SIBU: In the current digital world flooded with information without borders, the ability to read critically is seen as increasingly important to ensure that society is able to filter, understand and utilise information more effectively.
Sayed Azmee Wan Junaidi, a political secretary to the Premier, stressed that today’s reading culture can no longer be seen simply as an academic requirement, but rather needs to be used as a basis for building mature, analytical and innovative thinking.
According to him, the abundance of information on digital platforms requires every individual to have the skills to evaluate content so that they are not easily influenced by inaccurate or misleading information.
“In today’s digital environment, reading critically is the main key to understanding the context, assessing authenticity and using information wisely,” he said at the ‘Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit’ 2026 Programme held at Wisma Sanyan here today (April 23), representing Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
Commenting further, Sayed Azmee described the programme as an effective approach in instilling a love of reading, especially among the younger generation, through a more relaxed and inclusive method.
He said that exposure to various reading materials not only increases knowledge, but also helps form more creative thinking and is prepared to face the challenges of the technological era.
He also emphasised that efforts to cultivate reading habits need to be implemented continuously, even if starting with small steps, so that the effects can be seen in the long term.
At the same time, he noted the important role of parents, educators and the community in ensuring that the reading culture continues to grow in society.
“Cooperation from all parties is very important to produce a society that is not only knowledgeable, but also able to think critically and creatively,” he said.
Sayed Azmee also supported that such programmes be expanded with the involvement of more parties, in line with the role of libraries as dynamic community learning centers.
The programme involved simultaneous reading sessions for 10 minutes, in addition to reading material sharing activities and the distribution of free books to participants as an effort to foster a love of reading from the beginning.
Sibu Division Resident, Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, and Acting Regional Manager of Sarawak State Library Sibu, Nurfarathul Aqma Julani, were among those present.
