“Are we in New York?” – M’sian Baffled by English Signboards in KL, Says The City Should Learn from Terengganu

English language on signboards in Malaysia helps tourists to navigate the way, but should we eliminate the foreign language to appreciate the national language – Bahasa Melayu?

Malaysian singer MonoloQue recently shared what he really thought of KL roads that are filled with signboards in English language – an attempt to be like New York City. To him, KL city does not need to be “flooded” with signboards in the English language because that does not make us look like a 1st world country.

“I don’t know why must we use English. What do we get from the slogan written in English? Does it make us look like a 1st world country? Do we feel like in New York City?”

In his Facebook video, MonoLoque, or Khairul Ridzwan Anuar, shared his trip to Terengganu, and he had nothing but fond words to say about the state. So much so that he said KL has A LOT to learn from Terengganu. 

Khairul expressed his admiration at a museum that he visited in the state.

“I feel amazed looking at the architecture of this museum. Hats off to the builder or architect, Raja Bahrin, for inspiring this stone building that represents the identity of the archipelago.”

To him, the museum is being celebrated wholeheartedly, and he believes that every state should have something like this.

“I’m not suggesting that museums should be built from wood; they can very well be made of stone like this. But the carvings are crafted using motifs from archipelagic architecture.”

He also highlighted how Terengganu has many ways to appreciate the culture, including the signboard that says, “Gambling and alcohol are harmful,” which is absent in KL.

“In KL, everything is in English.”

In the video, Khairul has a lot to say about the architecture and designs in Terengganu, which he saw as a form of appreciation of Malaysian culture.

“Thank you, Terengganu, for opening our eyes and reminding us that there is still hope to preserve this cultural heritage. Not just to preserve it but to celebrate it. Slowly but surely.”

What do you think of his take on this? Should we preserve the English language signboards in KL to aid the tourists, or is it time for us to fully embrace our culture?

Also read: “I’m not coming back” – Tourist from China is Upset Over the Lack of Chinese Signage in Malaysia