Explorer

Flag of Malaysia

The "Jalur Gemilang"

Asia
34.6M
1963
Flag of Malaysia
MY | 1:2

Official Palette

Symbolism

The 14 stripes and the 14-point star (Bintang Persekutuan) represent the equal status of the 13 member states and the federal territories. The crescent represents Islam. Yellow is the royal color of the Malay rulers, and the blue canton represents the unity of the people.

History

The 'Jalur Gemilang' (Stripes of Glory) was first raised on September 16, 1963. It was based on the flag of the Federation of Malaya, originally designed by Mohamed Hamzah in 1947.

Construction

A 1:2 ratio. 14 alternating red and white horizontal stripes with a blue canton containing a yellow crescent and 14-pointed star.

Color Meanings

red: Bravery and national resolve
white: Purity and virtue
blue: Unity of the Malaysian people
yellow: The royal color of the Malay Rulers

Country Facts

Population
34.6M

0.7% of Asia

Capital
Kuala Lumpur
Languages
English, Malay
Continent
Asia
Subregion
Southeast Asia
Landlocked
No
Borders
Flag of Brunei BruneiFlag of Indonesia IndonesiaFlag of Thailand Thailand
ISO 3166-1
MY

Flag Identification

Adopted
September 16, 1963
Designer
Mohamed Hamzah
Proportions

1:2

12
Total Colors
4
Key Symbols
Crescent, Canton, Stars

Influences

Flag of the East India Company
Islamic Star and Crescent

Flags with resemblance

Visually close designs — compare colors and emblems, or try similarities mode.

Related flags

Flag Protocol

  • Must be treated with the highest honor as a national symbol
  • The 14-pointed star represents the 13 states and the federal government

Practice

Think you know the flags of Asia? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.

Start Asia Quiz

Sources