KUALA LUMPUR: Ensuring access to books remains a key priority for the Education Ministry, says Fadhlina Sidek (pic).
The Education Minister said initiatives that promote reading accessibility, including the Madani Book Voucher programme, would continue to be a major focus for the ministry.
“The Prime Minister is widely known as an advocate for book accessibility and the book voucher initiative.
“These are among the matters that often become our focus,” she said during her opening speech at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2026 yesterday.
During the event, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced another round of the RM100 book vouchers for secondary school and university students nationwide.
Fadhlina said Anwar also sets a strong example for the younger generation by demonstrating the importance of reading, particularly for national leaders.
She also highlighted a new addition to this year’s book fair – the National Leaders’ Reading Gallery – which she described as offering a unique insight into the reading habits of the country’s leaders.
Accompanying the Prime Minister, who launched the event, were Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, Education director-general Datuk Mohd Azam Ahmad, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Higher Education director-general Prof Datuk Dr Azlinda Azman.
The 43rd PBAKL 2026 runs until June 7 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
