State Emblems of Malaysia

(25 September 2007)

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State Emblems of Malaysia

The National and State Emblem is a symbol of pride to the people of a state or nation. Each symbol in the emblem has its own specific meaning.

Emblem of Malaysia

The National Emblem (Coat of Arms) of Malaysia consists of a shield guarded by two tigers that are traditional Malay symbols signifying strength and courage. On the top of the shield is a yellow crescent with a 14-pointed star. The yellow color of the crescent and the star symbolizes the country's monarchy. The crescent also represents Islam as the official religion while the star represents the thirteen states and the federal territories of Malaysia.

Five keris are located within the upper rectangle. The keris represent the former Unfederated Malay States, namely Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis. Below the keris are rectangles colored in red, black, white and yellow that symbolizes the Federated Malay States. Red and yellow are for Selangor, black and white for Pahang, black, white and yellow for Perak and red, black and yellow for Negeri Sembilan.

The rest are insignias of four remaining states. The palm tree along with the bridge represents Pulau Pinang, while the 'Melaka' tree on the opposite end of the shield identifies Malacca. The lowest portions is represented by Sabah's Coat Of Arms on the left and Sarawak's Coat Of Arms on the right. The Hibiscus flower in the center is the national flower of Malaysia. The tigers featured as holding the previously known Federated States of Malaya's Coat of Arms is used in the National Emblem. The motto, 'Unity is Strength' (Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu), written in both Romanized Malay and Jawi is located in the yellow-colored scroll below the shield.

State Emblems

Kedah. The wreath of paddy symbolizes agriculture, the State's principle commodity. The red background color is the traditional color of the State, signifying prosperity. The crescent symbol signifies Islam while the shield symbolizes the role of the Sultan as the protector and guardian of his subjects.

Negeri Sembilan. The nine stalks of rice on the shield represents the nine states in the federation of the Old Negeri Sembilan. The red color in the shield reflects the past British connection. The black color denotes the Datuk-Datuk Undang Yang Empat and Tunku Besar Tampin, whereas the yellow color signify the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. The sword and its sheath above the shield represent justice, whereas the "Changgai  Puteri" between the sword and its sheath represent the sovereignty of the Ruler.

Pahang. The spear head that incorporates the design of the coffee leaf, with the word "Negeri Pahang" was originally gold in color including the staff and guard. The reason for the choice is that in 1862, gold is the number one produce in the state of Pahang. Also in the old days, it was said that nothing can stand against weapons or weapon heads made of gold. The pair of elephant tusks criss-crossed against each other in front of the spear/coffee leaf signifies the abundant existence of elephants in the state. The inclusion of "Ya La Tif" implies that the state will be ruled and governed in soft and subtle ways that will be a blessing to all its citizens.

Kelantan. The crown stands for the sovereignty of the State while the two spears and two keris signifies the power of the Kelantan Malays. The symbol of the star and crescent signify Islam. The two cannons signify that the State is always ready to defend itself. The two deers serve as reminders of the period in the State's history when Che Siti Wan Kembang, the Queen of Kelantan (at the end of 14th century), ordered the State's gold coins to be stamped with the image of these deers for which she held such deep affection. The State motton reads "In God, the Government of Kelantan Submit".

Johor. The crown denotes the Ruler. The four stars at the corners of the white shield stands for the four original districts of the State, namely Johor Bahru, Muar, Batu Pahat and Endau, while the star and crescent signify Islam. The two tigers recalled the period when wild beasts roamed the State. The floral decorations below the shield represent gambier and black pepper, the two main produce of the State. The State motto reads "In The Hands of Allah".

Perak. This crest which is worn by the Ruler on his headdress symbolizes his sovereignty. The crescent signifies Islam as the official religion, whereas the paddy flower stands for the primary occupation and main produce of the people and the state.

Perlis. The wreath of paddy represents the primary occupation and main product of the State. The shield represents the pride and symbol of honor of the State as a rice granary.

Selangor. The crescent and the star signifies Islam, that is the State's official religion. The red spear in the center with a short keris to the right and a long keris to the left are part of the State regalia. The Jawi writing reads the State motto, 'Under the protection of Allah'. Below the phrase appears the broad belt (tali bengkung) or sash worn at the waist by warriors in the past.

Terengganu. Crescent and star symbolizes Terengganu as an Islamic state. The crown symbolizes the sovereignty of the King and the sword, mace and the long keris signifies the state's royal regalia. The Quran is placed on the right to represent Islam as the official religion, whilst The Book of Law placed on the left signifies justice. The Wali or Selampai is to denote part of the state's cultural regalia.

Sarawak. The Bunga Raya (Hibiscus) that is the national flower of Malaysia, is positioned on the right and left side of the Kenyalang bird. The banner underneath the Keyalang bird's feet carries the new State motto: "Bersatu, Berusaha, Berbakti" (Unity, Industrious, Dedicated). On the bird's chest is a shield bearing the state colors namely black, red and yellow.

Pulau Pinang. The areca tree (pokok pinang) gave the island its name. The Penang Bridge is not only a source of pride to the people of Pulau Pinang; it also unites the island with mainland part of the State, as well as symbolizing the unity between the state and the federation. The two pillars of the bridge stands for two basic features of the New Economic Policy, namely the eradication of poverty and restructuring of society, while the four cables represent the four major races in the nation, that is the Malays, Chinese, Indian and others. The five blue and white waves symbolize the five principles of the Rukun Negara (National Principles) and the five administrative districts of the State.

Sabah. The two arms symbolize unity and cooperation among the State's multi-racial community for progress and success of the country. The five colors represent the five divisions in the State. Zircon blue symbolizes peace and tranquility, white - purity and justice, chili red - courage and conviction, light blue - unity and prosperity and royal blue denotes strength and cooperation. The silhouette shape of Mount Kinabalu is a symbol of the State of Sabah. The State motto reads "Successful Sabah" on the red scroll.

Melaka. The various colors are the colors of the Federated States of Malaysia and indicates that the Malacca is part of the Federated States. The five keris represents five warriors who are well known for their bravery in ancient Malacca: Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekiu, Hang Lekir and Hang Kasturi. The crescent moon and star in the middle of the top section are the symbols of Islam, the official religion of the State. The Melaka tree, placed in the center is the tree from which the State derived its name. The two mousedeers supporting the shield serve to recall the incident involving the mousedeer, which led the first ruler of Malacca to choose the site and formed his empire. The state motto on the blue scroll reads "Unity is Strength".

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