English Error - emphasize

We have to emphasize that there is no  'on' after the verb 'emphasize'.

'During the launch, rather than highlight its usefulness in terms of connectivity and as a source of useful reference and information, Director Datuk Haris Kasim decided to emphasise on the app’s “reporting” feature. ' --Azrul Mohd Khalib, FMT, 12 Oct 2016

The above sentence appeared on Free Malaysia Today website on 12 Oct 2016. As a verb, the word 'emphasize' is a transitive verb and shouldn't be followed by the preposition 'on'.

This is quite common in Malaysia and is always seen in the newspapers.

Notes

Emphasize

verb

BAD: My previous teacher emphasized on the importance of grammar.

GOOD: My previous teacher emphasized the importance of grammar.

emphasize sth (verb) WITHOUT on : 'The candidate made a short speech emphasizing the need for solidarity.'

emphasis on sth (noun): 'In all our courses there is an emphasis on student-centred learning.'

http://www.thinkenglish.me/common_errors/emphasize.html