January 9, 2025
Information contributed by Edwin Poh, Translation Officer for the Bible Society of Malaysia.
In late November, the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) celebrated the 40th anniversary of its local registration – a tremendous milestone in the history of Malaysian Bible ministry.
Almost 300 people attended the event held at the PJ Evangelical Free Church, including denominational representatives, church leaders, community leaders, a Malaysian parliamentary member, donors, and registered BSM members. BSM General Secretary and member of the UBS Fellowship Council, Rev. Mathew Punnoose, hosted the event. Bernard Low, Co-Director of the UBS China Partnership, and Dr Sigit Triyono, General Secretary of the Indonesian Bible Society, attended the celebrations.
Similar celebrations were held in Sabah, East Malaysia on December 14 – and another event will be held in Sarawak on January 19, 2025. In Sabah, approximately 130-140 attendees joined the celebrations, including Chairman and representatives from the Sabah Council of Churches, the Chairman and representatives of the Churches of Sabah Alliance, church leaders from various denominations, a member of the Malaysian parliament, and BSM supporters.
Adding to the significance of these anniversary celebrations, three Bibles were launched at the events, including a new formal translation in the national language Bahasa Malaysia, named ‘Alkitab Kudus Malaysia’. A study edition of the existing Bahasa Malaysia Good News Bible was one of the three Bibles to be launched. In addition, a trial edition of the Study Bible in one of the major indigenous languages, the Iban Study Bible, has also been launched.
Rev. Punnoose shared his thoughts on this milestone and what it means for the supporters of BSM:
“This 40th anniversary of the Bible Society of Malaysia reminds Malaysian Christians of God’s work among the Bahasa Malaysia-speaking people and His ever-present providence… Regardless of external opposition and persecution, the Bible Society of Malaysia is even more well-known among the churches in Malaysia. This particular anniversary celebration is the first time BSM celebrates its anniversary in three major communities and regions of Malaysia: Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, with the local fellowship of major Christian denominations and independent churches partnering to make these celebrations and the new national language Bible launch a success. Undoubtedly, this signifies the unity of churches and Bible translation organisations in Malaysia when it comes to Bible translation ministry and Bible engagement.”
History of Malaysian Bible Society
The region now known as Malaysia has a long and storied Bible ministry history that goes back hundreds of years. The first non-European Bible translation is the Malay Gospel of Matthew, completed in 1612 by Albert Cornelius Ruyl. Prior to BSM’s official registration, Bible ministry originated in Malaya more than 200 years ago, initially as a British and Foreign Bible Society auxiliary branch office from their ministry in Calcutta.
From 1837, it was known as the Bible Society of Malaya and transitioned to the Bible Society of Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei – until it was registered according to Malaysian law on October 15, 1984.
Iban Study Bible
The 40th anniversary celebrations coincided with the launch of a trial edition of the Study Bible for the Iban community of Sarawak, East Malaysia.
The Study Bible launch is taking place across three locations: Kuala Lumpur, Sabah and Sarawak. This Iban Study Bible is expected to impact more than 540,000 people.
The Iban community makes up 30% of Sarawak’s total population, making it the largest minority group. The Iban population is spread across national borders, with communities also in Brunei and the Indonesian province of West Kalimantan.
Life and Faith in Malaysia
Islam is the official state religion of Malaysia, enshrined in the nation’s constitution and embraced by approximately 63% of the population. Islamic values influence national laws and public life.
With significant communities practicing Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and traditional Chinese religions, the need for Scripture in multiple languages and cultural contexts is evident. Christians, who comprise approximately 9% of the population, are concentrated in East Malaysia and urban areas, creating vibrant faith communities eager to access God’s Word in forms that speak to their hearts and lives. However, public policies emphasize Islam’s primacy.
