Klang’s restaurants and businesses have been receiving compounds from Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) over improper use of Bahasa Malaysia on their signboards.
MBDK Corporate Communications Department director Norfiza Mahfiz said, “All business signboards must be in Bahasa Malaysia in accordance with the Advertisement By-Laws under Local Government Act 1976 and Advertisement By-Laws (Klang Royal City Council) 2007.
“Although other languages are allowed, words in the national language must be given priority and their font sizes must be larger than words in other languages.”
MBDK collaborated with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) over two days to carry out enforcement operations.
Nineteen notices were issued.
“Apart from the 19 notices to rectify advertisement boards, a total of 29 compounds were issued under the council’s Advertising By-Laws MBDK 2007 totalling to RM29,000, whereby each compound was for RM1,000.”
Norfiza said the operations in Bandar Bukit Tinggi involved eight personnel from MBDK Licensing, Buildings, Enforcement departments, and six from DBP.
“After having inspected several premises, it was found that all possessed valid business and advertisement licences, but were displaying advertisements that differed from those approved by DBP.
“This included the addition of words in other languages without accompanying translations into the national language (bilingual requirement),” Norfiza said.
During another inspection in Bandar Bukit Raja, checks were carried out on three business premises.
“One shop was found to be operating without a business and advertisement licence and a compound was issued on violations involving the incorrect use of the national language.
“The enforcement was in line with upholding the role of Bahasa Malaysia as the country’s national and official language,” she said.
