KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 138 warning letters were issued by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) between 2024 and 2025 for the improper use of Bahasa Malaysia, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the letters were issued to quarters including the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), Batu Pahat City Council, Kajang City Council and the Information Department.
“A total of 141 monitoring efforts were carried out, comprising the public and private sector, public areas alongside complaints.
“Of the number, 138 letters were issued,” she said in a written reply on Tuesday (Oct 7).
She was responding to a question by Siti Mastura Muhammad (PN-Kepala Batas) who asked about efforts to enhance monitoring mechanisms and enforcement of the National Language Act 1963/67 especially towards signboards, commercials and official documents.
Dr Zaliha said DBP recognises agencies that display commitment towards ensuring the proper use of the national language.
This includes Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the Health Ministry and Petron petrol stations.
“An appreciation letter is issued once rectification works have been completed. DBP also offers consultation services to assist the public when it comes to language matters,” she said.
To ensure the proper use of the national language in public areas, specifically advertisements, she said the Housing and Local Government Ministry in 2015 had instructed all local authorities to make it compulsory for advertisers and advertising agencies nationwide to comply with rules and regulations in related bylaws.
“Here, it is compulsory for all advertisers and advertising agencies to receive a DBP issued certificate, ensuring the language’s proper use, before being issued the relevant license by local authorities,” she said.
She further stressed the government’s commitment to enhancing monitoring and enforcement efforts through coordination between DBP, local authorities and other enforcement agencies to ensure the national language continues being strengthened in all sectors, including sign boards, commercials and official documents.
