How can civil servants avoid translation blunders in public notices?

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Best Practices for Official Translations to Prevent Blunders

Civil servants can avoid translation blunders in public notices by adhering to established protocols for official communications and ensuring human oversight in the translation process. While specific guidelines may vary, the general expectation is for official notices to be drafted in the national language, Bahasa Malaysia, and then translated accurately if an English version is also required. The incident involving the Perak Tourism Information Centre highlights the risks associated with relying on automated translation tools for official public-facing documents, underscoring the need for careful review and validation.
Prioritising Official Language and Human Review

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir has consistently reminded civil servants of the mandate to use Bahasa Malaysia for all official matters. This directive extends to situations where an English translation is necessary; such translations must be conducted with care, not through automated means. The emphasis is on safeguarding the department's reputation, especially in areas frequented by tourists, as demonstrated by the negative attention the erroneous notice received.
Consequences of Automated Translation Use

The use of free online translation services like Google Translate for official public notices can lead to significant errors and miscommunication. In the case of the Perak Tourism Information Centre, a worker's attempt to amend a closure notice using such a tool resulted in a notice filled with grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. This notice, intended to inform the public about a temporary closure from December 30-31, 2017, due to networking and air conditioner issues, instead became a subject of public ridicule and concern.
Importance of Departmental Oversight

The incident also points to the necessity of departmental oversight and approval for all public communications. Zambry’s admonishment of the worker involved stressed the importance of referring matters to department heads before issuing any notices. This ensures that official communications are accurate, professional, and reflect well on the government agency issuing them, preventing potentially embarrassing situations that could impact public trust and the image of the institution.

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How can civil servants avoid translation blunders in public notices?

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