KUCHING: The use of the national language in advertisements placed in public places in this country has yet to reach the level required by the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).
DBP Sarawak director Dr Hazami Jahari said yesterday that much needed to be done by DBP to ensure the correct usage of the national language in advertising signage.
“Such observations have been made in Sibu in 2013 and Bintulu this year,” he said at the press conference on Semarak Bahasa Carnival at DBP Sarawak Branch in Petra Jaya here.
On the usage of Bahasa Malaysia in Kuching city, Hazami added DBP will be working with Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) for the north city areas.
“Any advertisement to be displayed in public must be submitted to DBP for proofreading before permits and licences can be applied with DBKU,” he said, adding that the verification process does not require a long time.
For the South city area, Hazami said that DBP is currently working on better cooperation with Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
“However, as we do not have the authority to enforce, so for now we can only give advice,” he said.
Thus, he hopes the local authorities can play a bigger role in promoting the use and appreciation of the use of the national language.
Meanwhile, DBP will be holding a week-long Semarak Bahasa Carnival in conjunction with the State-Level National Language Month 2014 beginning Nov 3 at its branch.
The annual event aims to raise awareness on the importance of the role and function of the national language and literature.
The carnival also provides an avenue and opportunity for people to better understand the challenges and development of the Malay language.
To be carried out in all divisions throughout the state, it also hopes to boost the passion among the people for the national language.
Among the highlights at the carnival are ‘Sayembara Monodrama’ (Nov 3 and 4), P. Ramlee Arts Night (Nov 5), Palestine Poetry Night (Nov 6), Tracing Love of Language (School and Department categories) and Love Poetry Night on Nov 8.
Other activities to enliven the carnival are colouring and storytelling contests for children, a rhythmic exercise, an exhibition, book sales and a lucky draw.
The public are invited to support and join the educational carnival.