Learn Hardcore Malay: Semalam, saya datang lewat ke kelas.

The comma is optional and used here to separate the time expression Semalam (“Yesterday”) from the rest of the sentence. It highlights or sets off the time reference. You could also write the sentence without it:
Semalam saya datang lewat ke kelas.

Why is datang used for “arrived”?

In Malay, datang literally means “to come,” but it’s also commonly used to express “arriving” at a place. So saya datang ke sekolah can mean “I come to school” or “I arrive at school.”

What does lewat mean here, and how is it used?

Lewat is an adverb meaning “late.” It modifies the verb datang, so datang lewat = “come/arrive late.” You can place lewat before or after the verb, but datang lewat is the most natural word order.

Why is ke used before kelas?

Ke is the preposition for “to” or “toward,” indicating direction or destination. Here, ke kelas = “to class.” Without ke, the sentence would lack a clear destination marker.

Could I put the time expression at the end instead?

Yes. Malay allows flexible time placement. Both are correct:
Semalam, saya datang lewat ke kelas.
Saya datang lewat ke kelas semalam.
Putting semalam at the beginning emphasizes “yesterday” more strongly.

Is saya always needed in the sentence?

Not always. Malay sometimes drops subject pronouns if context is clear. However, including saya (“I”) makes the sentence explicit and is standard in formal or written contexts.

Could I replace lewat with another word for “late”?

Yes. You could use the adjective terlambat, but you must adjust the structure:
Semalam saya tiba terlambat ke kelas.
Here tiba = “arrive,” and terlambat functions as an adjective.

What’s the difference between tiba and datang?

Both can mean “arrive,” but datang is more general (“come”), whereas tiba specifically means “arrive” or “reach.” In many contexts they’re interchangeable, but tiba often feels a bit more formal when talking about arrival.