Malay Language

Explore how our Malay Language programmes build students' confidence, vocabulary, and cultural appreciation through hands-on activities, reading, competitions, and ICT tools.

Last updated 23 July 2026

Malay Language

Overview

The department aims to develop students who can communicate effectively and confidently in their Malay language and are able to appreciate the language and culture.

Key Programme

Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) Fortnight

MTL Fortnight held each year aims to create a learning environment where pupils learn more in depth about their culture. During the two week programme, students will have the opportunity to experience the Malay Language as a living language through the various hands-on activities.

Three masked school children sit at a table handling green plants and flowers on a white plate in a classroom.

Students making ‘bunga rampai’ during MTL Fortnight week.

Three young masked children sit at a green table with word cards, two making peace signs.

P1 students engaging in word building activity.

Two masked children hold up colorful artwork in a classroom while other students work at blue desks.

P5 students doing batik painting.

Conversational Malay Language

The Conversational Malay Programme is conducted in school for non-Malay students who are interested in learning Malay language and culture. Through this programme, students will be able to converse in simple everyday Malay Language. This programme will also help students to enhance their rapport with Malay-speaking friends.

Structured Reading Programme

The aim of the structured reading programme is to develop students’ interests and reading habits as well as to increase student awareness and appreciation of their own culture. Through extensive reading, the students will be able to master the language and broaden their vocabulary. Suitable reading materials and activities are selected to enhance their learning of the language.

Four masked students in school uniforms stand reading books among shelves in a colorful school library.

Promoting the love for reading Malay language book.

Three young masked students in school uniforms reading colorful books at green tables in a classroom.

Students reading Mari Membaca magazine.

Internal and External Competitions

Internal competitions are conducted during the Mother Tongue Fortnight Week. Students can showcase their talents through these competitions. These competitions also provide additional opportunities for all students to further strengthen their language abilities

Aside from the school-based competition, students are also encouraged to participate in external competitions. This will help students to build up their confidence and contribute to their repertoire of experiences.

Girl named Nay Chi Aung Soe holds a trophy and certificate in front of a "Saya Boleh Mengarang" banner.

A child wearing a mask holds a trophy and certificate in front of a banner reading "Saya Boleh Mengarang."

Winners of the 2021 Writing Competition, “Saya Boleh Mengarang”.

Three young girls in school uniforms and masks hold trophies in front of a Peraduan Menyanyi 2021 Darjah 1 banner.

Winners of the 2021 P1 Singing Competition

Leveraging on ICT to Promote Joy of Learning

Students are exposed to application tools such as ‘ChatterPix’ and ‘Flipgrid’ to record their experiences and responses based on topics assigned to them. Students explore their creativity as they personalise and design their submissions through these application tools. ICT-based lessons such as this allows students to build their confidence and interest to converse in Malay Language.

A young boy in a school uniform looks down at a tablet displaying the number 26 in a classroom.

Student recording his responses using ChatterPix, an application which allows users to animate pictures.

A young boy looks at the camera during a live breaking news broadcast, with bicycles and trees visible behind him.

Student recording his responses using Flipgrid, a video recording tool which allows users to add emoji, text and background.

Effective Questioning to Develop Critical Thinking Skills

To promote critical thinking, teachers incorporate Elements of Thought (EOT) in their lessons. Through meaningful conversations and quality questioning, students’ critical thinking skills are deepened. This approach also allows students to build their vocabulary and confidence to converse in Malay Language.

Colorful wheel diagram labeled Elemen Pemikiran with 8 segments: Tujuan, Masalah, Informasi, Inferens, Konsep, Andaian, Akibat, Pandangan Peribadi.

Elements of Thought (translated in Malay Language)

A masked teacher gestures while teaching masked students seated at desks in a classroom with a projector screen.

Teacher engaging in quality questioning during Malay Language lesson.

A masked student stands in a classroom while masked students in Yuhua Primary School uniforms sit at blue desks with notebooks.

Students participating actively in classroom discussions.