October 3, 2025
KUALA LUMPUR – The International Week of Deaf People was celebrated this year from Sept 22-28, highlighting the rights and contributions of the deaf community.
An initiative of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), it is observed annually during the last full week of September and culminates with the International Day of the Deaf on the last day.
In Malaysia, the celebration also draws attention to a pressing concern: the severe shortage of sign language interpreters.
Malaysian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (MyAsli) president Wan Zuraidah Abu says the numbers are alarmingly low. “We have only about 60 active interpreters serving over 44,000 deaf people in the country,” she says.
“That means interpreters are stretched thin, and deaf people often have to wait days before gaining access to essential services,” says Wan Zuraidah during an interview at MyAsli’s head office in Puchong, Selangor.
In the Klang Valley, fewer than 15 interpreters serve thousands, while in some states, just one or two individuals cover the needs of up to 3,000 deaf people.
“If someone needs an interpreter for a legal matter, medical appointment or school, they must apply at least three days in advance so we can try to arrange for one.
“The reality is that immediate access is almost impossible here,” explains Wan Zuraidah, who is in her 60s.
Inspired by the deaf community, Wan Zuraidah learned sign language in 1996 when she was pursuing her degree in psychology at a private university in Kuala Lumpur.
“Learning sign language is not easy. It takes time, dedication and constant practice. But the reward is in seeing a deaf person finally understand what is happening around them – whether it’s a doctor’s instructions, a lecture or even a political debate on TV.
“That moment of connection is priceless.”
More than hand gestures
The presence of sign language interpreters is not just about convenience – it is about rights and equality.
“Deaf people are citizens of this country, and under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, all citizens are entitled to equal rights,” Wan Zuraidah says.
“Access to information and communication is not a privilege; it is a right.”
Sign language interpreters are needed in almost every setting where deaf and hearing people interact, from courts and hospitals to schools, universities, workplaces and public events.
“Without interpreters, deaf Malaysians face barriers to education, justice, healthcare and employment. A student may struggle in class, a patient may misunderstand a diagnosis, or a worker may miss crucial workplace instructions – all because of inadequate communication support,” she adds.
At public events, having an interpreter is now considered essential. Wan Zuraidah has led interpretation services at events like Universiti Malaya’s 61st Convocation Ceremony, ensuring that graduates and spectators with hearing impairments could follow proceedings.
For many hearing people, interpreting may seem like merely “making hand gestures”.
But Wan Zuraidah says it is a skill that requires training, accuracy and cultural understanding.
“Interpreters are bridges of communication. They don’t just translate word for word – they must convey meaning, tone and context faithfully so that deaf people receive the same information as hearing people,” she explains.
Wan Zuraidah earned a diploma in sign language interpreting in 2014 and served as a sign language interpreter for the 8pm news on RTM1 for 23 years.
Unlike casual users of sign language, professional interpreters undergo rigorous training to develop fluency, accuracy and the ability to work in complex settings such as courts, hospitals and universities.
“It’s not enough to know signs. You must also interpret facial expressions, emotions and adapt to different registers of language,” she explains.
In April, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the ministry would look into Training of Trainers (ToT) accreditation for sign language interpreters through the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp).
He instructed HRD Corp to introduce an accreditation system to further empower persons with disabilities (PwDs).
“From the working environment (to) protection, there is still a low level of awareness about deaf people in the workplace. This includes a lack of opportunities to become an accredited sign language trainer,” he said in a report in The Star.
Despite the importance of their work, sign language interpreters in Malaysia remain underpaid and under-recognised, Wan Zuraidah says. On average, they earn RM100 per hour.
“There is no proper recognition for the profession. Many people confuse us with special education teachers, but our roles are completely different. Interpreters facilitate communication; teachers provide education. Both are essential, but they should not be lumped together.”
This lack of recognition makes it difficult to attract newcomers to the field.
“The pay is not lucrative enough to draw people in. Without better pay, benefits and professional standing, it will be hard to close the gap,” says Wan Zuraidah.
To grow the profession, Malaysia needs structured, continuous training programmes supported by proper funding.
“It can’t just be a one-off workshop. We need ongoing training – year-round or multi-year programmes – that allow interpreters to hone their skills and stay sharp. Without proper funding, we can’t sustain quality or increase numbers,” she stresses.