18-05-2025
Young bookworm devours 1,378 titles to bag award
Children's category winner Alif Zachary (second left) with fellow winner (from left) Nur Jamilatussyukriyyah Abdullah, 18 (teenagers' category), Mastura and adult category winner Nik Hasrol Hafiz Hashim, 39 (right). — Photos: ARIQ HIDAYAT/The Star
Klang food delivery rider's son developed reading passion after library visit at six
Winner of Selangor's Avid Reader award in the children's category who borrowed 1,378 books in 2024, shared that his passion for reading began at the age of six.
Alif Zachary Mohd Arif , 13, son of a food delivery rider, believes that those who do not read are missing out.
'My friend invited me to visit a library when I was six and the sight of countless books instantly caught my interest.
'Since then, I always join book events at school and visit the Sungai Udang public library in Klang, regularly.
'This is my first time receiving the Avid Reader award,' the student from SMK Telok Gadong in Klang told StarMetro at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda's 'Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit 2025' programme in Shah Alam.
The initiative by the state government was coordinated by Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS).
Those with the most number of books borrowed at public libraries, based on PPAS' database, were identified for the award.
Attendees reading during the 'Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit' programme at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda in Shah Alam.
Held to mark World Book Day and World Copyright Day, the event aimed to build a reading culture within the community.
PPAS director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad said the event was also aimed at encouraging the public to gain skills and knowledge through reading.
'In previous years, the programme was held for a day.
'This year, we held it over four days, from April 19,' she said.
'This marks our 11th year of organising the programme which was carried out not only in all 14 state public libraries but also in all schools in Selangor.
A leadership forum was also held as part of the event, with motivational speaker and opthalmologist Datuk Dr Muhaya Mohamad, Shariah-compliant stock investment mentor Datuk Mohd Asri Ahmad and celebrity chef Datuk Fazley Yaakob as panellists.
Attendee Nur Hidayah Nasarudin said the event was a good opportunity for her to hear from so many renowned individuals in one place.
'Having the opportunity to hear about the importance of reading from my idols made me even more enthusiastic about seeking knowledge.
'It reminded me that learning isn't confined, knowledge is limitless,' she said.
