Selangor: The flying of the Jalur Gemilang and the Selangor state flag on towering flagpoles is not merely a physical structure or landmark but a symbol of patriotism, loyalty, and unity that should be cherished, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ruler stated that such displays could strengthen patriotic values and instill pride in both the state and country. The statement was made via a post on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page. During a visit to Istanbul, Turkiye, Sultan Sharafuddin expressed admiration for the prominent flagpoles on hills across the city, describing them as a clear symbol of the Turkish people's patriotism.

"His Royal Highness is of the view that flags flown on such flagpoles can foster love for the state and country, promote respect for symbols of sovereignty, and strengthen unity among people of different races and religions," the post mentioned. The Sultan also expressed disappointment regarding criticism of the Selangor State Flagpole at Dataran Selangor, which was officially inaugurated earlier.

Sultan Sharafuddin hoped that the example set by Istanbul would inspire efforts to cultivate patriotism and strengthen unity among the people. On March 8, the Sultan witnessed the raising of the Selangor flag at the 120-metre Dataran Selangor flagpole, which was recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the tallest flagpole in Southeast Asia.

The date of the ceremony was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Sultan Sharafuddin's late father, Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj, who played a pivotal role in the development of Shah Alam and its declaration as the capital of Selangor in 1978. The flag-raising ceremony involved a 15-metre by 30-metre flag weighing about 50 kilogrammes and was carried out by 40 Royal Malaysian Navy personnel.