Malaysians have been urged to exercise greater care when displaying the Jalur Gemilang and to refer to the proper guidelines to avoid mistakes.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the national flag represented Malaysia’s sovereignty, dignity and unity and should be respected by everyone, 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 educate the public on the correct procedures for installing and displaying the Jalur Gemilang.
He said the initiative was intended not only to prevent similar mistakes from happening again, but also to strengthen public understanding and foster patriotism, particularly among younger Malaysians.
Aaron said accidental mistakes should be addressed through education and awareness, while deliberate acts intended to insult or belittle the national emblem should be dealt with under the law.
The same principle, he added, applied to the use of the Jalur Gemilang on social media, including images and other content created using artificial intelligence (AI).
He said the growing use of AI could sometimes produce inaccurate representations of the national flag, including errors involving the number of stripes, colour arrangement and the flag’s orientation.
“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.
Aaron also warned that displaying the Jalur Gemilang upside down, among other improper uses, could fall under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963.
Those found guilty could face a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment for 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.
