SIBU, April 19 -- Preserving the Melanau language and identity is crucial to ensure it is not lost among the younger generation, said Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh.

He said efforts to document the language, including the development of a digital dictionary, are an important step in ensuring Melanau words and expressions remain accessible.

"This effort is important so that the language gap and differences in speech can be reduced and better understood, especially by the younger generation," he said when officiating at the Sibu Melanau Association (PMS) Berlanggar Meja dinner at Larizwa Riz's Grand Hall here.

Len Talif acknowledged that many younger members of the M...