READING must be nurtured as a lived culture rather than an obligation, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
This, she stressed, requires moving beyond narrow compliance-driven indicators and instead investing in access, community participation and sustained reading habits.
“For avid readers who read every day, proximity-based reading programmes are crucial to keep curiosity and motivation alive,” she said.
To support this, she said RM250,000 has been allocated for the National Reading Decade programme (see infographic), with schools required to apply and district and state education offices tasked with ensuring programmes are implemented at the ground level.
The minister also highlighted the success of book voucher programmes, which she said have helped narrow disparities in access to reading materials across regions.
“Today, we see students in Kinabatangan having the same choice of books as children in Melawati, Petaling Jaya and Bangsar.
“Geographical distance no longer determines reading opportunities. This is the equity in education we want,” she said.
Beyond access to books, Fadhlina underscored the importance of reducing the financial burden on families and cultivating inclusivity through assistive Braille devices, which will be provided for visually impaired students (see infographic).
“Their potential is never lacking,” she said, adding that they also require more similar initiatives and continued focus. — BY JAAYNE JEEVITA
