BOOKS may be competing with countless forms of digital entertainment today, but for some avid readers, the appeal of the physical format remains strong.
Among them is Nur Hasya Aliah Mohd Zai, 25, who still finds joy in reading a book held in hand, describing books as a way to “live 100 lives at the same time”.
“Books are a way for me to escape reality.
“What really makes me love books is that they help me see the world differently.
“When you read, whether it is fiction or non-fiction, you get to start over and experience life according to the person in the book,” she said at a book fair at a shopping mall in Skudai, Johor.
Nur Hasya, who enjoys fiction, history and science-related books, believes that the reading culture is gradually losing ground as younger generations increasingly turn to digital entertainment.
“The price of books is also one reason some people read less,” she said, adding that more affordable books could help encourage reading.
Housewife Cha Hui Xin, 34, was among parents browsing for books for her four-year-old twins at the book fair.
She said reading habit should be nurtured from a young age.
“My children love reading, and I want to support them. Inculcating the reading habit needs to start early.
“Children’s books today are far more engaging than those I grew up with,” said Cha.
“They feature colourful illustrations, pop-up elements and interactive designs that capture young readers’ attention,” she said, adding that she welcomed the fair offering affordably priced books.
Another visitor, operations manager A. Charles Sathis disagreed with the notion that reading culture was fading.
With more than 1,000 books in his personal collection, the 49-year-old said reading remained an important part of his life and continued to shape his thinking.
“It also depends on the individual.
“If you love books, you will still make time to read,” he said, adding that parents play a crucial role in cultivating a love for reading among children from an early age.
Sathis added that physical books offered a different experience from reading on digital devices, and were generally easier on the eyes.
The 12-day book fair was launched by Johor Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) assistant director Daniel Albert Wong, who represented state Education director Zulkurnain Abdul Rahman.
Wong said books remained the foundation of literacy, critical thinking and future-career readiness.
“Making books more affordable and accessible will help strengthen reading habits among students while investing in Johor’s future intellectual capital,” he said in his speech.
The book event runs until tomorrow.
