Malay language fading in Cheras signboards, says preacher
Malaysian Chinese‑Muslim convert preacher Ridhuan Tee Abdullah said commercial signboards around Cheras Leisure Mall display little or no Bahasa Melayu, and that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) appears to be failing to…
Source: The Rakyat Post · August 29, 2026 at 2:01 AM · AI-assisted report
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CHERAS, KUALA LUMPUR, 29 AUGUST 2026 —
Malaysian Chinese‑Muslim convert preacher Ridhuan Tee Abdullah said commercial signboards around Cheras Leisure Mall display little or no Bahasa Melayu, and that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) appears to be failing to enforce language‑use rules.
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The preacher, who was known as Tee Chuan Seng before his conversion, posted on Threads on Wednesday, 26 August, that the volume of signboards in the Cheras commercial corridor “looked, in his words, ‘like Hong Kong’” because they largely omitted the national language. He claimed Bahasa Melayu had fallen to third place on commercial signage in the area and questioned whether local authorities were “sleeping” while the situation persisted.
Tee’s observation follows a similar complaint he raised days earlier about promotional banners for the Hungry Ghost Festival, which he said also lacked Bahasa Melayu. Cheras Leisure Mall sits in one of Kuala Lumpur’s most densely Chinese‑populated commercial corridors, where DBKL regulations require Bahasa Melayu to appear prominently on commercial signage. Enforcement, however, is at the authority’s discretion, according to the city’s rules.
In the same Threads post, Tee also complained about roadside stalls occupying pedestrian walkways and road space in the Cheras area. He wrote that stalls “just set up their stalls there as they please,” and added that “if it is a Malay‑owned stall, they are quick to tear it down,” suggesting broader failures in public‑space management.
Online reactions to Tee’s post focused more on his motives than on the regulatory issue. Several commenters questioned whether the post was designed to court a Malay audience rather than address a genuine concern.
One user wrote, “He still has a Chinese name, but the way he oppresses the Chinese is extreme,” while another said, “It is very clear he is hungry for support from the Malay community, maybe for content, maybe for profit.” A further comment described Tee as “ultra‑desperate for Malay support and intends to divide us all,” urging the Malay community to see “the bad intentions here.”
Non‑Malay commenters also criticised Tee’s conduct, saying it reflected poorly on the religion he represented and that he “spoils the image of this religion and makes a lot of Chinese misunderstand it.” A small number of users expressed support for the original post, with one thanking Tee for “speaking up for the Chinese community,” though the comment appeared ironic in context.
Multiple users described the posts as performative and calculated to generate controversy and maximise reach among Malay audiences.
The Rakyat Post has sought comment from DBKL on the alleged non‑compliance and the alleged laxity in enforcement, and is awaiting a response.
Related: Cheras LeisureMall · Ridhuan Tee Abdullah