LEGAL AND POLICY BASIS FOR BAHASA ISYARAT MALAYSIA INTERPRETATION SERVICES

Abstract

There is an increasing need for Malaysian Sign Language interpreters or known as Jurubahasa Isyarat Malaysia (JBIM) to meet the economic, social, and cultural needs of persons who are deaf. To resolve the continuing lack of JBIM, the present paper addresses the legal and policy basis for the establishment of a government-owned and operated service system. We review several legal and government strategic documents, namely the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, the Local Government Act 1976, the Policy for Persons with Disabilities 2007, the Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities 2016-2022, and the National Community Policy 2018. Although Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia (BIM) is recognized by the law beyond its status as an official language of deaf Malaysians and as part of their cultural identity, our analysis of these legal and policy documents do not suggest a tangible and proper mechanism for BIM interpretation service system. We assert the BIM interpretation services to be established and provided by local governments through collaboration with other federal government agencies and deaf people’s organizations. We also discuss structural measures regarding recruitment and certification, job-related equipment, retirement fund as well as competitive wage. These four aspects are vital in ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of the BIM interpretation services.