By Chris Bishop
KUCHING, Nov 26: Adding Chinese language to signboards in the streets of Malaysia should not have become an issue, as the enforcement of signage regulations must still comply with respective state’s law.
This is the view of Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who emphasised that there is no need to overcomplicate the signboard language issue, as each state must comply with its own by-laws.
“The use of bilingual signage may not have a significant impact, but it certainly offers convenience to tourists.
“There is no problem with using bilingual signs on roads. In Sarawak, for example, we have two language options—Bahasa Malaysia and English—so both are used on signs,” he explained during a press conference at the Ministry’s Office in Baitulmakmur Complex today.
Abdul Karim humorously noted that if Sarawak were to include all 34 ethnic languages, the signs would be enormous.
However, he underscored that if there is a legal requirement to use bilingual signs (Bahasa Malaysia and English), it should follow the existing laws, as enforced by local authorities.
“If there’s a need to include Chinese, then three languages should be used,” he added.
On Nov 24, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing criticised former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s controversial stance on the issue, as well as the Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) enforcement of Chinese-language advertising signs.
Tiong argued that this policy tarnished Malaysia’s image as a multicultural nation.
DBKL’s operation on Oct 14 to remove Chinese-language signboards along Jalan Imbi in Bukit Bintang was part of efforts to enforce the Small Signboards (FT) 1982 Bylaws, which mandate the inclusion of Bahasa Malaysia on signage.
Tiong expressed concern that the recent controversy over bilingual signboard regulations has sparked unnecessary emotional reactions, leading to visible dissatisfaction and a negative perception among international tourists.
Abdul Karim also noted that the issue was raised in a parliamentary debate, with some questioning whether Tiong was serving as a minister for Malaysia or China.
“Because he (Tiong) suggested that DBKL should not enforce the rules strictly, as he aims to attract more tourists from China. I’m not saying who is right or wrong, but we do have laws regarding signage,” he added. — DayakDaily
