COMMON MALAYSIAN ERRORS

In Malaysian English, many words and phrases are used in a way that is not easily
understood in the rest of the world.
Although the examples in this section are often heard in informal conversations, they are
best avoided in formal speech and writing.
Many of the examples break the accepted rules of Standard English grammar while some
are likely to cause misunderstanding when used with non-Malaysian Speakers of English.

1. NOUNS USED DIFFERENTLY IN MALAYSIAN AND STANDARD ENGLISH

MALAYSIAN ENGLISH STANDARD ENGLISH
1. This word has ten alphabets.

2. I waited for the bus at the bus stand.

3. I need an office chop.

4. His mother went to do the marketing.

5. She earns a monthly pay of RM 2,000
as a nursing tutor.

6. Ali forgot to turn off the pipe.

7. On Saturday evening, my friends and
I usually go for a show.

8. Residents dont like trailers driving
through the residential area.

9. He was wearing a grey trousers.

10. Mazlan wants to change his present
work.

11. Father took the car to a workshop in
town.

This word has ten letters.

2. COUNTABLE USE OF UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS
MALAYSIAN ENGLISH STANDARD ENGLISH
1. He gave me an advice.

2. He took three baggages to Seremban.

3. Please get me some chalks.

4. He packed his clothings for his trip.

5. He bought some equipments this week.

6. Inspector Tan has discovered a new
evidence.

7. My mother wants to buy some fishes.

8. I would like to order some fruits for dessert.

9. There are too many furnitures here.

10. That shop stocks a full range of computer
hardwares.

11. He has too many homeworks this evening.

12. My mother does many houseworks.

13. We regret any inconveniences caused by
the delay.

14. If you require further informations, write to
the following address.

15. My jewellery does not keep her jewelleries
at home.

16. The children had to pick upthe litters.

17. I have two luggages to check in.

18. The machineries were delivered to us
today.

19. I got a bad news this morning.

20. We are carrying out a market research to
find out what customers need.

21. When I have a free time, Ill sew your dress.

3. NOUNS USED AS VERBS

MALAYSIAN ENGLISH STANDARD ENGLISH
1. Aman says he doesnt want to friend me any
more.

2. The driver in the Waja horned at me.

3. Shes gone out marketing.

4. My leg is paining...I cant walk.

5. Her two boys are still schooling.

6. He was warded straightaway.




4. WRONG USE OF PREPOSITION IN PHRASES

MALAYSIAN ENGLISH STANDARD ENGLISH
1. My little brother cried at the first day of school.

2. Saras is at the garden.

3. I saw his picture on the newspaper.

4. Whos that pretty girl on the front row?

5. Look at the changes in page 50.

6. Manan usually goes for a walk at the evening.

7. Tapah is in the North-South Highway.

8. She lives in Number 78 on Jalan SS2/70.

9. The headmasterd office is in the second floor.

10. I like to study in the night.

11. The answer for your question is No.

12. I like her shes different to everybody else in
class.

13. My father is very good in Maths.

14. This bag is similar with the one I bought.

15. I am tired at walking.



5. REDUNDANT PREPOSITIONS
MALAYSIAN ENGLISH STANDARD ENGLISH
1. The crew comprised of six men.

2. They continued on playing soccer in the rain.

3. I cant cope up with the work.

4. He demanded for higher wages.

5. Hassan described about his trip to the longhouses in
Sarawak.

6. All the pupils were discussing about Sports Day.

7. He emphasized on the cost of the trip.

8. He told the student to enter into the house.

Sim entered in the competition and won a
consolation prize.

9. They went in Fathers car and I followed behind with
my brother.

10. My mothers gone for shopping but shell be back
soon.

11. The students were told to kneel down.

12. They listed out/down their problems.

13. My mother mentioned about my school report over
lunch.

14. I have already paid for my subscription but he insists
I havent.

15. We must all try to raise up our standard of English.

16. I very much regret for my error but there is nothing I
can do now.

17. Farid requested for atransfer after the big match.

18. He returned his book back to the library.

19. They are seeking for better life.

20. My teacher always stresses on the need for regular
revision.

21. We studied about History at the university.

22. Can you tell to her that Ill be late today?

23. I voiced out my opinion.



6. VERBS USED DIFFERENTLY IN MALAYSIAN AND STANDARD ENGLISH
MALAYSIAN ENGLISH STANDARD ENGLISH
1. The little boy always acts when the family
has visitors.

2. We must avoid this from happening again.

3. Can you please bring the file for Ms Ho?

4. Lets call Anita for the party.

5. They chopped my passport when I entered
Singapore.

6. Before going to bed, Roslan closed the TV.

7. The man in that big car cut my fathers car
at 120kph.

8. Mother fired us for not keeping our rooms
tidy.

9. I followed my father to Penang last month.

10. Children must hear their parents and
respect them.

11. Over 200 students joined the opening
ceremony.

12. Can I lend your pen, please?

13. He went into the room and opened the
lights.

14. Sara loves plucking the flowers in her
garden.

15. Mr. Tan always sends his children to school.

16. The Browns are shifting to Malacca soon.

17. If you havent any money, Ill spend you.

18. Make sure you dont spoil the camera.

19. I stay with my parents in Kulim.

20. The teacher came in and wished her pupils.


7. MISUSE OF PHRASAL VERBS

MALAYSIAN ENGLISH STANDARD ENGLISH
1. The meeting broke off at noon.

2. I bumped against my former English
teacher in Malacca.


3. Policemen must carry on the orders
given by the officers.

4. Jennys mother told her to clear
away her room.

5. Remember to cut out the boring
details in your story.

6. Can you please fill up the
application form, please?

7. I hate having to give up to my
younger brother all the time.

8. My sister helped me to pick up a
dress to wear for the party.

9. My uncle has set off a new business
in Penang.

10. My brother has taken on judo
recently.













8. WRONG USE OF ADJECTIVES ENDING IN ED AND ING

MALAYSIAN ENGLISH STANDARD ENGLISH
1. Only two days advanced bookings are
allowed for this show.

2. This dictionary is for advanced learners.

3. The clinic is closed on Sundays and public
holidays but is open twenty-four hours
otherwise.

4. Your report of the accident is rather
complicating.

5. We couldnt find Azras house because the
directions she gave us were confused.

6. She told us about her interested
encounter with the chimpanzees in the
zoo.
7. Only matured students are encouraged to
apply for this course.

8. The register letter came a month later
than expected.

9. My family had a quiet relaxed holiday in
the Cameron Highlands.

10. I do not feel secured until I have
locked all the doors.




9. REDUNDANT EXPRESSIONS

MALAYSIAN ENGLISH STANDARD ENGLISH
1. They went to the cheap sale last night.

2. He told a funny joke.

3. Zainals new car is blue in colour.

4. Their new house is beautiful and big in
size.

5. Hes a small-sized man of about forty.