Sharifah Hasidah: Revive reading culture to build knowledgeable society
Sharifah Hasidah (seated centre) in a photocall with others during the programme.
KUCHING (April 24): The habit of reading must be cultivated from a young age and sustained at all societal levels to build a knowledgeable and forward-thinking generation, said Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
The Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department stressed the importance of reading in the age of digital distractions, noting that it would improve interpersonal skills, regardless of the book genre.
'Let's not always waste time scrolling on Tiktok; we must ensure that our children read. That's the challenge of our culture—balancing between social media and reading physical books.
'Whether it is fiction, non-fiction, or love stories, books take us to other worlds. They improve our language skills, communication, creativity, and most importantly, reduce emotional stress.
'It is also through reading that we shape our values, character, and way of thinking.
'Without it, we risk losing touch with the knowledge that forms the foundation of our society,' she said during the 'Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit' (Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes) programme held at Kolej Datu Patinggi Abang Haji Abdullah here yesterday.
The Samariang assemblywoman added that developing a reading culture should not fall solely on schools or libraries, but must involve the community, local councils, parents, and civil society as a whole.
Echoing her sentiments, Kuching North Datuk Bandar Dato Hilmy Othman highlighted how modern lifestyles and technologies have taken time away from reading and physical activities.
'Today, much of our free time has been consumed by new technologies, and as a result, many of us no longer find time to read.
'This is especially true among young people, who are increasingly drawn to digital entertainment,' he said.
He thus encouraged students to make full use of the accessibility of reading materials through digital platforms, adding that reading is a form of exploration without borders.
'Reading has no age limit; it's a lifelong journey that expands our minds and deepens our understanding of the world.
'The reading culture must be revived and empowered, not just in schools, but in the community as well,' he said.
The programme, organised to promote literacy and rekindle the habit of reading, was held simultaneously nationwide at 11am.
It also saw the handing over of awards for the 'My Favourite Reading Contest', 'Creative Reading Corner Contest', 'Active Reader 2024', and 'Active Community Library 2024'. knowledge reading Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali
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