bermula

Bermula is a Malay verb meaning to begin, to commence, or to originate. The form is derived from the noun mula (beginning) with the prefix ber-, which yields an intransitive verb expressing the initiation of an action or state. In Indonesian, the same form and meaning are used.

Usage in Malay does not rely on verb inflection to express tense. Time reference is indicated by context or by particles such as telah (past), sedang (present), or akan (future). Examples: "Acara bermula pada pukul sembilan" (The event begins at nine o'clock); "Perjalanan telah bermula" (The journey has begun).

Bermula can also appear in phrases to indicate origin or sequence, for instance "bermula daripada" (originating from) or "bermula daripada satu kejadian kecil" (began from a small incident). The form can be modified for emphasis or mood, for example with the exhortative form "bermulalah" used to urge the start of something.

Etymology and related forms: the root mula denotes 'beginning,' and ber- marks the verb as intransitive. Related words include permulaan (beginning) and mula (to begin). The word is common in formal, narrative, and everyday Malay, and is used similarly in Malay-speaking regions and in Indonesian.