Malaysia to Introduce Sign Language as Elective Subject in Schools from 2027

Malaysia is set to introduce Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) as an elective subject in mainstream schools in 2027, a move aimed at fostering inclusive education and raising awareness for people with disabilities. The Malaysian Federation of the Deaf (MFD) is closely watching the implementation, with its Executive Director, Mohamad Sazali Sha’ari, expressing hope that the initiative proceeds as planned.

“

We were invited to participate during the development stage for introducing BIM to children. However, at the time, we were unsure if it was for deaf or hearing children. As informed in the media, it is specifically for hearing children as their elective subject. But this matter is still ongoing, still under discussion.

MFD was involved in the curriculum's development phase but remains uncertain about the specifics, particularly whether the subject is intended for deaf or hearing students. While the Ministry of Education (KPM) has indicated it will be an elective for hearing students, discussions are ongoing, and some universities have developed their own curricula. Sazali highlighted the need for clarity from the ministry regarding the BIM curriculum's content and its practical application.

A key point of discussion is the difference between BIM and Kod Tangan Bahasa Melayu (KTBM), which is currently taught to hearing-impaired students in special education schools. Sazali explained that KTBM is a method for learning Malay, focusing on vocabulary and grammar for written purposes, whereas BIM is a distinct sign language. MFD awaits further details to understand how BIM will be integrated and whether it will be a viable communication tool.

“

KTBM is not a sign language. It is a method for learning the Malay language. KTBM focuses more on vocabulary and the use of affixes for writing purposes for deaf students. That's why it's a bit different from BIM.

MFD is keen to see the curriculum's content and its implications, especially as schools are undergoing significant changes with the integration of STEM and TVET. Sazali stressed the importance of public understanding, particularly for parents, and requested the ministry to provide a clear explanation to ensure the successful implementation of BIM. The federation is actively involved in improving sign language development and awaits official clarification on the subject's rollout.

“

Therefore, we request the minister to provide an explanation to the public, especially parents, so they know whether the platform can be used or not (in 2027). This is so that if it is truly to be implemented next year, the content is widely disseminated, allowing us to see the implications (of the study) and what the differences are.