Ministry takes measures to curb use of 'confusing' Malay language by TV stations

All television stations have been ordered to set up a Malay Language Monitoring Sub-Committee, an internal monitoring mechanism to curb the use of 'confusing' Malay language.

The Broadcasting Department (RTM) also set up Language Monitoring Groups (Language officers), who monitor, point out and correct the use of Malay language by producers, news readers, radio and television presenters.

"However, RTM is only responsible for its own programmes and employees," said the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia in a written reply in Parliament.

Mohamad Imran Abdul Hamid (PKR-Lumut) asked about measures taken by the ministry to curb the use of 'confusing' Malay language by presenters of private television stations.

The ministry said the book 'Guidelines on the Use of Malay in the Mass Media 2013' was published by Tun Abdul Razak Institute of Broadcasting and Information (IPPTAR) in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).

"These guidelines have been adopted by practitioners of broadcast media, print media and new media. They contain guidelines on the Malay grammar, usage and speech."

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and private tv stations were also members of the Malay Language Monitoring Sub-Committee established by DBP with IPPTAR.

The statement said the monitoring of usage of Malay Language by television stations was made under the provisions of DBP Act and National Language Act.