PNM Offers Over Six Mln Items To Boost Public Access To Knowledge - Aaron

PUTRAJAYA, April 18 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of National Unity, through the National Library of Malaysia (PNM), is strengthening efforts to expand public access to knowledge by offering a collection of more than six million reading materials, in line with the government’s aspiration to create an informed and competitive society by 2030.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the initiative not only gathers the nation’s intellectual heritage but also empowers reading culture, fosters critical thinking, and builds an informed and competitive society.

“So far, PNM has recorded a total of 6,027,685 items in its collection, including materials received under the Deposit of Library Material Act (Act 331), estimated at around 2.5 million items,” he said in a statement here today.

He said PNM also holds a collection of 5,405 manuscripts, which form part of the nation’s intellectual heritage.

He added that PNM has strengthened digital access, providing 1,014,356 free digital items through 18 databases on the u‑Pustaka platform, allowing the public to read anytime, anywhere.

He said these efforts reflect the MADANI Government’s continuing commitment to providing inclusive and equitable access to knowledge, to help build a more informed, united and progressive society.

-- BERNAMA