A resume in Bahasa Melayu uses the same structure as an English one, with Malay headings: Maklumat Peribadi, Objektif Kerjaya, Pendidikan, Pengalaman Kerja, Kemahiran, Bahasa and Rujukan. Write it in formal Malay, list SPM or higher qualifications with years, and keep it to one or two pages. Most private employers in Malaysia accept English; use Malay when the job ad is in Malay.
Many Malaysian job ads, especially in the private sector, are in English and expect an English resume. A resume in Bahasa Melayu is the better choice when the advertisement itself is in Malay, for many local and state-level roles, and for school or university assignments.
Malay resume section headings and translations
| English | Bahasa Melayu | What goes there |
|---|---|---|
| Personal details | Maklumat Peribadi | Name, phone, e-mail, city |
| Career objective / profile | Objektif Kerjaya / Profil Diri | 2–3 lines about you and the job you want |
| Education | Pendidikan / Kelayakan Akademik | Degree, diploma, STPM, SPM, with years |
| Work experience | Pengalaman Kerja | Job title, employer, dates, achievements |
| Skills | Kemahiran | Software, technical and soft skills |
| Languages | Bahasa / Penguasaan Bahasa | Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil and level |
| Co-curricular activities | Kokurikulum | Clubs, sports, leadership roles |
| Achievements | Pencapaian | Awards, competitions |
| References | Rujukan | Two referees, or "Boleh diberikan apabila diminta" |
Full sample resume in Bahasa Melayu
Resume dalam Bahasa Melayu (fictional sample)
[NAMA PENUH], Pembantu Tadbir
Maklumat Peribadi: [Bandar], [Negeri] · [No. telefon] · [e-mel]
Objektif Kerjaya: Pembantu tadbir dengan pengalaman 3 tahun dalam pengurusan dokumen dan khidmat pelanggan. Ingin menyumbang di jabatan pentadbiran yang menghargai ketelitian dan kerja berpasukan.
Pengalaman Kerja: Pembantu Tadbir, [Syarikat], [Bandar], 2023–kini
• Mengurus fail dan rekod lebih 300 pelanggan dalam sistem digital.
• Menyelaras jadual mesyuarat untuk 4 pengurus.
Pendidikan: Diploma Pengurusan Perniagaan, [Kolej], 2022 · SPM, [Sekolah], 2019
Kemahiran: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, menaip 45 patah perkataan seminit
Bahasa: Bahasa Melayu (fasih), Bahasa Inggeris (baik)
Rujukan: Boleh diberikan apabila diminta
Every name, employer and number in this sample is fictional. Replace each item with your own details and do not list a qualification you have not completed.
Malay action verbs for your resume
| English | Bahasa Melayu | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Managed | Mengurus | Mengurus stok kedai bernilai RM[jumlah] |
| Coordinated | Menyelaras | Menyelaras 12 program sekolah |
| Increased | Meningkatkan | Meningkatkan jualan sebanyak 15% |
| Trained | Melatih | Melatih 5 pekerja baharu |
| Handled | Mengendalikan | Mengendalikan aduan pelanggan |
| Prepared | Menyediakan | Menyediakan laporan bulanan |
How to write language skills in Malay
- Fasih: fluent
- Baik: good
- Sederhana: intermediate
- Asas: basic
- Bahasa ibunda: native language
For international levels such as B2 or C1, see language levels on a CV.
Malay or English resume: which one should you send?
| Situation | Language to use |
|---|---|
| Job ad written in Malay | Bahasa Melayu |
| Multinational or private company ad in English | English |
| Government post | Follow the official application system (SPA uses an online form) |
| School or university assignment | As instructed by the teacher |
| Not sure | English resume, plus Malay listed under languages |
For the Malaysian CV conventions that apply in both languages (photo, IC number, salary expectation), read our Malaysia resume format. If you need an English version, CV in English covers the translation of each section.
Common mistakes in Malay resumes
- Mixing Malay and English headings on the same page.
- Using informal words such as "saya rasa" or short forms from messaging apps.
- Including your full IC number and home address: city and state are enough at the application stage.
- Translating job titles literally when the company uses an English title; keep the official title.
- How do you say resume in Malay?
- "Resume" is used in Malay, and you will also see "riwayat hidup" for a CV or personal history.
- What is objektif kerjaya?
- The career objective: two or three lines saying who you are and what job you want.
- Should I include SPM results?
- Yes for fresh graduates and diploma holders; once you have a degree and experience, the year and school are enough.
- Can I use this format for a cover letter?
- A cover letter in Malay uses formal letter conventions; write it as a separate one-page letter.
- Do Malaysian resumes need a photo?
- Many local employers still expect one; multinationals often do not. Follow the job ad.
Build the English version of your resume in the ArcPixel resume builder; creating and previewing is free and the PDF download is paid.
