2024 MADANI Book Voucher Programme Achieves 100Pct Redemption Rate

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- The 2024 MADANI book voucher programme has recorded a 100 per cent redemption rate, reflecting strong enthusiasm among students and a growing interest in quality reading materials.

Perbadanan Kota Buku (PKB) chief executive officer Adibah Omar said the initiative not only demonstrates appreciation for government support but also effectively rekindles a reading culture.

“The vouchers have motivated those who rarely read to start exploring books. For many, even RM100 a year for reading materials is a burden, making this initiative crucial in providing fairer access to knowledge,” she said.

Adibah said this after presenting findings from the 2024 MADANI Book Voucher Impact Study at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025, held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL).

The study showed that 99.2 per cent of respondents support the continuation of the programme, with suggestions for wider internet access, simpler redemption processes, and a more user-friendly website.

Notably, 94.5 per cent agreed the programme successfully encourages reading, while 97.5 per cent said it benefits students from lower-income households.

“About 72.1 per cent were satisfied with the easier and more transparent online redemption process compared to the previous physical voucher method,” she added.

Adibah also said PKB has ensured equal access to quality books for students in both urban and rural areas, including Sabah and Sarawak.

“For example, children in Kinabatangan, Sook, Keningau, and Tawau now enjoy the same access as those in Melawati or Petaling Jaya,” she said.

She credited the Prime Minister’s commitment for helping to bridge this gap and ensure fair access for all students.

The study, conducted in collaboration with IDE Research Centre, involved 711 respondents from institutions nationwide.

The programme is a joint effort by PKB, the Ministry of Education (MOE), State Education Departments (JPN), and District Education Offices (PPD).

Redemptions were made via bookcapital.com.my, which offers over 800,000 titles from 1,000 local sellers. The platform has helped drive growth in the national publishing industry through technology and data analytics.

On May 30 last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced book vouchers worth RM50 for pupils in Years 4 to 6, and RM100 for higher education students during the launch of PBAKL 2024.

The initiative aims to foster a love for knowledge and cultivate reading habits, especially among university students.

-- BERNAMA