The MOE through DBP is also expanding recognition for excellence in writing, academics, and the elevation of the Bahasa Melayu and Malay literature to students of higher education institutions through Anugerah Bitara DBP starting this year.
GEORGE TOWN: Bahasa Melayu needs to be empowered in the digital world through the creation of creative and knowledgeable content to attract the younger generation to use it, thereby elevating the national language.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said that Generation Alpha, referring to those born between 2010 and 2024, gain exposure to language not only through textbooks and classrooms, but also via videos, digital games, animation, music, streaming content and online interactions.
“I believe that the Bahasa Melayu has a bright future if we dare to change our approach and expand its usage. We cannot just ask the younger generation to love the Malay language.
“We need to bring the Bahasa Melayu into their (Alpha) digital world through quality content, creative animations, educational games, informative short videos, electronic publications, and applications based on the latest technology,” she said at the launch of the national-level National Language Month 2026 at Padang Kota Lama here today.
The text of her speech was read by Education deputy director-general (Professional Development Sector) Datuk Amzan Abd Malek.
Fadhlina said the government also emphasises the development of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the MADANI Budget 2027, particularly the government’s commitment to mobilising the resources of ministries, agencies, and educational institutions to contribute authentic and annotated digital language data to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).
Meanwhile, she said that the collaboration between the Ministry of Education (MOE) and DBP has produced 259 ‘Munsyi Remaja’ through the ‘Program Pembinaan Munsyi Remaja’, in addition to creating 1,924 Munsyi Siswa’ and 970 ‘Munsyi Muda’, alongside the roles of more than 500 ‘Munsyi Dewan’ across the country.
According to her, the MOE through DBP is also expanding recognition for excellence in writing, academics, and the elevation of the Bahasa Melayu and Malay literature to students of higher education institutions through Anugerah Bitara DBP starting this year.
Fadhlina also emphasised the importance of preserving the Jawi script as a treasure of Malay literature that records the development of knowledge, thought and culture of society, with efforts that need to be jointly driven by schools, parents, educational institutions and the DBP.
To strengthen the efforts to elevate Bahasa Melayu, Fadhlina announced that the MOE has agreed to provide a grant of RM10,000 to each agency, higher education institution (IPT), Teacher Education Institute (IPG), and non-governmental organisation (NGO) that implements the Bahasa Melayu elevation programme in 2027.
She said the initiative aims to expand the participation of various parties, strengthen strategic cooperation, and encourage the implementation of high-impact programmes, which is expected to build a more organised movement in efforts to strengthen the use of the national language throughout the country.
Regarding the National Language Month 2026 celebration, Fadhlina said the theme ‘Bahasa Kita Wajah Kita’ reminds us that language is not just a tool of communication, but rather reflects identity, values and culture, thus becoming an important foundation in building understanding and unity in a multi-racial and multi-language society.
At the event, Bernama Radio received the DBP 2026 Citra Sahabat Award in recognition of its contributions and commitment in the effort to empower Bahasa Melayu.
Earlier, the carnival-themed event at Padang Kota Lama provided a broader space for community engagement through various activities in language, literature, knowledge, arts, culture and community.