KUALA LUMPUR: BookFest @ Malaysia returns in 2026 to mark a significant milestone as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary, commemorating two decades of championing books, knowledge and a thriving reading culture.
Taking place from March 22 until 26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), this special edition invites everyone to come together and celebrate the joy of reading, reflecting BookFest’s enduring impact on generations of readers.
Anchored by the theme “Read 20, Rise Beyond,” the book fair celebrates the transformative power of reading and the journey the festival has taken over the past 20 years.
Since its inception, BookFest has grown into one of Malaysia’s most anticipated literary events, bringing together readers, authors, publishers and communities through a shared passion for books and storytelling.
Visitors are invited to reflect on how reading shapes perspectives, inspires growth and connects people across generations – while looking ahead to even greater stories and possibilities beyond the ordinary.
The occasion also featured a meaningful moment where Yayasan Chow Kit, Rumah KIDS, The Budiman Charitable Foundation and Suriana Welfare Society Malaysia each received a donation of RM30,000 under the Children’s Carnival 4.0 @ POPULAR campaign conducted last year. These non-governmental organisations were recognised for providing holistic care to marginalised children.
This annual campaign, now in its fourth year, formed part of the POPULAR Care corporate social responsibility initiative, aimed at building a better future for young people and cultivating a love for reading in Malaysia.
Throughout the campaign period, a total of 10% in sales was allocated to support and protect underprivileged children in Malaysia, helping them overcome hunger, poverty, lack of medication, limited access to reading materials, as well as educational challenges.
Another campaign under the POPULAR CARES is the Ramadan @ POPULAR campaign. With the theme "Membaca: Beribadah sambil beramal”, this campaign was launched in 2010 at all Popular and Harris Bookstores.
As part of this campaign, 10% of the sales from Ramadan @ POPULAR were donated to selected orphanages in need in Malaysia.
During this year’s BookFest @ Malaysia, a total of 14 orphanage houses were invited to join the Ramadan @ POPULAR 2026 Cheque Handover Presentation Ceremony, where they received a total of RM10,039.80 in donations.
Goody bags and Raya cash were also distributed to a total of 30 orphans from three out of the 14 different orphanage houses.
Spanning 100,000sq ft, visitors to BookFest @ Malaysia 2026 can explore KLCC’s Halls 1–5, all of which are packed with exciting exhibits.
Recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as national largest trilingual book exposition in 2016, BookFest @ Malaysia continues to be the ultimate destination for book lovers.
Halls 1 and 2 feature a diverse range of Chinese books, assessments, IP products and CDs, DVDs and collectibles. Halls 4 and 5 showcase an extensive collection of English and Malay books, stationery and gadgets and IT products, along with a variety of titbits.
Visitors can expect a range of entertaining and engaging activities throughout the nine-day period, including local and overseas author sharing sessions, a live orchestra as a 20th anniversary highlight, a children’s choir competition, a Chinese storytelling competition, children's colouring competition, anime and comic cosplay competition, cooking demos by well-known chefs, art and crafts workshops, and more.
They can also enjoy special offers such as its must-grab items for as low as RM8.90 in conjunction with the 20th anniversary. There is also an unbeatable daily deals on limited-time offers available only on selected dates that feature over 400 specially selected items ranging from books, stationery, gadgets and IT, IP products, fancy collectibles, CDs and DVDs, as well as titbits.
These are just a snapshot of the many activities available at BookFest @ Malaysia 2026. For more information, visit: www.bookfestmalaysia.com.
