Malam Puisi Riong BH-DBP celebrates beauty of language, literature

On the evening of National Language Month 2026, the Berita Harian (BH)-Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Malam Puisi Riong event took place in Padang Kota Lama, commemorating the beauty of language and literature. Zulkifli Jalil, editor of BH, highlighted that the poetry event had been a cornerstone for celebrating Malaysia's literary heritage since its inception in the 1980s.

He emphasized that BH's commitment to promoting the Malay language, literature, and culture dates back to the newspaper's founding in 1957. Prominent journalists and literary figures, including Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail, A Samad Said, and Sutung Umar RS, had championed literary values through BH, ensuring that it was more than just a news medium, but a reflection of values, a platform for civilizational thought, and a means to enrich the national language.

Zulkifli pointed out challenges faced by Malay language and literature in the digital age, such as mixed-language expressions, declining grammatical standards, and diminishing courtesy. To address these issues, he said BH aimed to bring younger generations closer to literature and inspire all to use the national language appropriately.

BH went beyond poetry recitals, offering cultural workshops, art demonstrations, and traditional games. Penang State Secretary Datuk Dr Jafri Abdul Jalil expressed the state's pride in hosting the event, noting that language and literature complement each other, shaping a knowledgeable and cultured society. Language, he said, is not just a communication tool but a bridge of unity among diverse races.

Zulkifli Jalil concluded by emphasizing that true progress should be balanced with a strong sense of identity, good values, and cultural dignity, encouraging a generation that is knowledgeable and rooted in its heritage.