Public calls on ministry to rethink Jalur Gemilang badge pin policy after student injury

SHAH ALAM - A schoolgirl was hospitalised after stepping on a sharp pin from a Jalur Gemilang badge, prompting public outcry over a policy implemented by the Education Ministry (MoE).

The female student accidentally stepped on the sharp pin that had fallen on the ground at school, causing the needle to penetrate the sole of the student's right foot, leaving her injured and needing to be rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.

“Whose idea was it to make primary school students wear a needled pin? When we complain, those in power says, ‘We gave you the badges for free, just wear them,’” one Facebook user wrote.

Another commented, “Yes, even in the past we had pins for name tags. But the risk was always there. The only difference is that we didn’t have social media to highlight every injury.”

The photos that circulated showed the injured girl in a wheelchair, her foot bandaged, with other images capturing her treatment in the hospital.

Some parents also shared that their children often keep the badges in their pockets due to how loosely they sit on uniforms, further underlining safety concerns.

According to reports, while some parents chose to sew the badges on for added safety, not all students have that option. In certain schools, students are strictly required to wear the needle-pinned version, with no alternatives allowed.

The policy requiring students to wear Jalur Gemilang badges came into effect on April 21 for all institutions under the MoE. The Ministry has yet to respond directly to growing safety concerns.

Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) Education Consultative Committee Deputy Chairperson Felicia Wong Yin Ting has joined the call for a policy review, urging authorities to prioritise student well-being.

"I am certain parents deeply appreciate the government’s effort to instil a sense of patriotism in Malaysians, especially children, by distributing the badges for free. However, the safety of students must not be taken lightly.

"Following this incident of a child being injured by the pin, perhaps the MoE could reconsider withdrawing these potentially hazardous pins and replacing them with safer alternatives, such as fabric or embroidered badges. It is also suggested that schools be given the autonomy to choose the type of badge that best suits their students’ comfort," she said in a statement posted on Facebook.