Malaysia Can Build A ‘Reading City’ Society Within 20 Years – Fadhlina

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has the potential to build a society based on the concept of a "Reading City" within the next 20 years if efforts to uphold the culture of knowledge and reading continue to be strengthened.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said creating a society that embraces reading as a way of life requires wider access to quality reading materials as well as an ecosystem that encourages the practice in daily life. 

"We want to build a reading nation. The vision of a 'Reading City' is one where, when people meet, their conversations go beyond exchanging pleasantries and instead revolve around discussing the books they are reading,” she said.

Speaking at the launching of a Women's Reading Club in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF), she said her aspiration to build a "Reading City" society was inspired by a book that she came across during a past visit to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in Paris. 

"This aspiration can be achieved if every woman in the country takes small steps by allocating at least 10 minutes a day to reading," she said.

Fadhlina said efforts to nurture a reading culture from the early years of schooling had continued to be strengthened through the implementation of a new preschool curriculum that places emphasis on shared reading activities.

She said her ministry’s Educational Resources and Technology Division has allocated RM10 million to preschools nationwide to promote reading and develop conducive reading corners. 

"This means parents and children will read together in school spaces and be supported with quality reading materials," she added. 

Meanwhile, Kota Buku Corporation chief executive officer Adibah Omar said this year's KLIBF had been expected to attract about 2.1 million visitors throughout its 10-day run, as encouraging turnout on the opening day showed that its proximity to the Aidiladha celebration had not affected visitor attendance. 

"Many exhibitors came back to us and said the number of visitors on the opening day was exceptionally high. This is a very encouraging sign," she told a press conference after the Women's Reading Club launching ceremony. 

This year's fair features 1,200 booths, including participation by exhibitors from China showcasing a range of newly published titles, with the event being enhanced through a hybrid approach to enable book lovers outside Klang Valley to enjoy promotional offers and experience the fair online.

-- BERNAMA