“Unacceptable excuse” – M’sian Prof Responds to Tiong King Sing’s Claim About Unhappy Chinese Tourists

Tourism Minister, Tiong King Sing recently voiced out against DBKL for the “extreme execution” of dual language signboards, to the extent that international tourists allegedly asked him if Malaysia is a racist and extremist country.

After Dr. Akmal Saleh responded to Tiong, Language and Integration expert, Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Teo Kok Seong said that Tiong’s take on this matter is simply an unacceptable excuse.

DBKL officers are doing their job based on the laws

“The enforcement is also in line with the Federal Territory Minor Law of 1982,” he said.

He explained that the law clearly states that any signboard that does not use or highlight the Malay language as the National Language is violating regulations. Dr. Teo also said that he did not believe that the tourists claimed Malaysia is a racist country just because DBKL was doing its job, reported Malaysia Gazette.

“If the situation was explained properly, I’m sure the Chinese tourists would’ve understood that DBKL was merely doing its job because the premises had violated the rules.”

DBKL has been actively making rounds around town and issuing fines to premises that marginalise the national language on signboards.

So, what does he think of DBKL’s enforcement?

“Do it consistently and carry out your duties sternly,” Dr. Teo said.

“If it’s done consistently, the premise owners will keep the rules in mind and will be afraid to violate them when they consider the cost of the fines, and the cost to take down the signboards.”

In case you missed it, Tiong said DBKL’s action regarding the dual language signboard regulations had caused dissatisfaction and created a negative perception among tourists.

Tiong also proposed that DBKL collaborate with the Visit Malaysia Year campaign to improve the city’s basic infrastructure and create more tourist attractions, offering them new and exciting experiences to explore in Kuala Lumpur.

What is your take on this matter?

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