The various colours are the colours of the Federation of Malaysia and indicate that the State is part of the Federation. The star and crescent stand for Islam, the religion of the State.

The five keris represent the five famous warrior of old Melaka. Whose names are Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir, and Hang Lekiu.

The Malacca tree is the tree from which the State derives its name.The two mousedeer supporting the shield serve to recall the incident involving the mousedeers which led the first ruler of Melaka who was sitting under the Malacca tree to choose the site and found the city.

The State motto reads: 'UNITY IS STRENGTH'