Tech oops: Meta apologises for Agong’s coronation translation blunder

Tech giant acknowledges automated translation glitch, expresses deep respect for Malaysian royal family

Meta's Public Policy for Southeast Asia director Rafael Frankel confirms that the error in the automated translation has been corrected while emphasising their respect for the royal family. – Facebook pic, July 22, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – Tech giant Meta has apologised for the translation blunder in a post by national broadcaster RTM on the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim’s installation last Saturday.

Meta’s Public Policy for Southeast Asia director Rafael Frankel said the error in the automated translation has been resolved, while reiterating their respect for the royal family.

“We were made aware of an error in the automated translation from Malay to English, affecting Facebook posts related to the coronation ceremony of (Sultan Ibrahim) and the birthday of Her Highness Che Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor.

“We have resolved this technical error. We deeply respect the Malaysian royal family and sincerely apologise to RTM, the Johor State Council and others impacted by this event,” he said in a statement on Facebook today.

Yesterday, RTM said it did not upload any official information about the Agong’s installation in English – which went viral online – and the content on its official Facebook page was an automated translation.

The broadcaster also said it lodged a police report and that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission had contacted Meta regarding the erroneous translation by the Facebook system.

In a Facebook post, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil expressed regret over some parties accusing RTM of making inappropriate posts in English. – July 22, 2024