QuickCheck: Is it true that the Jalur Gemilang cannot be worn as clothing?

WITH National Day behind us and Malaysia Day coming up on Sept 16, many Malaysians still have a strong urge to express their love for the country. Some have gone so far as to bedeck their vehicles with the Jalur Gemilang and even wear clothing made with Malaysian flags.

But is it true that you are not allowed to fashion the flag into clothing?

Verdict:

TRUE

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), wearing the flag as an article of clothing is not allowed.

The PMO issued a booklet containing the history of the Jalur Gemilang, how to properly display it, take care of it as well as rules on its usage. The most recent booklet was published in 2020.

The booklet states that it is not allowed to wear an article of clothing whose pattern is primarily made up of the flag's canton (the box in the top left with the star and moon) and stripes.

This includes face masks, sampin, scarves and other headgear.

What is allowed, however, are articles of clothing that feature the Jalur Gemilang's colours and motifs.

Click here to see what is allowed and what isn't.

http://dbook.penerangan.gov.my/dbook/dmdocuments/lambang_kebesaran_negara/mobile/index.html#p=31

Surprisingly, there is no specific law governing the use of the flag and how it is treated.

The only law that might control how people use the flag is the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963.

In Section 3 of the Act it states that no one may use our national symbols for any commercial purposes without permission.

While there may not be any specific law protecting the use of the flag, the booklet does state that individuals found to disrespect the flag may be charged under the broader Sedition Act 1948.

References:

1. http://dbook.penerangan.gov.my/dbook/dmdocuments/lambang_kebesaran_negara/mobile/index.html#p=1