The Selangor state government will begin offering free online foreign language classes from next year, as part of efforts to strengthen multilingual skills and foster unity among residents.
Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said the programme was first introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic and was jointly run by the Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) and language centres.
Previously, participants were charged RM10 to join the classes, according to Suara Keadilan.
From next year onwards, the programme will be made fully free and online, serving as a foundation for deeper language learning.
According to Amirudin, language should be seen as a strength that enables Malaysia to compete globally, rather than a source of division.
With that in mind, Selangor will offer free online classes in Arabic, Mandarin, Tamil, French, German and Spanish, with the aim of helping residents become proficient in at least three languages in addition to Bahasa Malaysia and English.
Amirudin said the importance of young people mastering modern technologies to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world, citing fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other digital innovations as key areas of focus.
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