Experts in Malaysia have called for increased efforts to preserve the country’s diverse linguistic heritage, highlighting concerns over the declining use of many indigenous and heritage languages, particularly among younger generations. The loss of these languages is attributed to limited formal instruction and reduced use within families.

Malaysia is home to more than 130 languages, including various Malay dialects, Indigenous languages, Chinese dialects, Tamil, and English, according to research referenced by Universiti Malaya (UM) linguist Prof. Dr. Stefanie Shamila Pillai from the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics. Indigenous languages constitute around 80% of this linguistic diversity, but more than half are at risk of extinction. Examples include Che Wong, Kensiu, and Mah Meri, alongside contact languages such as Melaka Portuguese, Baba Malay, and Chitty Malay. Specific Chinese dialects like Kelantan Hokkien also face decline.

Prof. Stefanie noted that a lack of formal language education means that heritage languages are often passed down informally within families. She pointed out that when households shift to other dominant languages such as Bahasa Malaysia, English, or Mandarin, the heritage language transmission weakens over generations. She cited the Melaka Portuguese language, once replaced by English in many Portuguese-Eurasian families, as an example. Preservation efforts by the Portuguese Settlement community have helped maintain its use, but the overall number of speakers remains limited.

To counter these trends, Prof. Stefanie recommended expanding language teaching initiatives beyond current programs that include three Indigenous languages—Iban, Kadazandusun, and Semai—offered in selected schools. She stressed the need for coordinated efforts involving government bodies, community groups, and researchers to promote heritage language education.

While Bahasa Malaysia serves as the national language and unifying factor, preserving other languages, experts say, would enrich Malaysia’s multicultural fabric. Prof. Dr. Salinah Ja’afar, a linguist at UM’s Academy of Malay Studies, observed that young Malay individuals who relocate to urban areas often reduce their use of state dialects due to social factors like shyness or evolving language habits. However, she highlighted the growing role of social media influencers in celebrating and promoting these dialects as a form of cultural preservation.

Among Chinese dialects, Hokkien and Cantonese are also experiencing diminished use, especially among youth, according to Dr. Yeoh Yin Yin from UM’s Department of Chinese Studies. She attributed the decline primarily to weaker intergenerational language transmission, with parents preferring Mandarin when communicating with their children. While many youths understand their ancestral dialects, they may lack confidence in speaking them. Dr. Yeoh encouraged young people to engage in revitalization efforts through family practice, social media, music, podcasts, and community events.

The experts agree that leveraging modern platforms alongside formal education could play a crucial role in sustaining Malaysia’s linguistic diversity amid rapid social changes.