Owning land in Selangor? You’ll need more than just the cash, you’ll need Bahasa Melayu too.
The Selangor state government has set proficiency and consistent use of the Malay language as a key requirement for land ownership, property rights, and business premises in the state.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the condition is crucial to ensure that only those who genuinely qualify as Malays can benefit from the state’s Malay land ownership quota.
This is a fundamental interpretation of what it means to be Malay or Bumiputera, apart from practising Malay customs and professing the Islamic faith,” he said.
Speaking at the launch of the National Language Month 2025 (Selangor level) event, Amirudin said the principle is already reflected in the Federal Constitution, as well as key regulations on land ownership, citizenship rights, and even public signage, reported Berita Harian.
He stressed that the policy underscores the importance of the Malay language as a tool for fostering unity and patriotism among Malaysians.
It reflects how essential Bahasa Melayu is in shaping national identity, unity, and the patriotic spirit among all citizens,” he added.
Also present at the event was Education Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim.
State to enforce full compliance with DBP standards
Amirudin said the Selangor government fully complies with the National Language Act, ensuring that all signboards, road names, and place names follow the standards set by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).
He noted that Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah had previously emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting the national language in all aspects of daily life.
The Sultan has reminded us that all signs must now be written in either Jawi or Rumi script in Malay, to strengthen and expand the use of the language across society,” Amirudin said.
The move, he added, reflects Selangor’s commitment to upholding the status of Bahasa Melayu, not only as the national language but also as a symbol of unity and shared identity for all Malaysians.
