Welcome to MSL

A project collaboration by Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak and Sarawak Society for the Deaf to collect an open access dataset for Malaysian Sign Language (MSL) in Medical context. After researching into open access available datasets for Malaysian Sign Language for projects, we had found there were no video data or any media for MSL in medical context. Due to lack of data, many oppurtunities for research and development are halted which can help the local Deaf community. With this in mind, we would like to encourage more researchers and developers to look into this field by giving a dataset to work with. Addionally, as it is open access the license used is Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal.

History of MSL

Malaysian Sign Language (MSL) is the language used in daily communication by the Deaf in Malaysia. It was developed from American Sign Language (ASL), which was introduced to the Penang School for the Deaf in the mid 1970s. Many local signs have been added to the language until it now has approximately 75 percent similarity with ASL. The Deaf of Malaysia prefer to use the national language term for their language: Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia (literally 'Malaysian Sign Language').

In 1964, Mr. Tan Yap took a leave of absence from work for one year to study ASL and introduced the Sign Language in the Education of Deaf in Malaysia. Then, he developed a system of signs for the use in teaching Bahasa Malaysia. He started the first Deaf school in Malaysia at Johore Bahru for the Education of the Deaf children especially the averaged, dropouts and those who missed a chance of an education. Mr. Tan Yap not only educated the deaf but also in much effort to secure jobs for them. He is now called the “Father of the Deaf” by the Malaysian Deaf.

Our Services

The following are the services that provided by our deaf or hard-of-hearing staffs. Our services are open to all.

BIM(Malaysian Sign Language) Class

We offer a range of sign language courses. We also cater to the needs of frontline professionals such as medical staff, police, emergency and social workers.

Charity Car Wash

Come and get your car cleaned up by our group of professional deaf members. Sit back, relax, and leave the dirt behind.

Haircut and Trimming

We offer haircut experiences by the Deaf. They know which hairstyle suits you the best!

Sewing and Alteration

Our experienced deaf will be able to assist you with your tailoring needs. Craft or repair? No problem!

Do You know?

Over 1.5 billion people affected by hearing loss
Of them, nearly 1 out of 3 need hearing care 80% live in low- and middle-income countires.

Effective Intervention

Hearing Loss On The Rise

Timely and Appropriate Care

H.E.A.R.I.N.G

Location