noted that some were just expecting to get free flags and as such, I have decided to stop it this year," he added.