The present coat of arms of Sabah is largely based on the coat of arms of the British Crown Colony of North Borneo and the state coat of arms first granted on 31 August 1963.

The current coat of arms of Sabah were officially established on 16 September 1988.

The two arms carrying the Sabah State Flag represents unity and harmony among its multiracial citizens towards progress and success.

[1] The silhouette of Mount Kinabalu represents Sabah State.

[1] The five different colours represent the five residencies (now divisions) of the Sabah State.