Introduction
Accurate translation requires more than language proficiency—it demands reliable reference resources. For English–Malay translators, using trusted online terminology databases and language portals is essential to ensure clarity, consistency, and professional quality.
Below are seven essential online reference resources that every English–Malay translator should bookmark and use regularly.
1. Pusat Rujukan Persuratan Melayu (PRPM)
PRPM is the largest official online Malay language reference portal provided by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP). It is widely used by translators, editors, and language professionals across Malaysia.
In addition to word searches, PRPM offers several valuable language services, including:
- DBP Language Advisory Service
- Language Monitoring and Feedback
- DBP Language Verification
- Digital Library
- Gerbang Kata
- Manuscript Review
2. Istilah Wang – Financial Services Terminology Database
🔗 http://istilahwang.dbp.gov.my/
Istilah Wang is a specialised terminology database developed through collaboration between Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). It is an essential reference for translators working in finance, banking, and financial services.
The platform contains 38,091 English–Malay terms covering 16 key subfields, including economics, accounting, banking, taxation, takaful, and financial technology.
3. LaRIM – Malay Terminology Reference Portal
LaRIM is an initiative by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and its collaborators. It provides 6,842 English–Malay terminology entries across major domains such as science, technology, medicine, and law.
This portal is especially useful for translators handling academic and technical content.
4. ETISAS – Virtual Science Terminology Portal
🔗 https://appsmu.ukm.my/etisas/
ETISAS was developed by the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The database compiles terminology from various scientific disciplines and currently contains over 80,000 English–Malay entries.
ETISAS is dynamic and interactive, allowing users to submit new term suggestions, request advice, and participate in terminology monitoring activities.
5. Industrial Court Terminology Glossary
Edition 1 (English–Malay)
🔗 https://www.mp.gov.my/images/doc/glossary/glossary.pdf
Edition 2 (English–Malay–Mandarin)
This glossary was compiled by the Industrial Court to standardise legal terminology in line with Malaysia’s National Language Policy. It serves as an important reference for legal translators and court interpreters.
6. Science & Mathematics Terminology List (DLP)
🔗 https://sites.google.com/moe-dl.edu.my/dlp-powerhouse-selangau/daftar-istilah-sains-matematik
Published by the Selangau District Education Office in Sarawak, this terminology list supports the Dual Language Programme (DLP) under the MBMMBI policy.
The list covers Malay, English, and Chinese, making it useful for multilingual educational and technical translation work.
7. Engineering Terminology Reference
🔗 https://sps.utem.edu.my/phocadownload/Istilah%20Kejuruteraan.pdf
This engineering terminology reference was developed by the Inter-University Engineering Terminology Committee (JPKAU). It contains commonly used terms across multiple engineering subfields and is highly valuable for technical documentation translation.
