The Malaysian flag has 14 red and white striped horizontal striped of the same width. It begins with a red stripe on the top and ends with a white stripe at the bottom, the symbol of uniformity in a federal that consists of 13 nations – Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu and the Federal Government.

A dark blue portion on the left which coincides with the 5th red stripe symbolizes unity amongst the people of Malaysia. The crescent moon, visible against the dark blue signifies the Islam religion as the official religion of the country. The star with 14 points represents harmony and unity of 13 states and a federal government. The colour yellow on the crescent moon and star is a royal colour of the venerable Kings of the country, which are considered head of the religion and respective states (excluding Sabah, Sarawak and Pulau Pinang).

The 4th Prime Minister of Malaysian, Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad had chosen the name ‘Jalur Gemilang’ for the Malaysian flag in conjunction with the 40th Independence Day celebration, on the 31’st August 1997.