'It starts at home': Fadhlina calls on families to lead Malaysia's reading push

GEORGE TOWN: Fadhlina Sidek, Malaysia's Education Minister, has emphasized that cultivating a reading culture must commence within families before permeating into educational institutions and the broader community, aiming to construct an intellectually fortified society. Fadhlina highlighted the necessity of a unified approach involving families, educational systems, and government-led programs to ensure long-term literacy.

She referenced existing initiatives such as student book vouchers and the Kota Buku project, both designed to provide children with access to high-quality literature. Fadhlina stressed that reading extends beyond fulfilling academic mandates to foster critical thinking, courtesy, and comprehension. On the sidelines of the National Seminar: Works and Thoughts of Lim Swee Tin, she elaborated on the importance of deep reading, which involves fully understanding each page and character to glean a more profound message.

Focusing on the pivotal role of women in influencing reading habits at home, Fadhlina pointed out that initiatives like the Kelab Perempuan Membaca (Women's Reading Club) could bolster reading culture among families. She noted that such platforms serve as crucial support networks for families, underscoring the foundational role of households in initiating and sustaining a robust reading culture.