Perak: A total of 37 rural libraries nationwide have been upgraded this year, with an emphasis on developing digital systems to enhance access to knowledge for rural communities. Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran announced the initiative, which is implemented through the National Library of Malaysia (PNM), as part of a phased plan involving more than 500 rural libraries nationwide.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the upgrading works were carried out through allocations under the Ministry of National Unity's preservation and maintenance programme, with 60 rural libraries being upgraded last year. Yuneswaran highlighted the need for not only physical improvements but also intensified digitalisation efforts, as digital libraries are becoming increasingly important. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that digitalisation benefits rural communities as well.
Yuneswaran made these remarks at the opening of the 2026 Northern Zone Unity Week Celebration, the 'Jom Membaca Bersama 10 Minit' (Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes) 2026 programme, and the National Reading Decade at Stadium Indera Mulia. The event was attended by Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah and PNM director-general Edy Irwan Zulkafli.
The programme aims to encourage the younger generation and all Malaysians to make reading a daily habit. This initiative is under the Ministry of National Unity in cooperation with the National Library and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), as well as in collaboration with several other agencies. Yuneswaran encouraged Malaysians to read daily, regardless of the language of the book, for at least 10 minutes.
He noted that such programmes can help increase reading rates among Malaysians, which stood at 24 books per year in 2022-2023. Additionally, the ministry, through PNM, organised the PNM Book Awards 2025/2026 to recognise quality, high-impact local publications. Among the recipients was Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who received the Reader's Choice Award (Malay Language Printed Book category) for his 2024 book 'Jalan Tegak'.