KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has the potential to become a \u2018reading city\u2019 within the next 20 years if efforts to uphold the culture of knowledge and reading continue to be strengthened, says Fadhlina Sidek.<\/p>\n
The Education Minister said creating such a society, which embraces reading as a way of life, requires wider access to quality reading materials as well as an ecosystem that encourages the practice in daily life.<\/p>\n
“We want to build a reading nation. (This vision) is one where, when people meet, their conversations go beyond exchanging pleasantries and instead revolve around discussing the books they are reading,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the launch of a women’s reading club in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF), Fadhlina said the aspiration was inspired by a book that she came across during a past visit to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in Paris.<\/p>\n
“This aspiration can be achieved if every woman in the country takes small steps by allocating at least 10 minutes a day to reading,” she said.<\/p>\n
Fadhlina added that efforts to nurture a reading culture from early schooling years will be strengthened through the implementation of a new preschool curriculum that places emphasis on shared reading activities.<\/p>\n
She said her ministry\u2019s Educational Resources and Technology Division has allocated RM10mil to preschools nationwide to promote reading and develop conducive reading corners.<\/p>\n
“This means parents and children will read together in school spaces, supported with quality reading materials,” she added.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Kota Buku Corporation chief executive officer Adibah Omar said this year’s KLIBF was expected to attract about 2.1 million visitors throughout its 10-day run, as encouraging turnout on the opening day showed that its proximity to the Aidiladha celebration had not affected visitor attendance.<\/p>\n
“Many exhibitors returned and said the number of visitors on the opening day was exceptionally high. This is a very encouraging sign,” she told a press conference after the launch ceremony.<\/p>\n
This year’s KLIBF features 1,200 booths, including exhibitors from China showcasing a range of newly published titles.<\/p>\n
The event is enhanced through a hybrid approach to enable book lovers outside the Klang Valley to enjoy promotional offers and experience the fair online. \u2013 Bernama<\/p>\n
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