Kuala Lumpur: The initiative to provide book vouchers has been expanded to more than 400,000 teachers this year, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister emphasized that this effort is part of the government’s continuous commitment to foster reading habits among the population, especially targeting school and university students.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted the pivotal role teachers play in disseminating knowledge and fostering a love for reading among students. “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 mentioned. Anwar conveyed these remarks during the Closing Ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025 at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur.
The event was graced by several notable figures including 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 also holds the position of Minister of Finance, announced the continuation of book voucher provisions for students in higher education institutions using existing allocations. He proposed modifications to the initiative, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines to prevent the purchase of substandard publications. “There should be guidelines, not all the books purchased are of quality and promote knowledge,” he stated.
The Prime Minister lauded PBAKL 2025, noting its role in cultivating reading habits among the public, and expressed gratitude towards parents and teachers for encouraging children’s participation in the festival. He also engaged in a special session reviewing four selected books, including works by Za’ba, Ungku A. Aziz, Dr. Siddiq Fadzil, and Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas.
Additionally, Anwar toured the stalls at the book fair. The 42nd edition of PBAKL, themed ‘Buku: Membaca, Memimpin’, drew 1.8 million visitors over its 10-day duration, starting May 23 and concluding today.