KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry is looking into whether government-run language and literature institute Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) should be given the power to act against advertisements in public places that do not use proper Malay.

Deputy Education Minister Dr Puad Zarkashi said currently the power to take action against such outdoor advertisements lie with local authorities.

"DBP's approach in upholding the Malay language has always been to advise and inform others, as opposed to imposing punishments.

"However, our law consultants are currently examining if DBP should be given enforcement powers. As such, we are hoping for the local authorities to cooperate with us on this," he said in reply to a supplementary question by Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Independent - Pasir Mas) during question time in Parliament on Wednesday.

Puad said DBP currently offered its services to proofread Malay advertisements before local authorities approved it for display in public places.

He said it was important to ensure that the usage of Bahasa Malaysia was upheld, especially in the private sector.

"This is why the DBP has a unit which issues advisories to ensure that the usage of the language is correct and accurate," he said.

Puad added that the ministry had also distributed a circular on the usage of the national language in the civil service including government meetings.

He said the DBP monitored and advised print and electronic publications on the usage of the Malay language, including general and specific terms.

"It also offers language courses for administrators, educators, writers, editors and law practitioners," Puad said.

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