KUALA LUMPUR: Shopping malls should provide reading spaces and increase the number of bookstores within their premises to cater to the interests and needs of readers, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
The National Unity Minister said the Malaysian Reading Profile Study conducted by the National Library of Malaysia found that 57.7% of Malaysians prefer reading in bookstores, while another 24.5% enjoy reading in restaurants or cybercafes.
“For instance, BookXcess at MyTown Shopping Mall has become a popular attraction for the younger generation,” he said in his speech when launching the Karnival Baca Perdana 2024, organised for the first time by the National Library, at the shopping mall here yesterday.
The text of his speech was read by National Unity Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, Bernama reported.
Aaron said a series of studies has shown a positive increase in the reading culture among Malaysians, with the average number of books read per person rising from two books in 2005 to 15 books in 2014, and most recently, 24 books last year.
Furthermore, the 2022/2023 Malaysian Reading Profile Study also revealed that 69.9% of Malaysians read to enhance their knowledge, a positive indicator of the country’s progress towards becoming a highly knowledgeable society, comparable to other developed nations.
Aaron added that the number of International Standard Book Numbers requested by book publishers for physical books increased by 50% last year, or 9,332 applications, compared with the previous year.
“This data shows that the publishing industry, particularly for physical books, remains relevant and in high demand among readers, and continues to hold its place even as electronic media dominates our daily lives,” he said.
In this regard, he said the Education Ministry is currently reviewing the existing National Book Policy, with plans to launch an improved policy next year, as the current policy was first introduced on Nov 27, 1985.
He also called on publishing companies to produce more reading material, as research shows that 72% of Malaysians are keen to purchase reading material, with an average budget of up to RM500 annually for this purpose.
Additionally, he said the National Unity Ministry would review proposals from the 2022/2023 Reading Profile Study to establish a National Reading Index to monitor the overall reading levels of Malaysians from 2025 to 2030.
The minister also announced several initiatives to be implemented starting next year, including Kem Citra Baca, a programme featuring social activities, the introduction of a new National Reading Icon, the appointment of the first National Reading Figure, and the Kalam Karyawan programme.
