37 Rural Libraries Upgraded Nationwide To Enhance Digital Access - Yuneswaran

IPOH, April 24 (Bernama) -- A total of 37 rural libraries nationwide have been upgraded this year, with an emphasis on developing digital systems to enhance access to knowledge for rural communities.

Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran said the initiative, implemented through the National Library of Malaysia (PNM), is part of a phased plan involving more than 500 rural libraries nationwide.

He said the upgrading works were carried out through allocations under the Ministry of National Unity’s preservation and maintenance programme, with 60 rural libraries being upgraded last year.

“I am of the view that it is time for us to not only focus on physical improvements but also to intensify digitalisation efforts, as digital libraries are becoming increasingly important.

“We will discuss ensuring that digitalisation is not just for urban dwellers, I believe rural folk should also enjoy this digital development, therefore, I encourage and support this transition as times change and digitalisation is also needed,” he said.

He said this when met at the opening of the 2026 Northern Zone Unity Week Celebration, the 'Jom Membaca Bersama 10 Minit' (Let’s Read Together for 10 Minutes) 2026 programme, and the National Reading Decade at Stadium Indera Mulia here today.

Also present were Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah and PNM director-general Edy Irwan Zulkafli.

On the programme, Yuneswaran said it aims to encourage the younger generation and all Malaysians to make reading a daily habit.

“This initiative is under the Ministry of National Unity in cooperation with the National Library and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), as well as in collaboration with several other agencies.

“The programme aims to encourage and call upon Malaysians to (read), regardless of the language of the book, we must make it a habit every day by reading for at least 10 minutes,” he said.

He added that such programmes can help increase reading rates among Malaysians, which stood at 24 books per year in 2022-2023.

In addition, the ministry, through PNM, organised the PNM Book Awards 2025/2026 to recognise quality, high-impact local publications that have made significant contributions to the development of knowledge and society.

Among the recipients was Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who received the Reader's Choice Award (Malay Language Printed Book category) for his 2024 book ‘Jalan Tegak’.

-- BERNAMA