Latest news with #KLIBF
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Zafrul's ministership not affected
KUALA LUMPUR: Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz's application to join PKR has not been discussed by parties in the unity government yet, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. But, the Prime Minister said Tengku Zafrul's position as Investment, Trade and Industry Minister is not affected, given his good performance as a minister. 'Tengku Zafrul carried out his tasks as minister very well. Investments are in the hundreds of billions and he has led his ministry well. 'Now, he chose to apply (to PKR), we haven't discussed anything yet. Let him perform his haj pilgrimage first. Let us refrain from unhealthy interpretations. 'For PKR, we have to discuss this with our friends. But, his position as minister is not affected,' said Anwar when met after the closing ceremony of the KL International Book Fair (KLIBF) at the World Trade Centre yesterday. Anwar also denied there will be a Cabinet reshuffle. 'Two ministers have resigned, now give them time to reflect on what they want to do. Now they are on leave. I don't think we should preempt. 'The government is functioning as usual,' he said. Young minds, big brains: Anwar (left) supporting his grandson Sulaimaan Mohamad Khairul (seated, left) during a chess tournament at the KLIBF in Kuala Lumpur. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star At the same time, Anwar also said it is still too early to discuss remarks by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that another Cabinet position should be given to Barisan Nasional following Tengku Zafrul's resignation from the party. 'We have not discussed it. It is too early,' he added. On Saturday, Ahmad Zahid said Tengku Zafrul's exit would mean Umno is left with six ministers from the previous seven. On Friday, Tengku Zafrul said he was resigning as Umno supreme council member, as Kota Raja division leader and a party member. He said he will be starting the process of joining PKR. His decision comes two days after two Cabinet ministers from PKR resigned – Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli (Economy) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability). On another matter, Anwar announced that some 400,000 teachers nationwide will be given book vouchers in an effort to promote the reading habit. The Prime Minister said last year, students attending KLIBF received book vouchers worth RM100. 'This year, we will give teachers as well. For next year, we have to look at how the economy does first,' he said in a closing speech for KLIBF yesterday. Anwar hoped that the initiative would inculcate the reading habit among teachers and students who attended the programme. He said more details on the book voucher would be announced soon by the Education Ministry.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
What are Malaysians reading? English books shine, but BM titles thrive locally
KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — When you think of international authors like J.K. Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, and George R.R. Martin, it's evident their books have captivated global audiences, including readers in Malaysia. Closer to home, Malaysian authors like Hanna Alkaf and Tan Twan Eng have also left their mark with English-language titles such as The Weight of Our Sky and The Garden of Evening Mists. Whether international or local, Malaysians appear to have a growing appreciation for English-language literature. This raises an important question: how do Bahasa Malaysia (BM) books compare, and are they resonating just as strongly with local readers? Speaking to Malay Mail, a local bookstore revealed that in 2024, BM titles accounted for 36 per cent of their sales, while English-language books made up the remaining 64 per cent. Amir Muhammad said outside of bookshops nationwide, BM titles sell more than English books. — Picture by Choo Choy May BM titles still dominate overall However, Malaysian writer Amir Muhammad, 52, believes this might only reflect certain bookstores. 'Anyone who has visited the KL International Book Fair (KLIBF), which attracts over a million visitors annually, would see how significant the local BM market is,' he said. At the 2025 KLIBF, Bookiut under the PTS Media Group reported that BM titles made up around 90 per cent of their sales in just four days, with English-language books accounting for only 10 to 20 per cent. Similarly, Iman Publication reported that about 85 per cent of their sales were BM books, particularly in popular genres like comics and self-help. Fatin Iman, 35, CEO of Iman Publication, said that bookstore sales only offer part of the picture. 'In recent years, especially with online shopping, platforms like Shopee have become a popular avenue for publishers to sell their books,' she said. 'From what I know, at least nine or ten publishers focusing on BM titles are now actively selling through these platforms.' Fatin, speaking from a publisher's perspective, noted that the majority of the Malaysian audience is reading more BM titles compared to English ones. — Picture courtesy of Fatin Iman More BM authors, fewer English-language writers Fatin also noted that BM authors outnumber English-language writers in Malaysia. 'At Iman Publication, we publish in both BM and English, but it's relatively harder to find local authors writing in English compared to Malay,' she said. For context, only 15 to 20 per cent of Iman Publication's titles are in English, including novels and non-fiction works. Amir agreed, adding that BM authors tend to enjoy larger audiences. 'For example, which Malaysian English-language author has over 100,000 followers on any platform? I can name at least a dozen BM writers who do,' he said. Visitors browsing a wide selection of books at the Iman Publication booth during KLIBF 2025. — Picture by Yusot Mat Isa BM publishing is thriving Far from declining, the BM publishing scene is thriving, driven largely by social media platforms like TikTok. 'The younger generation — Gen Z — is engaging with BM books through TikTok, where some titles have sold over 10,000 copies just via the platform,' Fatin said. Amir pointed out that BM books continue to dominate where it matters most — sales. 'For example, no local English title can sell 100,000 copies in 25 minutes, which is exactly what happened with Teme Abdullah's new novel,' he said. The evolving publishing scene Authors like Syameen Khalili, 46, and Iqbal Rafiuddin, 32, noted that the Malaysian publishing industry has evolved significantly. 'BM readers today welcome stories that cross genres, such as science fiction or thrillers, infused with elements of romance or comedy,' said Syameen. Iqbal added that the market now features a wider variety of genres, moving beyond the romance and horror-heavy offerings of a decade ago. 'Publishers today are bold enough to print works that were previously deemed unsellable,' he said. 'Ayah, Ini Arahnya ke Mana, ya?' by Khoirul Trian caught the attention of visitors at KLIBF 2025. — Picture by Yusot Mat Isa Striking a balance So, are Malaysians reading more English or BM books? While English-language titles have made strides in reaching international audiences, BM books dominate the local market. 'In the context of the international market, BM books require more effort to achieve milestones on par with English titles,' said Iqbal. Fatin concluded that while English-language books gain visibility abroad, the majority of Malaysians still gravitate towards BM books, particularly in commercial fiction. 'BM non-fiction remains focused on topics like Islam, business, and local politics, while non-fiction in English often covers broader subjects,' added Amir. This year's book fair bears the theme 'Buku: Membaca, Memimpin', ended yesterday after starting on May 23, with over 1,000 exhibition booths by almost 300 local and foreign publishers.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
KL International Book Fair: Platform for foreign publishers to enter local market
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) 2025 serves as an important platform for foreign publishers to enter the local market and attract Malaysian readers. Maria Mahat, co-founder of Ungu Pen, a Singapore-based publisher, shared that her company's participation in the fair served to introduce Malaysian readers to her company's offerings and allowed them to build closer relationships. 'At Ungu Pen, we publish a lot of Malay and bilingual Malay-English books, especially children's books. So, we want to test the market here since we are close and have languages in common. 'We don't have a specific sales target as we are still new and not well known but Alhamdulillah, there are books that have sold out and we want them to know that there are foreign publishers that publish Malay books of quality that suit readers here,' she told Bernama here recently. She also said that the books her company publishes focus on children, and are come with unique features such as the use of dyslexia-friendly fonts and digital elements such as animation, songs and augmented reality (AR), which make reading more interactive and fun. Unggu Creative founder, Dr Noridah Kamari said that she decided to join the fair for the first time this year to introduce her books to Malaysian readers and form closer ties with local writers and readers. 'We have attended KLIBF as visitors before, this is our first year as an exhibitor. We want to test the market and see how well Singapore books are accepted by readers here. 'Our focus isn't just to sales, but more towards building a social network with readers and writers, especially from Malaysia. This is because Malaysian writers are involved in our publications, such as the Kayu Api magazine that features their works,' she said. Meanwhile, Muhammad Yusuf from Indonesian publisher Gema Insani said this year was the third time his company joined the fair, and they were sharing a booth with two other publishers from home. 'We are sharing a booth together with Pustaka Al-Kautsar and Gulalibooks and we believe that the potential of the Malaysian market is big with the positive response from chidlren, students and adults. 'The books we carry, include those by famous icon Buya Hamka, historical comics and children's books, match the interest of readers here,' he said. This year's book fair bears the theme 'Buku: Membaca, Memimpin' and ends today after starting on May 23, with over 1,000 exhibition booths by almost 300 local and foreign publishers.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
PKR yet to discuss Tengku Zafrul's resignation with Umno
KUALA LUMPUR: PKR has not yet held discussions with its unity government partner, Umno, regarding the resignation of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. Its president and Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said the party respects Tengku Zafrul's decision and will discuss with Umno on the next steps. "Tengku Zafrul is a minister who has carried out his duty well. Many of our investments, worth hundreds of billions, have been managed through his efforts via Matrade, the ministry, and the current government. "As for his decision to apply (to join PKR), we have not reached that stage yet. Let him complete his Haj first. Of course, for PKR, we must discuss the matter with our friends in the unity government and consider it carefully," he said when met at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) 2025 today.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
400,000 teachers to get book vouchers, says PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Book vouchers will be distributed to 400,000 teachers nationwide in an effort to promote reading, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced. He made the announcement in his keynote address at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF). Further details on the vouchers will be announced soon.
