Local council to act on reports over 'improper' Malay on signs

The Local Government Development Ministry, through the local councils, will act on public complaints against billboards or signages that supposedly did not comply with by-laws on the proper use of the Malay language.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, its deputy minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said complaints can be made directly to the relevant local councils or via the ministry.

“The complaint should include exact locations so follow-up actions can be taken.

“Whether the advertiser failed to comply with guidelines, that must be investigated,” he added.

The Johor Bahru MP said the guidelines under local council by-laws on approvals for public advertisements including billboards, banners and premises signages, have been in effect since 2009.

“There are two approvals. First on the structure, and second on the contents, with emphasis on the use of Bahasa Malaysia,” he added.

Elements subject to approval include visuals and texts, the latter under the purview of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka to ensure accuracy and standards of the Malay language.

Checking approvals

Citing discussions on social media regarding an apparent disregard for using “proper” Malay on major billboards, Akmal pointed to two possibilities.

“The advertisements were put up without permission, or permission was granted but questions can be asked on whether it went through all necessary approvals.

“So we at the ministry need to check with the local councils on the approvals given.

“Each of these two possibilities will have different follow-up actions,” he said when met in Parliament last week.

Akmal, however, declined to comment on a perception that smaller businesses are subjected to more stringent approvals for their signages, unlike major chain outlets or service providers.

“I’m just answering based on facts, not on perception,” he stressed.

Aside from acting on public complaints, Akmal said all local councils have the power to monitor advertisements or signages in areas under their jurisdiction, with over 80,000 enforcement actions taken last year. - Mkini