FROM historical narratives to modern fiction, the 2026 nominees reflect the diversity of Malaysian storytelling.
The Malaysian literary scene continues to grow, offering readers an ever-expanding range of voices and perspectives. Recognising these contributions, the Popular-The Star Readers’ Choice Awards (RCA) has returned for its 16th edition, once again providing a platform to honour the country’s top local authors.
Organised by Popular Book Co (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and The Star, the awards serve as a barometer for what Malaysians are reading.
The nominees are not selected by a jury but are drawn from the best-selling titles at Popular and Harris bookstores nationwide over the past year.
Ultimately, the winners are decided by the public, making the RCA a true reflection of the readers' voice.
A showcase of local creativity
The nominees for 2026 represent the best of Malaysian writing from the past year. These are the titles that have not only dominated the charts but have also made a significant impact within the literary community.
The contenders
In the fiction category, the selection spans genres from fantasy and historical intrigue to contemporary romance and young adult which is packed with a list of compelling narratives:
> Pseudo-Immortals by Charissa Ong
> Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan
> Drasin Kingdom by Bella Chu
> Library of Lost Hearts N.F. Afrina
> Malayan Spy by Kam Raslam
> Once Upon a Time in London by Han Amin
> Chronically Online by Lily Low
> Thinking of Loving You by Ain Nabilah
> Eau D'Amour by Syaznixon
> Get Them Back! by Farhah Dhamirah
Meanwhile, the non-fiction category offers an equally diverse mix, featuring biographies of national figures, political analysis and books on personal healing that reflect the Malaysian experience.
> Heart of Service: The Untold Story of Dr M P L Yegappan by Steven Chee Keong Sim
> Rethinking Ourselves by Anwar Ibrahim
> Must Know, Must Do, Must Teach - The Journey of Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai, founder and executive chairman of Top Glove Corporation by Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai
> Under The Malaccan Sun: A Malaysian Childhood by C. P. Bok
> Misgovernance: Grand Corruption in Malaysia by Edmund Terence Gomez
> For the Heart That’s Still Hurting by Iffah Nizar
> When Worries Turn to Hope by Ezzah Mahmud
> The Beauty of Promised Rizq by Ayesha Syahira
> A Journey Through Betrayal and Back by Sharifah Nadirah
> Tragic Loss: Lessons From A Silent Goodbye by Fuad Abdullah
How to participate
To encourage public participation in the literary arts, the awards feature a "read to vote, vote to win" campaign, incentivises readers to champion their favourite writers and gives them a chance to be rewarded.
A total of 100 lucky voters will be selected to receive a RM50 Popular gift voucher and a complimentary one-year Popular e-card membership.
Voting is currently open and will run through Feb 22. Readers can cast their votes by visiting the official BookFest @ Malaysia website. Participants must select their top three titles in both the fiction and non-fiction categories and provide their contact details to complete their entry.
The excitement of the awards serves as a prelude to the nation’s premier literary event, BookFest @ Malaysia 2026.
This year marks a significant milestone as the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with the theme "Read 20, Rise Beyond."
Since 2006, BookFest @ Malaysia has evolved into the country's largest trilingual book exposition, earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records.
The event aligns with Popular’s objective of fostering a love for reading among Malaysians from all walks of life.
The 2026 edition will take place from March 18 to 26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), occupying Halls 1 to 5.
Spanning an impressive 100,000 sq ft, the event will host more than 530 booths featuring leading publishers and distributors from across the Asean and Asia-Pacific regions.
Visitors can explore a vast collection of English, Malay, and Chinese titles, alongside stationery, gadgets and IT products, CDs, DVDs as well as collectibles. The space allocation is designed for an optimal visitor experience:
> Halls 1 and 2: Chinese books, text and assessments and CDs, DVDs and collectibles.
> Halls 4 and 5: English books, stationery, gadgets and titbits.
Beyond the exhibition, BookFest @ Malaysia 2026 promises engaging activities at the Main Stage (Hall 1) and Hospitality Lounge 1. The schedule includes meet-and-greet sessions with renowned authors, workshops, and competitions, ensuring there is something for every visitor.
The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 10pm. Admission is RM2.50 for a one-time entry, or visitors can purchase a season pass for RM10, allowing unlimited entry throughout the nine-day event.
For more information on the nominees, visit https://bookfest.popular.com.my/?l=12.
