Simbol Kebesaran Negeri

SYMBOLS

Red symbolizes the courage, determination and sacrifices of the people in their tireless pursuit to attain and maintain progress and esteem in the course of creating a model State. Yellow signifies the supremacy of law and order, unity and stability in diversity. Black represents the rich natural resources of Sarawak such as petroleum and timber which provide the foundation for the advancement of the people. The yellow, nine-pointed star embodies the nine divisions which made up the state of Sarawak at the time (now, there are eleven divisions). The star symbol also embodies the aspirations of the people of Sarawak in their quest to improve their quality of life.

This flag was first hoisted at the Kuching State Stadium on 31 August 1988 in celebration of Sarawak's 25th Anniversary of Independence.

Red symbolizes the courage, determination and sacrifices of the people in their tireless pursuit to attain and maintain progress and esteem in the course of creating a model State. Yellow signifies the supremacy of law and order, unity and stability in diversity. Black represents the rich natural resources of Sarawak such as petroleum and timber which provide the foundation for the advancement of the people. The yellow, nine-pointed star embodies the nine divisions which made up the state of Sarawak at the time (now, there are eleven divisions). The star symbol also embodies the aspirations of the people of Sarawak in their quest to improve their quality of life.

This flag was first hoisted at the Kuching State Stadium on 31 August 1988 in celebration of Sarawak's 25th Anniversary of Independence.


The State Crest

The State Crest is represented by a symbolic figure of a wing-spread Kenyalang (hornbill) - the State Bird - with a shield bearing the state flag on its chest. The hornbill's tail and wings are comprised of thirteen feathers or strips that represent the thirteen states in Malaysia. The Bunga Raya (Hibiscus) - the national flower - appears on the right and left sides of the bird's legs. The hornbill is perched on a ribbon bearing the words "Bersatu, Berusaha, Berbakti" (United, Industrious, Dedicated) . The State Crest became official on the same day as the current State Flag.

Sarawak State Anthem

Composed by Wan Othman Hamid (b.1931) and with lyrics by Ismail Hassan (1922-1991). The State Anthem of Sarawak entitled Ibu Pertiwi Ku was adopted in 1988.
bu Pertiwi Ku

Sarawak Tanah Air Ku
Negeri Ku Tanah Air Ku Sarawak
Engkaulah Tanah Pusaka Ku
Tanah Tumpah Darah Ku
Ibu Pertiwi Ku
Rakyat Hidup Mesra dan Bahagia
Damai Muhibbah Sentiasa
Bersatu Berusaha Berbakti
Untuk Sarawak Ku Cintai

Sarawak Dalam Malaysia
Aman Makmur Rahmat Tuhan Maha Esa
Kekallah Sarawak Bertuah
Teras Perjuangan Rakyat
Berjaya Berdaulat


The State Bird

Our State Bird is the majestic Rhinoceros Hornbill, the inspiration for the state crest. Because there are many species of hornbill in Sarawak, the state is also known as the "Land of the Hornbills" or "Bumi Kenyalang".

The rhinoceros hornbill, with its upswept phallic casque, represents one of the most powerful Dayak gods, Singalang Burong, who plays an important part in Iban religious festivals, especially Gawai Kenyalang.

Hornbills like to eat figs and play a great role in the "dispersal of figs"- a process which leads to the regeneration of Sarawak's forest ecosystem.