National Library To Roll Out Malaysia Reading Campaign In October

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of National Unity (KPN), through the National Library of Malaysia (PNM), will roll out the Malaysia Reading Campaign in October as part of the Karnival Baca Perdana, which will take place throughout the month.

In a statement today, KPN said that various programmes would be held during the campaign, including interactive activities at PNM and in 506 rural libraries nationwide.

It added that the Sarawak State Book Fair, scheduled from Sept 27 to Oct 5, would be part of the Karnival Baca Perdana series of activities.

According to the Malaysian Reading Profile Study conducted by PNM, the reading rate among Malaysians has significantly improved, with the average number of books read annually increasing from two in 2005 to 24 in 2023.

"This increase demonstrates the effectiveness of the government's efforts and strategic partnerships in nurturing a culture of knowledge and love for reading," the statement said.

Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, in the same statement, said that the primary aspiration of the MADANI Government, through the ministry, was to establish Malaysia as a reading nation by 2030.

"This aspiration not only emphasises the quantity of reading materials but also focuses on shaping a knowledgeable, critical, innovative, and competitive society in a knowledge-based economy.

"The campaign will strengthen efforts to produce Malaysians who are information-literate, open-minded, and constantly improving themselves through reading," he said.

-- BERNAMA