GEORGE TOWN: The Berita Harian (BH)-Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Malam Puisi Riong continued its tradition of celebrating the beauty of language and literature, bringing its prestigious programme to Padang Kota Lama here last night as part of National Language Month 2026.
BH group editor Zulkifli Jalil said the poetry event, which has been held for more than four decades since its introduction in the 1980s, remained an important platform for celebrating the nation's literary heritage.
He said championing the Malay language, literature and culture had been central to BH since the newspaper was first published on July 1, 1957.
"History records how prominent journalists and literary figures, including the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail, National Laureate Datuk Seri A Samad Said and former BH Literature Development Unit head, the late Sutung Umar RS, nurtured literary values through the newspaper.
"They ensured that a newspaper was not merely a medium for delivering news and discourse, but also a reflection of values, a platform for civilisational thought and a means of enriching the beauty of the national language," he said after the event.
Zulkifli said the widespread use of mixed-language expressions, declining grammatical standards and diminishing courtesy in language were among the challenges that needed to be addressed, particularly among young people amid the rapid flow of information and digital developments.
He said Malam Puisi Riong could bring younger generations closer to literature while inspiring people from all walks of life to preserve and use the national language correctly, accurately and effectively.
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"BH wants to reaffirm its commitment to the view that the beauty of language is not confined to poetry recitals on stage. It also depends on the proper use of Malay, grammatical accuracy, courtesy and artistic expression.
"BH not only features poetry recitals by National Laureates, but has also transformed the programme into a cultural festival featuring heritage workshops, art demonstrations and traditional games," he said.
Meanwhile, Penang State Secretary Datuk Dr Jafri Abdul Jalil said the state was honoured to host a programme celebrating the beauty of language, the refinement of literature and the richness of the nation's cultural heritage.
He said language and literature complemented each other in shaping a knowledgeable and cultured society, with literary works conveying human values, wisdom and life experiences that left a lasting impact.
"Language is not merely a tool for communication, but also a bridge of unity connecting people of different races. We should take pride in the language passed down through generations because language is the soul of a nation.
"True progress must be balanced with a strong sense of identity, good values and cultural dignity. We want to nurture a generation that is knowledgeable and forward-looking while remaining firmly rooted in its heritage," he said.
Earlier, visitors were entertained by Penang-born singer Mila Jirin and Nourul Depp, as well as more than 30 members of the Jenan Wind Orchestra from Sekolah Menengah Sultan Abdul Halim in Jitra, Kedah, and a performance of classic Malay music by Gemersik Band from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Also reciting poetry at the event were National Laureate Datuk Dr Zurinah Hassan, poet and songwriter Ahmad Ramli and 2025 Southeast Asian Writers Award recipient and BH assistant news editor Hafizah Iszahanid.
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