A national language plays an important role in building the identity and unity of a country. In the context of Malaysia, Bahasa Melayu is the national language. A language is not just a means to communicate but also reflects a culture and history that needs to be preserved and upheld.

A national language forms the national identity of a country. Malaysia has various races and ethnic groups. Bahasa Melayu is the glue that connects the people and instils unity and togetherness. 

The passage of time and era of modernization more or less have disrupted the effort to uphold the national language. The new generation is using foreign languages almost all the time when using their smartphones whether to play video games, do streaming, or chat.

A continuous effort is needed to uphold the national language to make it relevant forever. Society needs to use Bahasa Melayu in daily life to ensure the language remains relevant and will progress.

The use of technology in the learning of Bahasa Melayu such as language apps, educational web sites, and learning software can help facilitate access and contribute towards improving the interest in the national language.

Through a collaboration between Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), various activities promoting the use of the national language, held as part of Karnival Semarak Bahasa Bulan Bahasa Kebangsaan in conjunction with Dekad Bahasa Kebangsaan (DBK) and Dekad Membaca Kebangsaan  (DMK), have been organized to support the effort in uplifting the national language

The event is an annual activity planned by the government to improve society’s awareness of and love for the national language and arts and instil the willingness to read. The event is intended for the multiracial society.

Also in support of the effort is Terengganu’s administration, through the state secretary YBM Tengku Seri Bijaya Raja Dato’ Seri Tengku Farok Hussin Tengku Abdul Jalil, who officiated the opening ceremony of Karnival Semarak Bahasa Bulan Bahasa Kebangsaan in conjunction with Dekad Bahasa Kebangsaan (DBK) and Dekad Membaca Kebangsaan (DMK) held at UMT’s Sultanah Nur Zahirah Library Auditorium.

As expressed in his speech read by Deputy State Secretary (Management) Ab Rasid Jusoh, the state secretary will double the effort to uplist the national language through the use of various medium including display boards and billboards.

“I urge all departments and government agencies especially in Terengganu to use the national language in official matters and events all the time, more so in October, the national language month. This is also in line with the Circular No 1 Year 2006: Steps to Strengthen the Use of National Language in Public Services.

“I also urged the local authority to ensure the billboards, sign boards, street names, businesses favour the use of national language and in the proper and correct manner,” he said.   

The one-day carnival offered various activities such as Poem Declamation Night that featured several performances based on modern and traditional poems including among others poem declamation, poetic songs, and traditional Malay poetry recitation.

The program aimed to increase the love of society towards poems and national language. In addition, it featured dance performance by children, sketch shows, and traditional dance performance.

People should take the opportunity to express their support towards the importance of uplifting the national language to unite the people, preserve the national culture and identity, and instil the love for the country.

Published by:

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu