SHAH ALAM - The Unity Ministry (KPN), through the National Library of Malaysia (PNM), has conducted a study on the Reading Profile of Malaysians as an indicator to assess the reading levels of Malaysians and as a benchmark for measuring developed nations.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, said the results of the study are important to provide feedback on Malaysia’s current reading rate so that it aligns with the literacy rate of 97 per cent, according to the standards set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
He stated that the ministry, through PNM, has carried out several series of Reading Profile Studies to monitor the reading rate and habits of Malaysians.
"Through this study, it was found that Malaysians read at least two books in 2005, 15 books in 2014 and most recently, 24 books in 2023. The latest reading interest rate of Malaysians stands at 88.6 per cent.
"The number of books read within a year indicates that Malaysians read 24 books, comprising 16 printed materials and eight digital materials,” he said.
On Oct 4, KPN through PNM, organised the Grand Reading Carnival 2024 Opening Ceremony in an event held in Kuala Lumpur.
Aaron stated that this figure has increased compared to at least two books in 2005 and 15 books in 2014.
"This study also found that Malaysians allocate nine hours and 22 minutes per week for reading and purchase between one to five reading materials per year,” he added.
FORMING A KNOWLEDGABLE SOCIETY
According to Aaron, referring to the 2022/2023 Reading Profile Study, it was found that 69.9 per cent of Malaysians read to increase their knowledge.
"This finding is a positive indicator towards the formation of a highly knowledgeable society, comparable to other developed nations. The study also shows that a large number of Malaysians enjoy reading in bookstores (57.7 per cent) and in restaurants or cyber cafes (24.5 per cent).
"In this regard, I urge more shopping malls to provide reading spaces and increase the number of bookstores to meet the interests and needs of readers,” he said.
He stated that digitalisation has had a significant impact on the reading habits of Malaysians.
"With technological advancements and broader internet access, the way and form of reading have undergone significant transformation.
"People are now more inclined to obtain information quickly and conveniently at their fingertips,” he said.
Meanwhile, Aaron said PNM is certainly not left behind in this phase of change and began offering digital services since 2011, accessible through the u-Pustaka portal (www.u-pustaka.gov.my) 24/7 for Malaysians across the country.
"This initiative opens up opportunities for more people to read, ensuring that no group is left behind.
"More than 900,000 digital contents from 20 databases are available on this portal, including e-books, e-journals, e-articles, e-learning, e-magazines and e-newspapers,” he said.
He added that registered u-Pustaka members will be able to access information easily, quickly, and accurately whenever needed.
As of August, u-Pustaka membership stood at 712,393 people.
Currently, there are 11 digital libraries under the jurisdiction of State Public Libraries and universities, namely:
- Penang Islamic Digital Library (Penang)
- Padang Tembak Digital Library (Penang)
- Tasik Gelugor Digital Library (Penang)
- Butterworth Digital Library (Penang)
- Batu Maung Digital Library (Penang)
- Kedah State Digital Library
- Siti Hasmah Digital Library (MMU)
- Tun Abdul Razak Digital Library (National Cancer Society of Malaysia)
- UPSI Digital Library (Tanjung Malim)
- Tan Sri Dr Abdullah Sanusi Digital Library (Open University, Petaling Jaya)
- Pustaka KL Digital Madani @ Bandar Sri Permaisuri (Kuala Lumpur Library-DBKL)
"In this regard, the ministry through PNM, is preparing a guideline related to digital libraries for reference by all libraries in Malaysia,” he said.
Further elaborating, Aaron said that among the initiatives to attract young people to engage with digital services, PNM has collaborated with 12 consortiums alongside State Public Libraries to enable both physical and digital (online) book borrowing.
"PNM has also collaborated with 155 consortium members of the National Union Catalogue (Kik), consisting of PNM, State Public Libraries, Shared Specific Libraries, Academic Libraries (Public Universities and Private Higher Education Institutions), as well as private libraries to facilitate library resource sharing,” he said.
He added that five proposed library service transformation initiatives include the Digitalisation of National Heritage Collection, PNM Metaverse Space Services and the Malaysian Virtual Gallery of Excellence.
"Other proposals include the Development of Robotics Technology in library services and the Development of PNM SuperApps Mobile Application,” he said.
He said that as of Aug, the cumulative collection statistics at PNM could be categorised into printed materials (6,270,202), non-printed materials (98,438), original manuscripts (5,978) and digital materials (132,705).
"A total of 73,409 titles have been digitised with a total of 4,259,461 pages,” he added.
APPRECIATING DIVERSITY IN SOCIETY
Aaron said that the practice of reading is closely linked to unity in Malaysia, particularly by enhancing understanding of different cultures.
"By reading, people can understand the cultural backgrounds, traditions and histories of various ethnic groups in Malaysia. This helps foster mutual respect and appreciation for the diversity within our society.
"Books contain various themes that can touch the hearts and minds of readers.
"Reading can also nurture awareness of the rights and responsibilities of being a Malaysian citizen, shaping a more inclusive society that understands the importance of unity and creating a more peaceful and prosperous nation,” Aaron explained.
CHALLENGES IN PROMOTING READING HABITS
Aaron said that one of the challenges in promoting reading habits is that many young people are not aware of the importance of reading and its benefits for personal development.
"To increase this awareness and interest, early literacy programmes should be introduced in schools and communities, such as the ‘Bacaan Kegemaran Saya’ organised by PNM, involving prominent figures from various fields.
"This helps cultivate their interest in books and shows how reading can be an enjoyable and educational experience,” Aaron added.
He said that the lack of social interaction is also a challenge in promoting reading habits.
"Young people find reading a boring and non-interactive activity. To overcome this issue, PNM introduced the Kembara Ilmu programme, which brought together participants from various backgrounds,” he said.
As part of its continuous efforts to foster a reading culture across all levels of society, various programmes have been implemented.
PNM statistics show that throughout 2023 until Aug, a total of 102,813 reading promotion programmes were conducted nationwide, involving PNM, village libraries, community libraries and the Perlis State Public Library, with a total participation of 3,748,409 people.
Among the key programmes planned and implemented in 2024 include:
- Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minutes 2024 (April 2024)
- Kembara Ilmu Programme (May 2024)
- Loud Reading Competition (Preschool) (June 2024)
- ‘Dariku Untukmu’ Programme and Book Bank Launching Ceremony (July and August 2024)
- Semarak Jawi 2024 Programme and Jawi Bestari Camp (August 2024)
- Kembara Ilmu Ini Khazanah Kita (August 2024)
- International Malay Manuscript Conference (PAMM 2024) (September 2024)
- Baca Perdana Carnival (October 2024)
Aaron said the findings from the Reading Profile Study also show that PNM’s reading promotion programmes have encouraged more people to take an interest in reading, spend more time reading and see it as both entertainment and a way to pass the time.
Therefore, in efforts to create a society that embraces a reading culture and has a first-class mindset, KPN will continue to implement new programmes that impact the improvement of Malaysians’ reading levels.
"Among the new programmes planned is Kem Citra Baca, which is a social activity, introducing new National Reading Icons and appointing the first National Reader figure,” Aaron said.