A circular issued by education director-general Azman Adnan on Monday said the students are required to wear the 5cm x 2cm plastic badge on their right chest.

The rule applies to students in government schools, government-aided schools, matriculation colleges, and teacher training institutes – with other educational institutions encouraged to adopt the practice.

Guidelines for wearing the badge stated that the policy is aimed at encouraging patriotism, fostering unity and showcasing national identity.

Apart from serving as a sign of respect and pride for the country, the ministry hopes that students wearing the Jalur Gemilang will become responsible and disciplined.

“The ministry plays an important role in fostering patriotism and love for the country among students and educators,” said the ministry in the guidelines, which were attached along with the circular.

“Efforts at the grassroots level must be implemented holistically to ensure that this spirit continues to grow and remains strong. Therefore, the ministry has taken this initiative to introduce the Jalur Gemilang badge on students’ uniforms.”

The guidelines also said that state education departments and district education offices will be tasked with encouraging schools to host programmes on national values and the badge’s importance for national identity and patriotism.