Malaysia’s “Jalur Gemilang” (Stripes of Glory) features fourteen alternating red and white stripes and a blue canton with a yellow crescent and fourteen‑point star. Introduced for the Federation of Malaya and updated in 1963 for Malaysia, the stripes and points represent the thirteen states plus the federal government. Ratio 1:2; rules govern respectful display, precedence, half‑masting, illumination, and retirement.
Malaysia’s national flag, known as the Jalur Gemilang, took shape amid decolonisation and federation. First unveiled for the Federation of Malaya after an open competition, it was updated in 1963 when Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore formed Malaysia (with Singapore departing in 1965). The design retains fourteen alternating red and white horizontal stripes and a blue canton charged with a yellow crescent and a fourteen‑pointed star.
The fourteen stripes symbolise the equal partnership of the thirteen states and the federal government; when Singapore left the federation, the count was retained to preserve the emblem’s meaning for the federal system, including federal territories. The blue canton denotes unity; the yellow reflects the Malay rulers’ royal colour. The crescent signifies Islam, the state religion; the star’s fourteen points mirror the stripes’ constitutional symbolism.
Statute sets the aspect ratio at 1:2 and details stripe widths, canton dimensions, and the construction of the crescent and star for consistent manufacture. Protocol prescribes respectful handling, sunrise‑to‑sunset display (or illumination at night), half‑masting by order in mourning, and dignified retirement. The Arms, Flag and Anthem rules constrain commercial usage and require permission for certain reproductions.
The Jalur Gemilang is central to Merdeka (Independence) and Malaysia Day celebrations and is widely flown during National Month campaigns. Schools, ministries, and diplomatic missions maintain flags in standardised sizes; guidance covers vehicle flags, maritime usage, and precedence with foreign flags.
By combining royal colour, Islamic symbolism, and a federal count of stripes and star points, the flag communicates the country’s constitutional monarchy, religious identity, and plural federation in a clear, repeatable geometry that has remained stable for decades.