What is the difference between 'dapat' and 'boleh'

As a response to the question put forward by a reader named Suat Ling, I will answer her question in this post.

For examination purposes, if a candidate is asked to choose between 'boleh' and 'dapat' then he or she has to know the different meanings of the two words. 'Boleh' means 'is allowed to' whereas 'dapat' carries the meaning of 'is able to'. Look at the following sentences to see this difference.

1 Ahmad dapat makan lima bungkus nasi lemak. [Ahmad was able to eat five packets of 'nasi lemak'.
2 Sesiapa pun boleh menyertai pertandingan ini. [Anyone is allowed to participate in this contest.]

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