KL Alternative Bookfest returns with indie literary buzz, author encounters

With nearly 50 exhibitors (indie, specialist and mainstream publishers), the KL Alternative Bookfest 2024 is set to offer book lovers a glimpse of the contemporary literature scene in the country. Photo: The Star/Chan Tak Kong

The Kuala Lumpur Alternative Bookfest (KLAB) 2024 is set to return to Central Market in Kuala Lumpur from Feb 22-25, with 49 booksellers, independent publishing companies, distributors and niche bookshops joining this year's edition.

In a landscape dominated by mainstream publishing, this festival - organised by Malaysian Book Publishers Association with support from Fixi and The Patriots - aims to carve out a niche for the Malaysian literary and publishing communities which embrace the spirit of independence in the written word.