KUALA LUMPUR, 29 Oct 2008: Languages used on signboards is under the jurisdiction of the state government and not the unity, culture, arts and heritage ministry, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Minister Teng Boon Soon said the ministry was not responsible for enforcing any language used at local authority or state government levels.
He was replying to Datuk Mohamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) on talk that the Penang Government planned to use several languages on signboards in the state.
The Penang state government revealed on 27 Oct 2008 that it planned to put up street names and road signs in multiple languages at heritage areas for the benefit of tourists and visitors.
But the plan came under fire from various quarters, including Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, who claimed the move was disrespecful of the Federal Constitution which clearly states that Bahasa Malaysia is the national and official language to be used. — Bernama
