MCA Youth has called for the Education Ministry to provide details regarding the procurement of the Jalur Gemilang badges, saying the substandard quality of these badges need to be addressed as this situation has overlooked student safety.
Its Selangor chapter’s deputy chief Lee Kok Seng said within just one week of use, numerous issues with the badges have been reported, including sharp pins, insecure fastenings, fragile materials that break easily, and the detachment of pins from the plastic backing.
“These flaws present significant risks, including puncture wounds, scratches, and potentially more serious injuries during students’ daily activities,” he stated.
“Students are highly active in school, often engaging in sports and extracurricular activities. A low-quality badge could result in unpredictable bodily harm. Exposing children to such risks is irresponsible.”
It was previously reported that effective from April 21, all students in educational institutions under the Education Ministry must wear a national flag badge on their uniforms.
The initiative applies to all government schools, government-aided schools, Matriculation Colleges, and Teacher Education Institutes in Malaysia—aiming to instil patriotism and a love for the nation among students and educators.
“It is essential to remember that school uniforms should prioritise comfort and safety. The current badges, however, have introduced a potentially dangerous accessory under the guise of a ‘patriotic display’. While there are many ways to foster patriotism in our students, this situation highlights a clear case of misplaced priorities,” Lee continued.
“Patriotism should be encouraged through meaningful education, not symbolised by a badge that could pose a danger to a child at any moment.”
He said given the current concerns, the Education Ministry must address several key questions, namely who are the suppliers of the Jalur Gemilang badges, whether the badges were subjected to quality inspections and safety standard verifications, and if the procurement and distribution process was conducted transparently following proper tender procedures.
“At its core, this issue concerns the direct safety of our children, yet the government continues to proceed without providing the necessary information. What is being concealed? Was a particular supplier chosen for profit? Parents have the right to know the facts,” Lee said.
“The Education Ministry must immediately review the national flag badge policy, conduct a thorough inspection of its quality and safety standards, and disclose all procurement and tendering processes, subjecting them to independent auditing.
“Protecting our children should not merely be a slogan, it demands genuine responsibility in every detail.” – April 29, 2025
Main image: Bernama
