The Order of the Defender of State (Malay: Darjah Pangkuan Negeri) is the sole order of chivalry of the state of Penang which was constituted in 1967 by then Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dato' Seri Utama Raja Uda Raja Muhammad to recognize eminent contributions of individuals towards Penang and the nation. The order was initially constituted in three grades, namely the Knight Grand Commander, Companion, and Member. Later, other grades were added to the order. Currently, the order is conferred in six grades.

Annually, inductions are made to the order on the occasion of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's birthday.

The Order of the Defender of State was initially constituted in three grades, namely Knight Grand Commander, Companion, and Member respectively. In 1976, the Officer grade was added, followed by, the Commander grade in 1996 and finally the Knight Commander in 2003.

Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri (DUPN) – Dato' Seri Utama

The Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of State (Malay: Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri) is the highest grade of the order which was constituted in 1967. The recipients of the grade bear the pre-nominal title of "Dato' Seri Utama", while the wives of the male recipients are titled as "Datin Seri". Husbands of female recipients are not entitled to any pre-nominal title. The recipients bear the post-nominal letters of "D.U.P.N."

The insignia of the grade comprises a collar, a sash, a badge and a star. The sash is a blue silk riband with wide white bars on both ends above which are two gold stripes. The sash is worn from the right shoulder to the left hip.

The Grand Commander grade of the order is conferred on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, the spouse of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri and upon eminent individuals for their services to Penang.

Darjah Panglima Pangkuan Negeri (DPPN) – Dato' Seri