KUCHING: The Sarawak State Library has introduced a dedicated fund to support local book writers, aiming to strengthen local intellectual and cultural heritage materials to preserve for future generations.
The initiative involves providing funding to writers contributing to the Sarawakiana collection, which is reviewed by the Pustaka Negeri Publication Committee.
The committee will consider financial assistance for local writers based on the manuscripts submitted.
Its Chief Executive Officer, Japri Bujang Masli, said the library’s role is to acquire and preserve publications; however, records show that since 2000, only about 400 to 500 Sarawak-related books are collected annually.
“The library gives out funds to support locals to write, especially those who are interested in producing literary works.
“It is also notable that writers may take years to produce a book, yet it is often difficult to sell it at a level that allows them to recover costs, let alone make a profit,” he said to reporters here, Tuesday (May 5).
He acknowledged that all types of books and especially educational books are challenging to sell, making writers discouraged to produce more.
However, Japri said limitations should not be seen as a disadvantage, but rather an opportunity for aspiring authors seeking to publish books.
Although reading foreign authors’ books allows for a broad perspective, he said this should be balanced by local works to avoid external elements from influencing thoughts and perspectives.
“Additionally, the library also provides RM10,000 per writer annually, where we purchase books directly from authors instead of publishers, allowing writers to retain a larger share of the profits,” he added.
Emphasis is also placed on physical archives that document culture and contemporary issues for future reference, much like how researchers once relied on archaeological findings to analyse the past and draw conclusions, thereby preserving local intellectual and cultural heritage for future generations.
“By highlighting Sarawak-centric themes, it allows writers to reflect their own values and elevate local figures who have long contributed to safeguarding the community.
“However, much of this cultural heritage remains undocumented, and with the passing of veterans, there is a growing lack of sources and materials that can be preserved for the future,” he said.
In this context Japri also expressed concern over the rise of online publications which has led to an increase in unreliable or unauthenticated contents.
Not all traditionally published authors have transitioned to digital formats, he said.
“Decisions are still shaped by financial considerations and the need to ensure profitability, which is why both physical and digital publishing continue to coexist,” he added.
