Anyone found guilty of using incorrect Bahasa Malaysia, including in advertisements online, may soon be fined up to RM1,000, should amendments to the National Language Act 1963 and Education Act 1996, be passed in the Parliament.

Chinese daily Nanyang Siang Pau, quoting a reliable but unnamed source, said the measure, enforced by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), has been agreed in principle by Putrajaya.

According to the source, the suggestion would be discussed by a special cabinet committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and should there be an agreement, the Education Ministry will table the amendments to enable DBP to enforce the fine.

When contacted by the Chinese daily, DBP director-general Abdul Adzis Abas said the government had suggested empowering DBP to take action against improper usage of Bahasa Malaysia...