AN MCA leader has expressed concern over the lack of response from the Education Ministry concerning the Jalur Gemilang pin badge’s risk of injury to students, especially those who are yet adept at handling sharp objects.
Its Education Consultative Committee deputy chairperson Felicia Wong said what was more disappointing was the response from Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek who reportedly said, “We’ve already given them out for free—the type that you pin on. Use those first.”
“This remark appeared to shut down any further discussion or complaints from parents,” Wong lamented.
“On May 6, a photo went viral showing a young girl whose foot had been pierced by the Jalur Gemilang pin badge—an incident that parents had feared.
“Do we really need to wait for something more serious to befall before Fadhlina is willing to sit down, discuss, and take action?”
Wong said while parents deeply appreciate the government’s efforts to instil a sense of patriotism in Malaysians especially children by distributing the badges for free, the safety of students must not be taken lightly.
“When children are involved, any form of negligence or lack of concern from the government will naturally lead to public dissatisfaction. Moreover, Fadhlina’s remark indirectly reflects an attitude that is not open to public feedback or opinion,” she continued.
Following the incident, Wong went on to propose that the Education Ministry reconsider withdrawing these potentially hazardous pins and replacing them with safer alternatives such as fabric or embroidered badges.
“It is also suggested that schools be given the autonomy to choose the type of badge that best suits their students’ comfort,” Wong noted.
“Furthermore, we believe there are many other ways to promote patriotism without physical risk, such as organising classroom decoration contests with a Jalur Gemilang theme, patriotic poetry recitations, singing the national anthem, drama performances on our nation’s history in particular to the struggle towards Independence, and so forth—all of which can be further enhanced.”
All public school students are required to wear the national flag Jalur Gemilang badge on their school uniforms starting April 21, aimed at promoting patriotism and national resilience.
A circular issued on March 24 by Education Director-General Azman Adnan stated that students must wear a 5cm x 2.5cm badge displaying the national flag on the right side of their chest.
This requirement applies to students in government schools, government-aided schools, matriculation colleges, and teacher training institutes.
Other educational institutions are also encouraged to adopt the practice. – May 8, 2025
Main image: Bernama
