DRIVEN by a desire to bring book lovers together, avid reader Khaleena Khalid turned a simple idea into a community- driven marketplace that filled a gap in Johor Baru’s reading scene.
Organising “Paso Buku”, a one-day secondhand book market for the first time at Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC), Khaleena said the initiative was sparked by a lack of dedicated spaces for sellers and readers to come together under one roof.
“There is value in preloved goods and secondhand books are more affordable and accessible to many,” she told StarMetro.
She noted that most used books at the market were priced between RM10 and RM20 – a fraction of the cost of brand new titles, which can be two to three times more expensive.
Khaleena said the encouraging response she received online gave her the confidence to proceed with the event.
“I gathered 14 vendors, including secondhand book sellers, avid readers, artists and even a Pasir Gudang-based book club to come on board.
“Other than selling books, the event included arts and crafts workshops as we aim to shine the spotlight on the local creative and reading community.
“We want to promote reading culture and build awareness about the book scene in Johor Baru,” said Khaleena, who also runs a secondhand bookshop.
She recently relocated her business to a cafe within TMIYC.
She saw potential for more community-based activities at the venue, she said, and hoped to organise similar markets in the future to reach a wider audience.
Her efforts align with the broader vision for TMIYC hubs across the state.
Johor youth, sports, entrepreneur development and cooperatives committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the Iskandar Puteri TMIYC was the fifth and latest centre in the state.
He said each centre was designed based on local demographics and community feedback, to ensure it met the needs of residents.
“The TMIYC initiative was the brainchild of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, aimed at serving as a youth community hub equipped with recreational, sports, social and talent development facilities.
“To date, five TMIYCs are operational in Johor Baru, Pasir Gudang, Muar, Renggam and Iskandar Puteri,” he said, adding that a sixth centre was currently in the works and expected to open this year in Pengerang.
Mohd Hairi said the state government planned to expand the initiative to all 10 districts in Johor, with suitable locations still being identified.
On the use of TMIYC facilities, he said applications could be submitted through the respective local councils.
“Rental rates depend on the type of facility and category of organiser, with special rates potentially offered for high- impact youth programmes,” he said.
He added that proposed activities must be constructive in nature, comply with safety and cleanliness requirements, and be submitted within a stipulated timeframe.
Mohd Hairi highlighted that TMIYC played a key role in shaping positive youth culture by supporting meaningful, community-driven initiatives.
“The centres serve as a transformation hub to empower youths through inclusive facilities, with the aim of producing disciplined, community-minded individuals,” he said.
He welcomed youths and community groups to utilise the centres to organise activities that benefitted the wider public and helped foster stronger community ties.
