Rural Libraries To Be Equipped With Digital System Starting 2026

REMBAU, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Rural libraries nationwide will be equipped with digital system starting next year, in line with efforts to upgrade services and provide more comfortable facilities for the community.

National Library of Malaysia (PNM) director-general Edy Irwan Zulkafli said 506 rural libraries will be upgraded, with a focus on providing information and communication technology (ICT) facilities, internet access, high-speed WiFi services and computer facilities.

“Next year, we want to ensure there are improvements in terms of infrastructure, as most rural libraries are still focusing on traditional services such as reference and lending of reading materials.

“In line with current trends, we also intend to make sure that rural libraries are equipped with the latest technology, and an allocation of RM1.2 million has been requested from the federal government to upgrade village libraries for 2026,” he told reporters.

He said this at the handover of the MADANI Adopted School project 2025 launching ceremony at SJK (C) Yuk Hua here today, which was attended by Rembau district education officer Mazlan Abdullah and SJK (C) Yuk Hua headmaster Wong Lee Feen.

The upgrades would enable the community, especially those in rural areas, to access information and knowledge more widely, easily and comfortably.

Meanwhile, commenting on the programme, he said the MADANI Adopted School initiative is not merely a form of physical assistance but also a catalyst for shaping students’ character and it functions as an educational community hub, particularly in rural areas.

Edy Irwan, who hails from Kampung Senama, Rembau, said the selection of the school as PNM’s MADANI Adopted School 2025 also provided him with an opportunity to give back to his hometown.

He said the RM100,000 allocation, channelled through the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), had been utilised to implement various development and learning initiatives in a holistic manner.

“Among the scope of the projects are improvements to school infrastructure and facilities, such as the procurement of air conditioning for the school resource centre, installation of Smart Boards, and the implementation of a library automation system.

“In addition, the funds were also used to upgrade the teachers’ room, science laboratory, cafeteria and classrooms, as well as to implement academic guidance and student development programmes such as Smart Kids ICT Explorer and the Arch By The River benchmarking programme,” he also said.

He expressed hope that the upgrades would provide greater comfort for students, thereby helping them to focus fully on their studies while supporting educators in delivering the best possible educational services.

-- BERNAMA