Kementerian Perpaduan pacu aspirasi Dekad Membaca Kebangsaan

The National Unity Ministry is driving an annual campaign to achieve the Decade of Reading aspiration and make Malaysia a reading nation by 2030. During the 2026 Melaka Readathon and Book Fair, 422,994 participants attended 146 programs, compared to 234,158 in 2024 and 112,408 in 2023. Minister Aaron Ago Dagang highlighted initiatives such as the 10-Minute Joint Reading program, 2026 Author's Photo Exhibition, 2026 Heritage Language Dialogue, Media and Information Literacy Week, Community Bestari Touch, and Knowledge Mobility.

The increase in participants reflects positive progress in the ministry's efforts to expand reading culture and bring the public closer to knowledge. The fair, organized by the National Library of Malaysia (PNM) with Melaka Public Libraries Corporation (Perpustam), attracted approximately 35,000 visitors over four days from October 29 to November 1.

It also hosted the National Family Reading Competition 2026, with 336 participants from across the country. In addition to book displays and sales, the fair featured activities like Inspirational Talks, Creative Writing Workshops, and Literacy Footprints. Aaron emphasized that the fair encourages community participation in reading using an inclusive and relaxed approach.

Buku, or physical books, have unique advantages over smartphones, according to Suhaida Afindi, a teacher. She noted that reading fosters closer communication between parents and children, helping children develop language skills and imagination. Ahmad Syahir Hakim Zulkifli, 36, believes physical books allow people to focus better on reading, as distractions from social media or other applications can interrupt online reading.

For secondary school students, like Muhammad Zharif Naufal Salehuddin, 14, who has read books since age six, reading physical books helps expand knowledge, broaden perspectives, and improve understanding of various topics. Muhammad Darwish Aqasha Abdullah, 13, stressed the importance of being cautious when reading on social media, checking facts to avoid spreading misinformation, which could mislead the next generation.