The current flag of the state of Sabah, in Malaysia, was adopted on 16 September 1988. It is red, white and three different shades of blue. The mountain is in the canton as in the 1963 flag, but now in dark blue on a light blue background. The field is medium blue over white over red. The mountain shown on the flag (and the state's coat of arms) is Mount Kinabalu.
The five different colours represent the five divisions in Sabah.
- A silhouette of Mount Kinabalu represents the state of Sabah.
- Zircon blue represents peace and calmness.
- Icicle blue represents unity and prosperity.
- Royal blue represents strength and harmony.
- White represents purity and justice.
- Chilli red represents courage and determination.
Symbolism
First Sabah state flag (1963–1982)
On 31 August 1963, Sabah adopted a four-striped flag (red over white over yellow over blue) with a green canton and a brown mountain.
The meaning of the flag created in 1963 is very similar to the current flag adopted in 1988.
Second Sabah state flag (1982–1988)
The second flag design was created in 1981 by the BERJAYA (Sabah People's United Front Party) state government. It was formally adopted on 1 January 1982. It had a completely different design from the previous one: blue over white with a red triangle on the hoist. It is similar to the Trisakti flag used by the neighbouring state of Sarawak until 31 August 1988, which was red over white with a blue triangle on the hoist.
This flag should not be confused with the flag of the Czech Republic and the flag of the Philippines.
Historical flags
Flag of North Borneo (1882–1942 and 1945–1948).
Flag of the Crown Colony of North Borneo (1948–1963).
Flag of the state of Sabah (1963–1982).
Flag of the state of Sabah (1982–1988).
State flag of Sabah in current use.
Other ensign and flags
Flag | Type | Description | Flag ratio |
---|---|---|---|
Sabah Government blue ensign | The flag used by the Sabah Government has a dark blue background with the Sabah state flag in the canton. | 1:2 |
City, district and municipal flags
Sabah does not assigning flags for its cities, districts and municipal areas. However, some local government authorities in the state have adopted their own flags. Examples are, Beluran District and Kota Kinabalu, the state capital, of whose flags are displayed below.
Flag of Beluran District
Flag of Kota Kinabalu