KUALA LUMPUR, 30 April 2020:
The Movement Control Order (MCO) requires Malaysians to stay at home to curb the spread of Covid-19, and with over a month since its enforcement began, some may be running out of ideas on how best to utilise their free time.
One good option would be to learn Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) online for free.
To facilitate Malaysians to better communicate and get to know the deaf community here, a volunteer is offering a sign language learning programme known as ‘Sign On’.
Its founder Mohd Armi Rusli, 37, said he uses social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to reach out to able-bodied people interested in learning the basics of BIM during the MCO period.
Mohd Armi and other volunteers have uploaded several videos on the topic which can then be practised at home with other family members.
“Before the MCO, we offered free classes once a month to individuals and groups, because I am aware that it’s difficult for able-bodied persons to get such an opportunity.
“However, during the MCO period, we had to postpone the classes, and instead produced some short videos on BIM through social media to enable people to practise it at home.”
Recently, Mohd Armi uploaded a video on sign language terms relating to the month of Ramadan, including words such as fasting, breaking of fast and sahur (pre-dawn meal).
To encourage children to learn BIM in a fun and interactive manner, Mohd Armi also makes use of songs from popular animated TV programmes such as ‘Omar dan Hana’.
“I’m holding these free classes to encourage the public to learn BIM in a simple way, and at least to allow them to enter the deaf people’s world of communication.
Those interested in learning basic BIM during the MCO may follow the videos released on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube by searching for ‘#SIGNON: MALAYSIAN SIGN LANGUAGE’.
– Bernama