KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 2026 — Malaysians have been urged to take greater care and refer to official guidelines when installing and displaying the Jalur Gemilang.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the national flag is a symbol of sovereignty, dignity and unity that must be respected by all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.
“The national flag carries our identity, history and pride as an independent and sovereign country. Do not be afraid to fly the Jalur Gemilang, but always be aware of the proper guidelines and check them before displaying it,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Aaron said the National Unity Ministry, through the Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) and Rukun Negara Secretariat, would intensify efforts to raise public awareness of the correct procedures for installing and displaying the flag.
The campaign is meant not only to prevent repeated mistakes, but also to deepen public understanding and instil patriotism, especially among the young.
Unintentional errors, he said, should be handled through education and awareness. Deliberate acts of insulting or belittling the national emblem, however, should be dealt with under the law.
The same standard applies to the use of the Jalur Gemilang on social media, including AI-generated content. Aaron warned that AI tools can produce inaccurate images of the flag, including errors in the number of stripes, colour arrangement or the flag’s position.
“Therefore, every user has a responsibility to check the accuracy of content before publishing or sharing it. Technology should help instil patriotism, not be an excuse for us to ignore the correct display of the national emblem,” he said.
Acts such as flying the Jalur Gemilang upside down fall under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963. Offenders may face a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
“Respect for the Jalur Gemilang is a shared responsibility. Let us uphold it as a symbol of unity and educate the next generation to love, respect and defend the dignity of the country,” he said.
—Based on Bernama
About The Author
