Malaysia's national language, Bahasa Melayu, is deteriorating as the nation's citizens turn to text messaging and emails to communicate.

Deputy Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Wong Kam Hoong said the widespread use of modified, often short-form Malay words in texts and chats meant the spoken language was degenerating, the Bernama news agency reported.

Wong told the senate that his ministry would attempt to revive the proper use of Malay in daily conversation by organising poetry, story-telling and debating contests.

Moves are also planned to halt the use of "corrupted" Malay among government agencies, Bernama said.

The government is waging a campaign to preserve the integrity of the Malay language, known locally as Bahasa Melayu, which it says is also being diluted by English words.