The Language Council of Indonesia-Malaysia (MBIM) has introduced about a million Bahasa Melayu words that can be used in the education system since its formation in 1972, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Education Minister Mohd Puad Zarkashi said MBIM had developed words that can be compiled and used as appropriate pronunciation and terminologies in the publication of dictionaries and other publishing materials.

"The large number of words and terminologies can enrich the heritage of Bahasa Melayu and used in educational programmes, research and publications," he said when answering a question by Baharum Mohamed (BN-Sekijang) who wanted to know the development of talks held between Indonesia and Brunei to enhance Bahasa Melayu as a regional language.

He added that Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei were working hard to strengthen Bahasa Melayu as a tool for knowledge in the region.

To an additional question by Baharum, Mohd Puad said the MBIM had also formulated about 46,000 terms in Bahasa Melayu for science and mathematics.

- Bernama