As a long time ministry partner, SABDA greatly appreciates the dedication of the AVB Team for providing the 'Alkitab Versi Borneo', and giving Malay speakers easy access to the Word of God digitally. We trust that the AVB platforms and tools will be used by God as a great tool for distributing and promoting Bible knowledge and biblical understanding. We also pray that God will give wisdom to the AVB Team on avenues for the future development, especially in "Scripture engagement" so that users can receive wider experience of the richness of God's Word.

Evie

Editor Yayasan Lembaga SABDA

In the contemporary digital age, where vast amounts of information—both beneficial and detrimental—are readily available and accessible with mere clicks, the presentation of the Word of God in a clear and authentic linguistic form, supported by a robust and dependable system, becomes paramount. Such an approach undertaken by AVB team in their website is instrumental in addressing the spiritual thirst of individuals earnestly seeking divine knowledge and truth.

I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to contribute, even in a modest capacity, to this significant Bible project.

Sari Badudu

Bible Translator

I am very grateful for the publication of the AVB. By using the standard daily language used in Malaysia, the context of the Bible becomes clearer to understand and easy to remember. I encourage all God's people in Malaysia to continue to study God's Word and I strongly encourage the use of the AVB.

Sandra Tagal

CEO, Komuniti Digital

I love reading the AVB! The language is so beautiful and commanding. It makes the Bible a worthwhile reading for me. Perhaps, reading the Bible in a familiar language and context is what makes it even more powerful and life-changing. Since its first publication in 2015, I have been using it as a main literature, text and cross-reference for the daily devotion, Bible study and sermon preparation.

“Firman-Mu lampu bagi kakiku dan cahaya bagi jalanku” (Mazmur 119:105)

Pastor Eddy Marson Yasir

Pastor, DUMC Bahasa Congregation

I asked myself how can native Malay speakers fully and naturally worship the Lamb with the great great throng of worshippers from every nation and tribe and peoples and tongues (Rev. 7:9) if they never had a Bible in their native tongue? It is a fact that the language of our adoration and worship is shaped by the Bible we love to read. It has been a privilege to work with the AVB Team, in particular Ms. Goh on the translation of the AVB for more than a decade. Her love for the Malay language was exemplary and infectious.

Dr Jonathan Edwin Culver

Old Testament Consultant, Kota Kinabalu (2011-2018), Indonesia (1981-2011)

The AVB is truly in the heart language of the majority of Malaysians and this serve as a powerful tool for influencing, impacting and transforming the nation and nations in the coming days.

Pastor Dato’ Dr Daniel Ho

Founding Senior Pastor, Damansara Utama Methodist Church

The Bible is God’s Word to everybody. Thankfully, a group of committed Malaysian Christians undertook the painstaking task of translating it into standard Malay and produced the Alkitab Versi Borneo (AVB). Any Malaysian reading the AVB hears God speaking to him/her in Malay. This stands to stir up a feeling of God’s nearness and love in a personal way, and also provide food and direction for life.

Archbishop Emeritus Dato John Ha

Theological Scholar

The AVB rendering of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia is a literary and theological gift to the BM speaking congregations and community. Shaping a world where the life and linguistic world of common people meets a biblical world for 21st Century Malaysians.

Philip T. N. Koh

Lawyer

In this challenging and volatile world, the gospel must be shared throughout the world as quickly, sooner, more efficiently and strategically as possible; this means the Word of God which we commonly refer to as the Bible, be it in any language and in every tongue, tribe, and trans-cultural setting. The AVB for the BM speaking community is one of our treasured assets which we must preserve, make available in all times, means and avenues.

Let us continue to pray and share this gem with all.

Most Revd Datuk Ng Moon Hing

The Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia

God's message cannot be chained up.

2 Tim 2: 9 “It is on account of this that I have to put up with suffering, even to being chained like a criminal. But God's message cannot be chained up.”

This is the only reason why the online AVB has hit one million views and counting. To God be the glory.

Catholic Bishop Richard Ng

Diocese of Miri

“I have been telling folks that while many translations speak to the mind, the AVB speaks to the heart.”



The AVB Bible has truly become a cornerstone of our Christian community. Recently, when I offered a copy to several pastors, I was delighted to learn that each of them already owned one. That response warmed my heart and underscored the deep impact this version has had. It’s remarkable how quickly the AVB has resonated with so many, seamlessly integrating into diverse congregations. Its relevance and popularity are not just fleeting trends; they reflect a lasting connection that will continue to thrive in our faith journeys.

Bishop Dr T Jeyakumar

Bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia

As a Bishop of the church and having 129 Bahasa Malaysia-speaking congregations, I have witnessed a growing adoption of the AVB, especially among our younger generation of believers. The AVB's language closely mirrors the everyday language spoken in our schools and communities, making it accessible and relatable.

Since its publication, I have personally used the AVB as my primary Bahasa Malaysia Bible, finding that it clearly conveys the message of the Scriptures in a way that resonates with church members and the wider public.

The AVB not only nurtures spiritual growth but also serves as an excellent resource for deeper study of God's Word. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Bible and their relationship with Christ.

Bishop Rev. Dr. James Wong

The Basel Christian Church of Malaysia (BCCM) Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

In April 2016, I ordered and introduced the whole available stock of 13,000 copies of AVB BM Bibles to all churches in Sarawak. The Lord put a burden in my heart: During the pandemic years, with a team in Kuching, we compiled a 3-year cycle of readings from the AVB, covering all the books of the Bible. Today AVB Word is proclaimed every Sunday in Catholic Churches throughout Malaysia during BM Mass services. The seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). And will continue to bear fruit thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and a hundredfold (Mark 4:20).

Catholic Archbishop Dr. Simon Poh

Archdiocese of Kuching, Sarawak

I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the translators and publishers of the Alkitab Versi Borneo (AVB) for their generosity and devotion in blessing the Malay-speaking Christian community in Sabah and Sarawak. In a region where many church services are conducted in Malay, the AVB is a wonderful resource for pastors, church leaders, and congregations alike. It is truly a gift that meets the spiritual needs of a growing number of Christians who now have access to a faithful and clear translation of God’s Word in their own language.

As a pastor and teacher of the Bible, I personally prefer the AVB for my daily reading and sermon preparation. One key reason is its precise translation of key theological terms like "righteousness." In the Terjemahan Baru (TB), "righteousness" is often translated as "kebenaran," a word commonly associated with "truth" in Malay. This can cause confusion, especially in distinguishing between righteousness and truth in scripture. However, the AVB's use of "perbenaran" captures the intended biblical meaning more accurately, conveying the fullness of God’s justice and moral integrity. This level of precision ensures that we, as readers and teachers, avoid any potential misinterpretation that may arise from the differences between Indonesian and Malaysian Malay.

Another aspect of the AVB I appreciate is the poetic flow of the book of Psalms. For example, Psalm 23:1-2 in the AVB reads:

1 TUHAN ialah gembalaku, aku tidak akan kekurangan apa-apa pun.

2 Dia membuat aku berbaring di padang rumput yang hijau, Dia membimbingku ke tepian air tenang,

The gentle cadence and rhythm of the AVB enhance the meditative quality of the Psalms, creating an endearing experience both in personal devotion and public teaching. The translation captures the depth and beauty of the original Hebrew poetry, offering clarity and elegance that resonates deeply with the heart of worship.

For these reasons, I find the AVB to be an invaluable resource for both personal study and ministry. It allows me to teach and preach with greater clarity, ensuring that the Word of God is communicated faithfully to the Malay-speaking communities I serve.

Rev Datuk Jerry W. A. Dusing

President of SIB Sabah, Past President of Sabah Council of Churches