900,000 Sarawak students to receive Jalur Gemilang badges to foster patriotism

Borneo Post

21-04-2025

SMK Agama SHOAW students seen with their new Jalur Gemilang badges during the event.
KUCHING (April 21): Approximately 900,000 students across Sarawak will receive Jalur Gemilang badges starting today (April 21), as part of a nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Education to instil patriotism and national pride among students.
State Education Director Omar Mahli said the initiative follows a federal directive requiring all students in schools under the Education Ministry to wear the national flag badge on their uniforms beginning today.
The Sarawak-level launch of the initiative was held at the SMK Agama Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab (SHOAW) school hall in Taman Matang Jaya, officiated by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
'Today, only schools that were open, such as SMK Agama SHOAW, received the badges, as some schools in Sarawak remained closed due to Easter Sunday yesterday. We, however, held the launch today in line with the nationwide rollout of the initiative, which officially begins today.
'Although not all schools are open, around 900,000 students across Sarawak will eventually receive the badge,' added Omar when speaking to reporters at the school after the launching event.
In his speech, Omar said the initiative covers all government and government-aided schools, matriculation colleges, and teacher education institutes nationwide.
Omar (left) and Nancy (second right) seen with SMK Agama SHOAW students displaying the badges to attendees and members of the media during the event.
Each student will receive two badges free of charge for the 2025/2026 school session.
He explained that the badge, worn on the right side of the uniform parallel to the name tag, serves as a daily reminder of national identity and the core values of Malaysia Madani.
'This symbolic wearing of the Jalur Gemilang badge is a powerful gesture to instil national pride, unity, and responsibility among our students. It is not just a decorative piece—it represents our love and duty to our country.
'It reflects the noble aspirations of Malaysia Madani which is to build a nation founded on humanity, knowledge, and shared values
'So I urge students to wear the badge with pride and a sense of duty,' he said.
Nancy seen speaking to reporters at SMK Agama SHOAW today.
Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri echoed this sentiment in her remarks, commending SMK Agama SHOAW for being among the first schools in the state to launch the initiative.
She expressed her full support for the programme, highlighting the importance of nurturing patriotism from a young age.
'Patriotic spirit often shines during international events, like when we hear the national anthem overseas,' she said. 'But many Malaysians still struggle to sing the anthem properly. As leaders, we must set an example.'
Nancy urged parents to ensure their children wear the badge daily, stressing that such small actions reflect big values.
'This initiative reminds all Malaysians—not just students—of our shared identity. It's more than just wearing a badge; it's about cultivating discipline, unity, and love for the nation,' she said.
According to a Malay Mail report last month, the new uniform requirement mandates that all students wear the Jalur Gemilang badge on formal, sports, traditional, and vocational uniforms.
The guideline, approved by the Cabinet on Feb 14, 2025, specifies the badge must be 5cm by 2.5cm in size, affixed to the right chest area, and must not be altered or decorated.
Worn or faded badges must be replaced promptly.
State and district education offices are tasked with promoting awareness and monitoring compliance to ensure the initiative is effectively implemented.
'The initiative aligns with the role of educational institutions in fostering national pride and nurturing patriotism among the younger generation,' the Education Ministry stated in March.