PETALING JAYA: Teaching Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) in schools will ensure better inclusivity, but what is more important is having the right people for the job.
Only those who understand BIM and possess the skills and knowledge are able teach the language, says Mohamad Sazali Shaari, the executive director of Malaysian Federation of the Deaf.
Mohamad Sazali feels that only those who are competent and were capable of understanding BIM could teach the language.
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He added that only deaf people were allowed to teach the language, according to the World Federation of the Deaf.
“BIM is a language of its own with proper syntax and structures,” he said, adding that one would need to have a decent command and understanding of the language in order to teach.
The government, Mohamad Sazali said, should look into preparing teachers and school managements to be a part of the effort.
He said his organisation was willing to work with the Education Ministry.
“We welcome the effort by the government to promote sign language and allow us to be integrated into society where everyone can interact without barriers.”
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon said the initiative was a meaningful step towards recognising persons with disabilities, particularly the community which uses sign language.
“The ministry’s intention is clear, which is to nurture a future generation that is not only able to communicate, but also one which demonstrates empathy and appreciation for diversity within society.
“As the demand for learning sign language grows, it will naturally lead to the creation of structured and professional positions for such teachers. This is a positive development for the national education ecosystem.”
However, he said the implementation must be carried out prudently, without any coercion or emotional pressure on teachers.
He said the approach to cultivating familiarity with sign language should be similar to teaching basic English that enables communication with foreigners.
“This will ensure sign language users do not feel awkward or hesitant to interact, but instead feel accepted and included.
“While this effort will take time, it is crucial that we begin now in order to build a more inclusive and compassionate future.”
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh told the Dewan Negara on March 9 that students would learn BIM as an additional language under the 2027 school curriculum.
Wong said this would strengthen inclusive practices and awareness among children about persons with disabilities.
The initiative complements the efforts of the ministry since 2011 in providing the Communicative Sign Language subject and Basic Education for Individuals with Visual Impairment in primary schools.
