DBKL defends signboard crackdown, says BM must be prioritised
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has defended its recent enforcement of signboard regulations, stating that the measures align with national laws regarding the use of Malay as the official language.
In a statement, DBKL clarified that while other languages are permitted on signboards, Malay must be prioritised as the country’s national language.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has defended its recent enforcement of signboard regulations, stating that the measures align with national laws regarding the use of Malay as the official language.
In a statement, DBKL clarified that while other languages are permitted on signboards, Malay must be prioritised as the country’s national language.
“Under the Advertisement By-Laws (Federal Territory) 1982 and the Local Government Act 1976, all advertisements must feature the national language, though additional languages may be included.
“However, the text in Malay must be more prominent, with larger font sizes than those used for other languages,” the council said, as reported by Berita Harian.
DBKL also noted that businesses, associations, or companies registered under laws such as the Registration of Businesses Act 1956 are not required to translate their non-Malay names into Malay.
Racist, extreme country?
Earlier, The Star reported that on Nov 21, DBKL targeted signboards using languages such as Bangladeshi, Korean, Arabic, and Chinese that failed to comply with the rules.
This year, in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, DBKL has conducted enforcement operations at six shopping centres, issuing 31 notices to violators.
“Businesses with valid licences but no signboard permits were compounded, and non-compliant signboards were removed.
“Premises with both licences and permits but failing to prioritise Malay with larger fonts also faced action,” the statement read.
The crackdown drew criticism from Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing, who raised concerns over foreign tourists perceiving Malaysia as a “racist or religiously extreme” country.
He warned that such impressions could harm the nation’s image and global competitiveness as a tourist destination.
Tiong urged DBKL to collaborate with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign to improve infrastructure and create attractions rather than promoting an “authoritarian and regressive” image.
In response, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh accused certain businesses of being “racist” for ignoring the law and failing to respect local cultural sensitivities.
PAS, Pejuang laud DBKL
Separately, Pejuang and PAS have expressed support for DBKL’s enforcement action.
In a statement, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan praised the crackdown, noting that the move aligns with the national policies outlined in Article 152 of the Federal Constitution and the National Language Policy.
“For PAS, the official use of other languages, whether for economic, social, tourism, diplomacy, or other purposes, is only acceptable if it does not undermine or diminish the status and priority of the national language.
“As a patriotic duty, the Malay language must be upheld and prioritised by all, in all circumstances,” he said.
“The careless and indifferent attitude towards using Malay as the primary official language among the people is unacceptable, as it directly contradicts Malaysia’s identity and betrays the efforts and aspirations for national unity and identity.”
Takiyuddin emphasised that language is a key symbol of culture, heritage, and shared identity.
“This is becoming increasingly important for Malaysia’s identity as a multicultural and multi-faith nation, especially with the rise of various interests and ideologies that lean towards division rather than unity,” he explained.
Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid Ali echoed this sentiment, stressing that a nation can only be built through a common language.
He pointed out that while the Malay language should embody the nation’s soul, it has increasingly been reduced to a mere ornament or “token inclusion”.
Rafique stated that while the ministry’s guidelines on using the Malay language in signboards are clear, he questioned who these guidelines are intended for - whether they are meant for Malaysians or China nationals.
“Does prioritising the Malay language make us a racist nation? Are there still those who reject the Malay language? Have the signboard guidelines been altered?” he asked.
