Netflix launches Malay language user interface

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Netflix launches Malay language user interface

Writer: Florey DM

Ella and Awie are among the Malaysian artistes who star in "Netflix Bahasasini",
a series that highlights Netflix's new Malay language UI.

28 Aug – Netflix users who are more comfortable using the Malay language rather than English now has the option to switch to the Malaysian national language when using the streaming service!

The newly launched Malay language or Bahasa Melayu (BM) user interface is available across all devices, allowing user to navigate the UI, read title names and synopses, and watch shows and movies with BM subtitles and dubs.

From sign-up to search rows, collections and payment, everything is now available in BM giving BM speakers a complete Netflix experience in their preferred language.

"Netflix believes in giving members control over their entire entertainment experience, and we are delighted that they are now able to choose to enjoy Netflix in Bahasa Melayu. This surely will improve their viewing experience and better suit members who prefer consuming Netflix in their national language" said a Netflix spokesperson in a press statement.

The launch of new UI was also announced on Netflix's Facebook, in a post captioned: "Selamat Hari Merdeka Malaysia! To celebrate, Netflix is now in Bahasa Malaysia!"

The post also contained a video, with the description: "In the first episode of our new series #NetflixBahasasini, Fariz, our local jurubahasa, has the huge task of translating Netflix to BM.

"Check out his crack team of Malaysians that take on translating Netflix for Malaysia, featuring Dato' Awie Al Pamalo, Ella Aminuddin, Altimet, Zamaera, & ZeeAvi in #NetflixBahasasini - A feature all about celebrating (and translating!) Bahasa Malaysia on Netflix, from signing up to subtitling your FAVOURITE shows."

As mentioned, Malaysian rock stars Ella and Awie are part of the rib-tickling "Netflix Bahasasini". The duo could be seen seriously (yet hilariously) trying to translate the English subtitles into BM.

Users who wish to switch their profile to BM (don't worry, it's not the broken translation Ella and Awie did) can do so via the Language option in the 'Manage Profiles' section on their desktop, TV or mobile browsers. Netflix users are allowed up to five profiles in each account and each of the profiles can have its own language setting.

The new UI is not restricted only for Malaysian users as those outside of Malaysia can also switch their user interface to the Malay language.

Among the English shows that will have BM subtitles are "Stranger Things", "The Witcher", "Kingdom", and "The Umbrella Academy". Netflix will also continue rolling out new Malaysian content such as the stand-up special "Dr. Jason Leong: Hashtag Blessed" and the Adrian Teh-helmed romcom "Pasal Kau!".

Cinema Online, 28 August 2020