Kuala lumpur: Social media plays an important role in strengthening the relationship between writers and readers, while also contributing to increased book sales at the 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL). Writer and publisher of Zahirah's Books, Nur Zahirah Zamree, 30, said she had built her personal brand on digital platforms well before publishing her works and meeting readers in person.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the strategy not only expands audience reach but also helps introduce new titles more effectively to the market. Nur Zahirah said her company had published eight books this year, comprising one fiction title and seven non-fiction works focusing on motivation as well as women's emotional and spiritual development.

Meanwhile, a visitor at the Semesta Publication booth, Wan Nur Amalin Izzah Wan Mohd Ismail, 16, said she first became acquainted with her favourite writer, Sofia Roses, through social media before deciding to purchase books based on her interest in the genres offered. 'I got to know Sofia Roses through social media and this is the first time I have come here to meet the writer in person,' she said.

For Norhafiz Norazman, 31, PBAKL is not merely a sales platform but also serves as a meeting space that strengthens ties between writers and readers, while providing opportunities for new writers to introduce their works. He said that although online purchases often offer lower prices, the experience of buying books physically at a book fair remains a major attraction for visitors.

'If you buy through TikTok, it is actually cheaper because of vouchers and other promotions. But when you buy offline, the experience is different because you get to meet the writer and ask directly about the book's content. It feels more meaningful,' he said. Norhafiz also expressed delight at seeing many young visitors attending PBAKL 2026, describing it as proof that interest in reading remains strong among the younger generation.

The 43rd edition of PBAKL 2026 is being held over 10 days from Friday and is open to the public from 10 am to 10 pm. The book fair features hundreds of publishers from Malaysia and abroad, involving about 1,000 booths offering a wide range of reading materials, while serving as a platform to strengthen the reading culture and stimulate the national publishing industry.