THE recent controversy over Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) enforcement action on business signboards must stop immediately, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) urged all parties, including politicians, to put an end to this polemic.
“We have many important agendas requiring our attention, and playing with racial sentiments like this will only create polarisation and divide the people,” she said in a media statement today (Nov 29).
She pointed out that Malaysia adhered to the principle of the "rule of law", where laws and regulations were enforced to ensure justice and harmony in society.
The use of the national language must be prioritised on business signboards, which is stipulated in the Advertisement By-Laws (Federal Territories) 1982 and the Local Government Act 1976, she said.
“These enforcement actions by DBKL have been carried out with my knowledge as the Minister responsible for the Federal Territories.
“This decision is also consistent with the approach adopted since the issue of Jalan Silang being referred to as "Mini Dhaka" emerged.
It is important to emphasise that this enforcement is a routine task by DBKL that should have been implemented long ago,” she added.
Dr Zaliha stressed that these actions were not due to pressure from any party or individual, but rather to ensure compliance with the prevailing regulations.
These regulations stipulated that words in the national language must take precedence and must be displayed in larger font sizes than words in other languages.
Additionally, all signboards must obtain visual verification from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) as a mandatory document to apply for DBKL approval, she added.
In 2024, a total of 13 operations were conducted, 264 notices were issued and action was taken against 36 premises concerning signboard-related issues.
Offences included displaying signboards without DBKL permits and those that did not comply with approved permits.
Dr Zaliha said reasonable notice periods were given to premises owners to take action before enforcement was carried out.
“As we approach the Asean chairmanship in 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year in 2026, we must work together to elevate the status of the national language as part of the country’s image.
“Kuala Lumpur, as the main gateway to the nation, should reflect a national identity that prominently and proudly highlights our national language,” said the minister.
It was reported last month that DBKL issued a 14-day notice to five premises to take down their signboards for not upholding the national language.
To this, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing had said foreign tourists had asked him about DBKL's operation on several premises in the nation's capital, adding that bilingual signboards not only reflected Malaysia's international friendliness but also form a core element of the country's cultural appeal.
The matter also flared up after recent remarks by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had criticised the absence of Malay language on shops' signboards.
The matter also flared up after recent remarks by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who criticised the absence of the Malay language on shop signboards.
