THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAMME (DLP) ON THE MASTERY OF MALAY AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (L2) OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN RURAL SARAWAK

Abstract

This study examines the implementation of the Dual Language Programme (DLP) and its impact on the mastery of Malay as a second language (L2) among primary school students in rural Sarawak. A qualitative research design was employed through semi-structured interviews with DLP teachers and Malay language teachers, classroom observations, and analysis of students’ written documents. The findings reveal that English dominates the teaching and learning of core subjects such as Science and Mathematics, while students’ mother tongue, Iban, functions as the primary cognitive mediating language. Malay is used minimally and mainly for instrumental purposes such as classroom management and brief instructions. This situation affects students’ mastery of Malay grammar, which remains at a basic level and does not develop into academic proficiency. The study highlights the need for more balanced pedagogical strategies to ensure that DLP implementation does not undermine the role of Malay as the national and academic language.