Previously, we shared how Facebook’s auto-translation function made a controversial error after it wrongly translated ‘Junjung Kasih‘ as ‘Condolences’ in a post by Malaysia’s national public broadcaster RTM congratulating Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim ibn Sultan Iskandar on His Majesty’s installation as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
After a screenshot of the wrong translation went viral, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil clarified that the error was made by the Meta-owned social media platform rather than by RTM and urged Malaysians not to spread slander and be fair to the broadcaster.
Meta apologises for the wrong auto-translation
Now, Meta has come out to address the controversy by apologising for the mistake.
In a statement by Rafael Frankel, the tech giant’s Director of Public Policy in Southeast Asia, Meta said that they were made aware of the error in the automated translation from Bahasa Melayu to English.
Frankel further revealed that the error not only affected RTM’s Facebook post but also other posts related to the coronation ceremony of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and the birthday of Her Highness Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor.
Meta has since resolved the technical error, with all similar posts now showing the correct translation in English.
Rafael Frankel
Frankel asserted,
“We deeply respect the Malaysian Royal Family and sincerely apologise to RTM, the Johor State Council and others impacted by this event.”
While the statement was made yesterday, it is believed that Meta had rectified the issue as soon as the matter was made public.
In a statement, RTM revealed that it lodged a police report on the matter and that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had contacted Meta to inform of the error.
Meta reportedly immediately fixed the issue afterwards.
So, what do you guys think of the whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
