Learn Hardcore Malay: Saya perlu hantar laporan segera. - I need to send the report immediately.

In Malay, when a verb follows a modal or auxiliary verb (like perlu, boleh, mahu, mesti), you use the bare root form directly. Adding untuk (equivalent to English “to”) is optional but generally omitted for a more natural sound.

Why is hantar in its root form instead of menghantar?

After a modal verb (perlu, boleh, etc.), the verb loses its meng- prefix and reverts to the root form. If there were no modal, you’d say Saya menghantar laporan.

What does laporan mean and how is it formed?

laporan is a noun meaning report. It comes from the verb lapor (to report) plus the nominalizing suffix -an, which turns verbs into nouns.

What does segera mean and why is it placed at the end of the sentence?

segera is an adverb meaning immediately or at once. In Malay, adverbs of time or manner typically follow the verb or appear at the end of the clause. You can also say Saya perlu segera hantar laporan for slight emphasis or to mirror English word order.

Can the subject Saya be omitted?

Yes. Malay often drops subject pronouns when the meaning is clear. So in casual speech you can simply say Perlu hantar laporan segera without Saya.

What’s the difference between perlu, mesti, and harus?

perlu = need to, a general necessity
mesti = must, a stronger obligation or certainty
harus = should/ought to in formal contexts (sometimes also must)

How do I turn this into a question meaning “Do I need to submit the report immediately?”

You can add the question particle -kah to perlu:
Perlukah saya hantar laporan segera?
Or simply use rising intonation in speech:
Saya perlu hantar laporan segera?