A TOTAL of 37 rural libraries nationwide have been upgraded this year, with an emphasis on developing digital systems to enhance access to knowledge for rural communities.
Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran said the initiative, implemented through National Library of Malaysia (PNM), was part of a phased plan involving over 500 rural libraries nationwide.
He said upgrading work was carried out through allocations under National Unity Ministry’s preservation and maintenance programme, with 60 rural libraries upgraded last year.
“I am of the view that it is time for us to not only focus on physical improvements but also to intensify digitalisation efforts,” said Yuneswaran.
He said this when met at the opening of Northern Zone Unity Week 2026 celebrations, “Jom Membaca Bersama 10 Minit” (Let’s Read Together for 10 Minutes) programme and the National Reading Decade at Stadium Indera Mulia in Ipoh.
Also present were Perak education, higher education, youth and sports committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah and PNM director-general Edy Irwan Zulkafli, reported Bernama.
Yuneswaran said the programme aimed to encourage all Malaysians to read, regardless of the language, for at least 10 minutes.
He added that the reading rate among Malaysians stood at 24 books per year in 2023.
In addition the ministry, through PNM, organised PNM Book Awards 2025/2026 to recognise quality, high-impact local publications.
Among the recipients was Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who received the Readers’ Choice Award in the Malay Language Printed Book category for his 2024 publication Jalan Tegak.
