KUCHING: A declining interest among students to read physical books has prompted the authorities to rethink the state book voucher scheme established to encourage reading.
The response has not been very encouraging, said Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
“Many students prefer to apply for devices,” said at the state-level Jom Baca Bersama 2025 programme here Wednesday.
“So maybe next year, we will shift the allocation to computer purchases instead of book vouchers,” he said, suggesting a more practical approach that suits the needs of students today.
Having said that, Dr Annuar stressed the importance of reading for personal and career development.
“There is no shortcut to acquiring knowledge – you must read,” he said.
“Leaders who read a lot are able to generate new ideas to develop the country, while leaders who do not read are only able to speak rhetorically without facts.”
He said this while reading a speech on behalf of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, at Program Jom Bersama 2025 and Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri 2025 at Auditorium, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak.
He shared his personal experience as a medical doctor and later a law student, stating that reading is fundamental to acquiring and retaining knowledge.
The annual reading campaign held in conjunction with World Book Day, drew students, educators, librarians and the public.
Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Chief Executive Officer, Japri Bujang Masli, praised the positive impact of the programme.
He informed that more than 51 million Malaysians have participated in the reading initiative since it was first introduced, with Sarawak recording 376,969 participants last year.
“The reading culture is a lifelong practice that shapes critical and innovative thinking.
“Through books, we broaden our minds, strengthen our identity and build a more knowledgeable society,” he said.
Japri also highlighted the latest book titled ‘What’s in a Day?’ by Datuk Nazir Razak, which emphasises values such as integrity, courage and continuous learning.
“Jom Baca Bersama is an annual initiative that aims to shape a knowledge-literate, broad-minded and progressive generation through the simple but powerful practice of reading,” he added.
