The Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2026 (PBAKL 2026), which opened today, features several innovations and new attractions, including a Special Gallery of Madani Leaders’ Book Choices and a Children’s Literature Festival, aimed at strengthening the nation’s reading culture.
Carrying the theme “Malaysia Reads: Celebrating Books,” this edition reflects the organisers’ commitment to cultivating a knowledge-driven society through reading.
According to organisers, the Special Gallery of Madani Leaders’ Book Choices showcases selected titles that serve as references, inspirations and favourites of national leaders.
"Among the figures contributing to this gallery are the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers 1 and 2, the Menteri Besar of Pahang, the Menteri Besar of Selangor, the Minister of Higher Education and his deputy, the Minister of Education and her deputy, the Minister of Religious Affairs, and the Minister of National Unity," said Mohd Khair Ngadiron, PBAKL 2026 organising committee advisor.
"This gallery not only provides visitors with an opportunity to understand the thoughts of national leaders through the reading materials that shape their core values, but each copy is also displayed alongside a summary, context, and shared reflections from those figures," he added.
Held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), the free-admission PBAKL 2026 runs until June 7, featuring more than 1,000 booths open daily from 10am to 10pm.
Beyond nation-building efforts, the fair is also advancing the book economy through the ASIAN Rights Fair (ARF) from May 29-31, with participation from 24 countries, including China, Britain, Türkiye and India, in a bid to expand copyright trade and global reach for Malaysian works.
The VIP Buyers Programme, managed by Perbadanan Kota Buku (PKB), continues to facilitate schools in purchasing reading materials digitally via the Kota Buku Digital platform.
“This initiative aims to expand access to quality reading materials in a more transparent, systematic, and high-impact manner,” according to a PBAKL statement.
For higher education, the Malaysian Scholarly Publishing Council (MAPIM) is staging the Largest Malaysian Academic Book Gathering, featuring 24 university publishers and more than 5,000 scholarly titles.
A Children’s Literature Festival aims to nurture reading habits through art activities, colouring contests, drawing classes and costume performances, while talent development continues via the MIFLA Junior programme for school librarians and the School Resource Centre TV (TVPSS) initiative, which trains students in broadcasting, journalism and communication.
To widen access nationwide, the sixth edition of the Hybrid PBAKL continues online with more than 60 publishers offering exclusive digital deals through Kota Buku Digital.
Through these initiatives, PBAKL 2026 seeks to strengthen reading culture while serving as a platform for intellectual exchange, industry development and international collaboration.
"PBAKL 2026 is not just a book exhibition event, but it is also a major platform for the dissemination of knowledge, creativity, and innovation in the book world, as well as a benchmark in the Southeast Asian book industry," according to PBAKL. - Bernama
