This year's Bulan Bahasa, or Malay Language Month, was launched on Saturday at the Asian Civilisations Museum, marking the first time the event partnered a museum for its launch. Last year, the event kicked off at the National Library.

During the two-day launch over the weekend, visitors to the museum can take part in a carnival and a range of activities pertaining to the Malay culture. These include Pentas Seloka, a traditional free form poetry style, traditional games, silat demonstrations and theatrical bangsawan performances.

Held since 1988, Bulan Bahasa was first launched by the Malay Language Council as an initiative to encourage the Malay community to embrace their mother tongue in their daily lives. Now in its 27th year, the event was initially a bienniel one, although it was changed to an annual one in 2010.

Chua Chu Kang GRC MP, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, who is chairman of this year's Bulan Bahasa said: "We all own the Malay language and it is our responsibility to ensure it is protected and continues to thrive among the younger generation and for generations after."