Sarawak on the smaller scroll, Bersatu, Berusaha, Berbakti ("Unity, Effort, Service") on the larger scroll
Other elements
Two mirrored branches of Bunga RayaorHibiscus flower, 13 feathers on the hornbill's wings and tail represent the 13 states in Malaysia (The version shown is incorrect in design)
The current coat of arms was established on 31 August 1988. The shield features a symbolic wing-spread Kenyalang or rhinoceros hornbill with the shield bearing the state flag.[1] The hornbill's wings have 13 feathers, which represent the states in Malaysia.[1] The Hibiscus represent the Malaysia's national flower which appears on the right and left sides of the bird's legs and the hornbill perches a banner bearing the words "Bersatu, Berusaha, Berbakti" which means 'Unity, Effort, Service'.[1]
The heraldic arms of the Brooke dynasty of the Raj of Sarawak were based on the emblem used by James Brooke. It consisted of a red and black cross on yellow shield, crested by a badger, known in heraldic parlance as a "brock" and hence alluding to the dynastic surname. A crown was added in 1848, and the shield design was used as the basis of the Sarawak flag until 1973. In 1988 the state flag reverted to these original colours.
Years in use
1841–1946
Coat of arms of the Crown Colony and the State of Sarawak
Description
The arms of the BritishCrown Colony of Sarawak were based on the arms of the Raj. Also used as the state coat of arms when Sarawak formed Malaysia with Malaya, Sabah and Singapore in 1963.
Years in use
1946–1973
Escutcheon
Or, a cross parted per pale Sable and Gules, charged with an Eastern crown Or.
Coat of arms of the State of Sarawak
Description
The design of the arms of the state of Sarawak from 1973–1988 serves as the basis for the current state coat of arms and was the first to feature a rhinoceros hornbill as the state emblem. Most of the elements of the emblem are similar to the current version, except for the then state flag – the "Trisakti" on the shield and the then state motto Hidup Selalu Berkhidmat.
Years in use
1973–1988
Escutcheon
Tierced per pall, azure, argent and gules.
Supporters
A rhinoceros hornbill proper displayed, clutching a scroll of state motto.
Motto
Sarawak on the smaller scroll, Hidup Selalu Berkhidmat (Malay for 'Live to serve') on the larger scroll.
Other elements
Two mirrored branches of Bunga Raya or Hibiscus flower, 13 feathers on the hornbill's wings and tail represent the 13 states in Malaysia.
