KUCHING: Sarawakians have been urged to rebalance their daily routines by prioritising physical reading materials over the growing dominance of “screen culture” and social media.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, warned that while digital technology offers convenience, it has significantly altered social habits, often leading to a decrease in deep, focused reading.
“The culture of reading is now often replaced by a culture of staring at screens, be it phones or computers.
“We often lose ourselves in social media without realising how much time has passed,” he said in his speech while officiating the state-level ‘Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit’ (Let’s Read Together for 10 Minutes) 2026 programme at the Sarawak State Library today (Apr 23).
Dr Abdul Rahman emphasised that in an era of rapid digital transformation, reading must be viewed as a “strength and a necessity” rather than just a hobby.
“One of the main challenges we face today is the influence of social media, which reduces the time spent on physical books and historical reading materials in favour of virtual content,” he added.
To counter this trend, he encouraged families to establish “reading corners” at home to ensure books remain a central part of children’s lives from an early age.
He also pointed to Sarawak’s top leadership as the ultimate role models for literacy, citing the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, as avid readers.
“We have two key idols in Sarawak who serve as examples; they are individuals who love reading and possess profound knowledge. This is the foundation for building a developed nation,” he said.
The ‘Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit’ programme is an annual national initiative held every April 23 in conjunction with World Book and Copyright Day, aimed at fostering a lifelong reading habit among Malaysians.
Also present at the event were the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Japri Bujang Masli, and Pustaka Board of Management members, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang and Datuk William Patrick Nyigor.
