Every year, from August through mid-September, Malaysians proudly fly the Jalur Gemilang—our national flag—in celebration of National Day (August 31) and Malaysia Day (September 16).
While patriotism runs high during this period, many of us may not be aware of the official protocols for displaying the Jalur Gemilang. To help you show your love for the country the right way, here are some important guidelines you should know.
Horizontal or Banner Format Only
One of the most essential rules is that the Jalur Gemilang should only be displayed horizontally.
If you’ve seen buntings or decorative strings with vertically-hung flags, those are incorrect. The same applies to triangular-shaped flag decorations often used in bulk—they don’t follow the proper protocol.
Even those flags in triangular shapes that are installed on a line in large quantities, is not right either.
If you want to use a flag line, each flag should be horizontal, and if you want to display the Jalur Gemilang vertically, you should use the banner format.
Don’t Use the Flag on Clothing or Accessories
According to guidelines from Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia, using the Jalur Gemilang in a manner that could be interpreted as disrespectful or degrading is strictly prohibited.
This includes using the flag as a motif or pattern on items such as:
- Household items (e.g., tablecloths, towels, cushion covers)
- Clothing (e.g., hijabs, songkoks, sampins, hats)
- Accessories (e.g., bags, face masks, umbrellas)
However, using the official flag colours in your designs is acceptable, as long as the flag itself is not misused.
Avoid Using the Flag in Marketing or Branding
Using the Jalur Gemilang in marketing materials, logos, or artwork—especially when altered—is not allowed, even for National Day or Malaysia Day promotions.
You cannot:
- Overlay text or graphics on the flag
- Incorporate the flag into brand logos
- Stylise or distort the flag’s elements
You can use the colours inspired by the flag and include the flag in full and correct form within infographics, provided no text or design overlaps it.
Punishment for disrespecting the Jalur Gemilang
As the Jalur Gemilang is an important symbol for our country, there are laws to ensure that it is used correctly.
There are the Sections 3 and 5 of Act 414, Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use).
Those prosecuted under this act will be fined not more than RM20,000 or imprisoned for a period not exceeding three years, or both.
There’s also Act 193, also known as the National Emblem (Control of Display) Act 1949. If an individual is guilty of this offence, they shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or a fine not exceeding RM500, or both.
Meanwhile, corporations guilty of the offence may be fined not more than RM1,000.
Individuals who insult or provoke the Jalur Gemilang can also be prosecuted according to the Sedition Act 1948.
A person guilty of sedition may be sentenced to three years in jail, an RM5,000 fine, or both.
While we may want to be patriotic, it is also important that we understand how we should display and respect our national flag in the right manner.
For more in detailed information about the Malaysia’s flag, you can check out the document by Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia.
Show Patriotism with Respect
Flying the Jalur Gemilang is a beautiful expression of national pride, but it’s equally important to uphold the values and rules that protect its dignity.
Let’s celebrate Merdeka and Malaysia Day with knowledge, respect, and pride.
For more details, refer to the full official guidelines by Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia.
