KUALA LUMPUR – More than 400,000 teachers nationwide have received book vouchers this year under an expanded government initiative aimed at cultivating reading habits, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Anwar said the effort reflects the government’s continued push to encourage a culture of reading, particularly among students in schools and universities, Bernama reported.
He emphasised that teachers play a crucial role not only in imparting knowledge but also in nurturing students’ interest in reading.
“This year, we are giving vouchers to all teachers. Next year we will look at the economic situation first because we are fighting Donald Trump’s (US President) tariffs,” he said.
Anwar was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025 at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur.
Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, 2025 PBAKL organising chairman Mohd Khair Ngadiron, and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Dr Hazami Jahari.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, announced that the distribution of book vouchers for students at institutions of higher learning will continue under the existing allocation, but suggested that the initiative may require some revision.
He stressed the need for clear guidelines to ensure that voucher claims are made for quality reading material.
“Harus ada garis panduan, buku yang dibeli itu tidak semua yang berkualiti dan menggalakkan ilmu,” he said.
The Prime Minister also lauded the organisation of PBAKL 2025, describing it as an effective platform for instilling a love for reading among the public. He expressed appreciation to parents and teachers who brought their children and students to the fair to explore reading materials.
Anwar also participated in a special segment where he shared his thoughts on four of his selected titles: Kemiskinan Melayu dan Jalan Kepulihannya by Za’ba; Jejak-jejak di Pantai Zaman by Ungku A. Aziz; Fikrah Siddiq Fadzil: Citra Budaya dan Peradaban Melayu-Islam by Dr Siddiq Fadzil; and Islam dalam Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Melayu by Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas.
He later toured the booths set up by exhibitors at the fair.
Held under the theme “Buku: Membaca, Memimpin” (Books: Read, Lead), the 42nd edition of PBAKL, which began on May 23, drew 1.8 million visitors over its 10-day run. – June 1, 2025