National Language Decade to promote Bahasa Melayu, Sarawak literature

KUCHING: Sarawak has launched the National Language Decade 2026 to promote Bahasa Melayu and strengthen its role as the national language and a symbol of unity.

Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the Sarawak government supported efforts by the Sarawak branch of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP Sarawak) to promote the national language and local literature.

He said the state government had provided allocations to DBP Sarawak for various programmes, including language and literary activities, research on indigenous languages, cultural studies, oral literature, Sarawak history and publications on local knowledge.

As such, he called on the public to support DBP’s efforts to promote Bahasa Melayu and local literature.

“I also urge everyone present today to support the efforts of DBP in upholding the language, strengthening the national language and promoting Sarawak’s local literature.”

He said this in a text speech read out by Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development deputy permanent secretary Caroline Cleophas Joseph at the launch of the National Language Decade and Tinta Kenyalang Awards ceremony at Dewan Tan Sri Aziz, i-CATS University College, here today.

He said the National Language Decade 2026 aimed to encourage greater appreciation of Bahasa Melayu, particularly among those involved in language, literature, arts, culture and Malay writing.

He added that efforts to strengthen the national language required cooperation among relevant stakeholders through programmes involving language development, promotion, recognition, cultivation, publishing and book sales.

Sagah also congratulated the writers and schools receiving awards at the Tinta Kenyalang Awards ceremony.

“I hope DBP will continue this programme to encourage writers to keep producing works, increase interest in writing and nurture more quality, prolific and established writers in Sarawak.”