KUCHING: The National Reading Carnival and Sarawak Book Fair 2025, which has been drawing over 3,000 visitors daily since September 27, is fast emerging as a major platform to strengthen the reading culture in the state.
The nine-day fair, ending October 5, features 32 exhibitors from Malaysia and abroad, including the National Library of Malaysia, Karangkraf, National University of Malaysia (UKM) Press, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak, Popular Book Co and MPH.
Among the highlights are Big Bad Wolf’s (BBW) book sale, knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, forums, meet-the-author programmes, and family-friendly activities.
Coordinator Norassima Sitam said the turnout this year has surpassed expectations, with numbers doubling compared to the 1,000-2,000 visitors recorded daily last year.
“The venue shift to The Hills Shopping Mall and our collaboration with BBW have been key factors,” she added.
She stressed that the main goal of the book fair is to nurture daily reading habits among Sarawakians.
“By bringing publishers directly here, the public can easily access books they are looking for,” she explained.
The event was officiated on September 30 by Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
His attendance, said Norassima, inspired young visitors as Wan Junaidi himself is an author and advocate for reading.
Apart from promoting literacy, the book fair also acts as a networking hub for local writers and publishers who may not have the chance to attend the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair.
This weekend’s finale is expected to further boost attendance, with cultural performances, health talks, book discussions, wellness services, and a sape showcase lined up.
Looking ahead, Norassima revealed that organisers plan to expand the Sarawak Book Fair to Miri next year, with the long-term vision of elevating it into an international event by inviting publishers from across Borneo, including Brunei and Indonesia.
