Flag of Malaya (1896–1950) facts for kids
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The flag of the Federated Malay States was an important symbol for several groups of states in Malaya (now Malaysia). It was used from 1896 to 1950. This flag represented a special agreement where four Malay states – Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang – joined together. They were protected by the British government at that time.
The flag was used by the Federated Malay States (1896–1946), then by the Malayan Union (1946–1948), and finally by the Federation of Malaya (1948–1950).
What the Flag Looked Like
The flag had a rectangular shape, with its length being twice its height (a 1:2 ratio). It had four horizontal stripes. The top stripe was white, followed by red, then yellow, and finally black at the very bottom.
In the middle of the flag, there was a white oval shape. Inside this oval, you could see a Malayan tiger (called Harimau Malaya in Malay). The tiger was shown leaping, facing towards the left side of the flag.
Besides the main state flag, the Federated Malay States also had a special flag for their navy. This flag was called a naval ensign. It also featured the four colors of the Federated Malay States.
One famous ship, HMS Malaya, flew this ensign during a big naval battle called the Battle of Jutland. This battle happened during World War I. People said that with this flag, HMS Malaya looked like "an enraged P&O" ship. This was because the ensign looked a bit like the flag used by the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, a shipping line.
What the Colors Meant
The four colors and the four stripes on the flag were very important. They represented the four states that were part of the federation. Each color was used in the flag of one or more of these states:
- Red and yellow were the colors for Selangor. (White was added to Selangor's flag later, in 1965.)
- White, yellow, and black were the colors for Perak.
- Red, black, and yellow were the colors for Negeri Sembilan.
- White and black were the colors for Pahang.
| Flag | State | Notes |
|---|---|---|
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Selangor | Used until 1965 |
 |
Perak | |
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Negeri Sembilan | |
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Pahang | From 1870 |
See also
