DBP: Foreigners should be proficient in Malay to help adapt to local life

KUALA LUMPUR: The idea to introduce the Malay language proficiency test for foreign students and workers coming into Malaysia was meant to uphold the dignity of the national language and culture, said Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) director-general Datuk Dr Awang Sariyan.
Awang said there are many cases of foreign workers and students who are unable to adapt to life in Malaysia due to their poor grasp of Malay.
He gave an example of many foreign workers in the food industry who are unable to converse in the national language well.
"The proficiency test was made with the hope that the foreigners will be able to have a healthy interaction with the locals," he told reporters when met at the sidelines of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DBP and Zhejiang United Group Publication at Seri Pacific Hotel here today.
Awang said DBP will submit its proposal on the proficiency test to the relevant ministries soon and was confident that the government would seriously looking into it.
"We have already signed a MoU with the Malaysian Examinations Council for them to take charge in terms of its implementation," he said.
"I leave it to the Cabinet to make the final decision. However, I hope the government will make the test compulsory," he added.
DBP on April 16 had said it would introduce the proficiency test for foreign students pursuing their studies in public and private universities in Malaysia. The test would also be conducted on foreign workers, including expatriates.
"If all goes well, we can expect the test to be carried out beginning September this year," he said.