This is the 350th most frequent Malay word.
bahan
"Material" or "ingredient."
Here, 'bahan' refers to 'materials', specifically reading materials.
Bahan bacaan seperti majalah dan akhbar boleh didapati di perpustakaan.
Reading materials such as magazines and newspapers are available in the library.
In this context, 'bahan bukti' means 'evidence materials', used to indicate proof in a legal setting.
Bahan bukti yang dikemukakan di mahkamah amat kukuh.
The evidence presented in court is very strong.
In this sentence, 'bahan' means 'ingredients', referring to the elements needed to prepare the dish.