if we’re going to talk about the challenges Malaysians face when it comes to using English, we have to address a hard truth: for many, the problem isn’t just about grammar or vocabulary, but simply the lack of practice. The reality is, a lot of Malaysians don’t have enough reason to use English on a daily basis. For most people, especially outside of urban areas, they are much more comfortable using their native language or Malay in both personal and professional settings. When you don’t use a language regularly, even if you’ve learned it in school, it becomes difficult to maintain fluency or confidence.

This lack of consistent practice means that, while many Malaysians have a decent grasp of English, they don’t feel comfortable using it in high-pressure situations like business meetings, presentations, or networking events. The education system here also tends to focus on academic English, which is useful for passing exams, but not always practical for everyday business communication. So, when they’re suddenly required to express complex ideas in English at work, they struggle.

If you’re designing courses for working professionals, I’d recommend focusing not just on teaching the language itself, but on giving learners real-world opportunities to use English in practical, everyday business situations. Confidence-building exercises, role-playing scenarios, and even group discussions where people can practice expressing themselves would be key. Malaysians don’t need more theory—they need more chances to apply the language in a business context where they can practice it consistently.