KUCHING: Preservation of ethnic languages and local dialects remains vital to safeguard the vocabulary of Sarawak’s Bumiputera communities.
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Board of Governors chairman Datuk Dr Anwar Ridhwan said continued documentation efforts are especially important in preserving the languages of Sarawak’s 27 main ethnic groups and other communities in the interior.
He said the unique role of DBP branches in Sarawak and Sabah as “Mini DBP” remains vital in collecting regional vocabulary and compiling ethnic dictionaries to ensure such linguistic heritage is not lost over time.
“Through the high-impact Sarawak Ethnic Language General Database (PDUBSS) project, we are proud to have published ethnic dictionaries such as the Iban–Malay Dewan Dictionary, Melanau Mukah–Malay Dewan Dictionary, Vaie–Malay Dewan Dictionary, Sarawak Malay–Malay Dewan Dictionary, as well as various ethnic word registers in Sarawak.
“This initiative serves as a key platform that contributes to the assimilation and enrichment of our National Language vocabulary,” he said.
He said this in his welcoming speech during the DBP 70th Anniversary Celebration, which was officiated by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, at a hotel here today (June 22).
Anwar added that the launch of the DBP Dictionary Portal on April 10 reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the digitalisation of the Malay language in line with technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) and Industrial Revolution 4.0 developments.
He stressed that DBP must position itself as a key player in this transformation of language and literature.
“History has shown that DBP pioneered the computerisation era early through the Bikomta system or the Online Computerised Terminology Bank in 1990.
“This effort has continued through platforms such as the Malay Literature Reference Centre (PRPM), JendelaDBP portal and most recently the DBP Dictionary Portal,” he said.
Anwar said DBP continues to contribute its expertise in language data, while achievements such as the award-winning Interactive Digital Textbook Cekap Bahasa demonstrate the institution’s innovative capabilities.
At the same time, he said the local literary ecosystem must continue to be strengthened through collaboration with writers’ associations, Sarawak State Laureates and various literary development programmes.
“These include programmes such as Children’s Writers Week (MPKK), Youth Writers Week (MPR), Writer-in-Residence, Dewan Creative Fund, and most recently, the DBP Research Grant.
“World literary masterpieces such as Sulalatus Salatin, Hikayat Hang Tuah, Hikayat Panglima Nikosa, as well as the Special Series of National Laureates and S.E.A. Write Award recipients must continue to be elevated as quality national literary reading and as bridges for nation-building,” he stressed.
He added that DBP’s vast collection of intellectual and literary resources should not only be preserved but also industrialised and technologically enhanced to become a leading source of creative content for the nation.
“This includes bibliographic data, dictionaries and encyclopaedias, literary masterpieces and traditional literature, modern literary works and National Laureate Special Editions, language and grammar reference books.
“It also includes general publications, books on Islamic civilisation, textbooks and educational materials, as well as reputable magazines and journals such as Dewan Masyarakat, Dewan Sastera, Dewan Budaya, Dewan Siswa and Dewan Kosmik,” he said.
