IPOH: TV3 personality Ahmad Fedtri Yahya was named the Language Icon at the launch of the 2024 National Language Month (BBK), organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), at the Ipoh Convention Centre today.
The Language Icon is an award given to individuals from various fields who demonstrate love, passion and continuous commitment to upholding Bahasa Melayu.
Ahmad Fedtri received the award from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who officiated the event.
Ahmad Fedtri said his deep interest in the Malay language began with his habit of reading dictionaries from the age of six.
"When we talk about beautiful languages, there must be a strong attraction, and that's what I have practised in my career—to honour the language.
"Wherever I go, even if I'm hanging out with friends at the mamak stall, our conversation will always touch on language.
"For example, when I place an order, I say, 'teh tarik satu dan juga nasi lemak itu biar berpadu' so that even those unfamiliar with the language can experience the uniqueness of Bahasa Melayu," he said.
Sharing his goals, Ahmad Fedtri said he is now actively accepting invitations from schools nationwide to bring the art of language closer to the younger generation.
"If there is an invitation from a primary school, I'll go because the younger generation is rarely exposed to the beauty of the language.
"I want them to see… 'Oh, I didn't realise it could be like this, that this uncle can speak in such a way.' That's my responsibility now," he said.
Apart from Ahmad Fedtri, the Language Icon award was also presented to Roslan Madun, the original singer of the song 'Lemak Manis', and 'irama Malaysia' singer Hazwan Haziq Rosebi.
All three received RM1,000 cash and a certificate of appreciation.
The event was also attended by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and DBP director-general Hazami Jahari.