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The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Bringing books to every corner, chapter by chapter
Johor authorities, libraries cultivate reading community via varied outreach JOHOR's local councils and libraries are taking steps to promote reading by bringing books into community spaces. The Sultan Ismail Library (PSI), operated by Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), takes different approaches to heighten public interest in reading, including bringing books directly to communities. PSI librarian Tengku Tarmizi Tengku Aziz said, 'Instead of waiting for the public to come to the library, we bring books to them. ALSO READ: Reigniting love for reading 'Some of our activities include mobile book exhibitions, community reading kiosks and monthly reading activities at the Johor Baru Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC).' The library also collaborates with government agencies, corporate bodies, and local communities to host programmes such as 'Waste to Wonders' featuring book exchanges and donation drives to prevent books from ending up in landfills. Students taking part in hands-on activities at the Petrosains located within the Johor Public Library Corporation's main library in Jalan Yahya Awal, Johor Baru. Over at PSI's Kampung Melayu Majidee branch, a book- exchange programme has been held twice a month since it started last October. Tengku Tarmizi said the public could donate books and pick out pre-loved titles to take home. He added that the programme had attracted a steady stream of visitors from different parts of Johor. The library also organises fun themed events. 'In one collaboration with UniKL Seri Alam, we hosted a 'book picnic' at TMIYC where about 20 children took part in a book quote hunt, charades and reading-related quizzes. 'At another programme, we incorporated a sign-language lesson to promote inclusivity, which attracted participation from people of various ages,' said Tengku Tarmizi. Participants learning sign language during the 'Johor Baru Story Time' programme organised by the Sultan Ismail Library at the Johor Baru Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre. Those interested in PSI activities can refer to its official Facebook page 'Perpustakaan Sultan Ismail' for updates, he added. Meanwhile, the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) has been maintaining a book kiosk for the past 10 years at the Mutiara Rini Urban Forest (Hutan Bandar Mutiara Rini). MBIP councillor Lim Soon Hai said the kiosks – wooden structures filled with donated books – allowed visitors to pick up a book while exercising or relaxing at the park. 'The park is a popular spot for families and those exercising, especially on weekends. 'We often see people reaching for books when taking a break.' Pupils usually spend time reading and playing at the main library in Jalan Yahya Awal while waiting for classes or for their parents to pick them up. Lim said the donated books came from non-governmental organisations, volunteers and the public. 'The kiosks are stocked with books for both adults and children and are maintained by MBIP's Landscape Department, with officers and volunteers ensuring the reading materials are suitable for all ages. 'Books with sensitive content such as racism, violence or illicit topics are filtered out,' he assured. To improve the reading experience, the councillor said he would propose adding benches with backrests and proper lighting near the kiosks, as the existing backless cement structures are less comfortable for prolonged reading. MBIP is eyeing the inclusion of reading facilities in a proposed 5km linear park near Puteri Harbour, he said. 'While the project's timeline depends on the area's developer, we hope to include dedicated reading zones and book kiosks to encourage more people to read while enjoying the outdoors,' added Lim. The Sultan Ismail Library has collaborated with UniKL Seri Alam to host a 'book picnic' where about 20 children took part in a book quote hunt, charades and reading-related quizzes. In Johor Baru, the Johor Public Library Corporation's (PPAJ) main library in Jalan Yahya Awal encourages pupils to spend time at the building, whether for reading or playing. Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said PPAJ was targeting at least 150 programmes this year, with the hope of surpassing last year's visitor record of 2.1 million. The corporation has 16 branches and 38 community libraries throughout Johor. 'The main library, where many people visit to read and do work, also serves as a transit point for pupils from schools nearby. 'We allow them to play and spend time at the library while waiting for classes or for their parents to pick them up, as this keeps them close to the centre of resources,' said Aznan. PPAJ is also the first library to collaborate with Petrosains where visitors can touch, feel and experience science through interactive exhibits.
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Former clerk claims trial to graft charge over unlicensed business
JOHOR BARU: A former clark pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court to offering a RM2,000 bribe to a city council officer three years ago. Sia Joo Hoe, 58, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before Judge Datuk Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail. She is accused of giving the money to Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) enforcement assistant Abu Hassan Othman, 37, as an inducement for him not to take action against her for operating an unlicensed furniture business. The alleged offence took place at the MBIP enforcement department in Jalan Medini Sentral 9, Iskandar Puteri, at about 9am on Aug 30, 2022. At the time, Sia was employed as a clerk at a furniture shop. The charge was framed under Section 214 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to one-quarter of the maximum term prescribed for the principal offence, a fine, or both, upon conviction. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) prosecuting officer Rais Adha Ramli proposed bail of RM10,000. However, defence counsel Chuah Shyue Chien objected, stating that his client had cooperated fully with MACC since the investigation began in 2022. "My client lives with her husband in Johor Baru, cares for her nine-month-old grandchild, and currently relies on financial support from her children. She is prepared to post bail of RM5,000," he said. The court allowed bail at RM5,000 with one surety and fixed June 18 for mention and document submission.
The Star
14-05-2025
- The Star
Woman claims trial to bribing Iskandar Puteri City Council officer
JOHOR BARU: A 58-year-old woman has been charged at the Sessions Court here with bribing a local council personnel to avoid getting into trouble for operating without a business licence. The accused Sia Joo Hoe pleaded not guilty to handing RM2,000 to an Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) enforcement assistant at around 9am on Aug 30, 2022. She said she understood the charge after it was read before Sessions Judge Ahmad Kamal Ariffin Ismail on Wednesday (May 14). Sia, who was working as a furniture store clerk at the time, was said to have bribed the enforcement personnel as an inducement to avoid action for operating an unlicensed business. Operating without a business licence is an offence under the MBIP Licence, Trade, Businesses and Industrial Bylaw 2018, which is punishable with a fine of not more than RM2,000 or a jail term of not more than one year, or both upon conviction. The bribery offence was framed under Section 214 of the Penal Code for offering gratification in consideration of concealing an offence. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission prosecuting officer Rais Adha Ramli offered bail at RM10,000. Sia's lawyer Chuah Shyue Chien asked the court for a bail of RM5,000, saying that the woman has retired and is taking care of her nine-month-old grandchild. Ahmad Kamal Ariffin allowed bail at RM5,000 with one surety. The court also set June 18 for next mention and submission of documents.
