Malacca govt officers’ command of English poor, says CM

Chief Minister Idris Haron worries over impact on international trade and business with senior staff who have problems communicating in English.

MALACCA: The level of English language proficiency among Malacca state government officers from Grade 41 and above is disheartening, according to Chief Minister Idris Haron.

He said this situation was worrying for the state government and he himself, especially when Malacca was now striding forward to establish itself as an international port.

“For international trade and business, Malacca needs government officers who are fluent in English for effective communication.

“We have instructed the parties involved to obtain information on officers who have problems communicating in English and we will carry out a programme to improve their command of the language,” he told reporters after chairing a state executive council meeting, here, today.

Idris said the state government was also collaborating with Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka in drawing up an intensive programme to improve the officers’ English language proficiency.

On another matter, Idris said the state government was monitoring and would take action against a group of people from outside Malacca who had made Pulau Besar their area of settlement.

He said the group had erected about 30 tents and created an illegal neighbourhood on the holiday island which was popular with tourists.

“I am worried if any untoward incident occurs there, especially involving public safety, and over the declining level of cleanliness at the settlement.

“I myself will be going to Pulau Besar to see what’s going on there and to solve any problems arising,” he said.

– BERNAMA