Latest news with #PBAKL

Barnama
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
RTM-DBP Epic Supertele ‘Srikandi' To Air On Aug 31 In Celebration Of Independence Month
By Siti Maisarah Abdul Ghani KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), has produced the epic supertele entitled 'Srikandi' to be aired on Aug 31, in conjunction with the Independence Month celebrations. Its director-general (DG) of Broadcasting, Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman said that the special feature inspired by the classic masterpiece "Syair Siti Zubaidah Perang China," published by DBP with the support of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and Pahang State Secretary's Office, successfully produced a quality script. "After more than six months of hard work since last October, including over a month of filming at various locations around Pahang, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, this project is now in the final phase of production. This drama is the first special epic story by RTM produced on a mega scale and using a film format with the assistance of FINAS. "The film set of 'Srikandi' highlights historical locations and natural beauty, especially in Pahang, such as Jerantut, Kuala Tahan, Sungai Lembing, Kuantan and Pulau Tioman," he said during a special meet-and-greet session for the film at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today. Also present at the event were the DBP DG Dr. Hazami Jahari, 'Srikandi' director Wan Mohd Afzam Wan Daud, and some of the film's cast. Suhaimi said this feature is not just entertainment but also an intellectual work that uses modern technology to create a cinematic impact. He said the 'Srikandi' script is targeted for competition in film festivals and to be marketed internationally. Meanwhile, Wan Mohd Afzam said the drama, which combines elements of reality and fiction from the pre-16th century era, highlights the spirit of struggle and wisdom of Malay women through the lead character Siti Zubaidah.

Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
2024 MADANI Book Voucher Programme Achieves 100Pct Redemption Rate
KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- The 2024 MADANI book voucher programme has recorded a 100 per cent redemption rate, reflecting strong enthusiasm among students and a growing interest in quality reading materials. Perbadanan Kota Buku (PKB) chief executive officer Adibah Omar said the initiative not only demonstrates appreciation for government support but also effectively rekindles a reading culture. 'The vouchers have motivated those who rarely read to start exploring books. For many, even RM100 a year for reading materials is a burden, making this initiative crucial in providing fairer access to knowledge,' she said. Adibah said this after presenting findings from the 2024 MADANI Book Voucher Impact Study at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025, held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL). The study showed that 99.2 per cent of respondents support the continuation of the programme, with suggestions for wider internet access, simpler redemption processes, and a more user-friendly website. Notably, 94.5 per cent agreed the programme successfully encourages reading, while 97.5 per cent said it benefits students from lower-income households. 'About 72.1 per cent were satisfied with the easier and more transparent online redemption process compared to the previous physical voucher method,' she added. Adibah also said PKB has ensured equal access to quality books for students in both urban and rural areas, including Sabah and Sarawak. 'For example, children in Kinabatangan, Sook, Keningau, and Tawau now enjoy the same access as those in Melawati or Petaling Jaya,' she said.


New Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Librarians association, UTM launch Braille and audio versions of 'Baca'
KUALA LUMPUR: The Librarians Association of Malaysia, in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) library, today launched Braille and audio versions of the book 'Baca' (Read) to provide reading access to visually impaired individuals. Selangor Women's Welfare and Charity Organisation (Pekawanis) president Datin Seri Masdiana Muhammad said the Braille version of 'Baca' not only introduces new reading material but also reflects a growing awareness that reading is everyone's right. "This initiative is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that every individual, including children with special needs, is not left out of activities that cultivate a culture of learning and reading. "I hope this effort will go beyond just providing Braille and audio books, but also include the creation of a friendly learning environment, well-trained teachers, and innovative assistive technology," said Masdiana, who is also the wife of Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. She was speaking during the launch of the Braille and audio versions of 'Baca' in conjunction with the 2025 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today. Also present was association president Dr Ghazali Mohamed Fadzil. A total of nine writers, comprising PPM members and professionals, including Hasnita Ibrahim, Digital Library Information manager at the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) were involved in writing the book. Meanwhile, Ghazali said 'Baca' is part of the transliteration campaign "Baca Celik Hati" project led by UTM library since 2000. The book compiles inspiring stories, experiences, and the spirit that forms the backbone of the librarian profession, encompassing the history of libraries in Malaysia, as well as topics such as the benefits of reading, family library management, bibliotherapy, and compulsive issues related to books. He said in 2023, through the "One Character, A Million Practices Project" (Projek Satu Aksara Sejuta Amalan) and in strategic collaboration between UTM library and PPM, 'Baca' was successfully transliterated into Braille and audio formats as part of the effort to bridge the information access gap and promote an inclusive literacy culture within the community. "This initiative is not merely a publication in different formats, it is a manifestation of the librarians' commitment to inclusive literacy, in line with the principle of 'No One Left Behind'," he said. He said the Braille copies will be distributed to selected special education schools across the country as a starting point for the long-term mission. – Bernama

Barnama
3 days ago
- General
- Barnama
PPM, UTM Launch Braille And Audio Versions Of ‘Baca' For The Blind
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- The Librarians Association of Malaysia (PPM), in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) library, today launched Braille and audio versions of the book 'Baca' (Read) to provide reading access to visually impaired individuals. Selangor Women's Welfare and Charity Organisation (Pekawanis) president Datin Seri Masdiana Muhammad said the Braille version of 'Baca' not only introduces new reading material but also reflects a growing awareness that reading is everyone's right. 'This initiative is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that every individual, including children with special needs, is not left out of activities that cultivate a culture of learning and reading. 'I hope this effort will go beyond just providing Braille and audio books, but also include the creation of a friendly learning environment, well-trained teachers, and innovative assistive technology,' said Masdiana, who is also the wife of Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. She was speaking during the launch of the Braille and audio versions of 'Baca' in conjunction with the 2025 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today. The event was also attended by PPM president Dr Ghazali Mohamed Fadzil. A total of nine writers, comprising PPM members and professionals, including Hasnita Ibrahim, Digital Library Information manager at the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) were involved in writing the book. Meanwhile, Ghazali said 'Baca' is part of the transliteration campaign 'Baca Celik Hati' project led by UTM library since 2000. The book compiles inspiring stories, experiences, and the spirit that forms the backbone of the librarian profession, encompassing the history of libraries in Malaysia, as well as topics such as the benefits of reading, family library management, bibliotherapy, and compulsive issues related to books.

The Star
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Vibrant costumes ignite creativity at book fair
Books galore and more: Book lovers visiting the 43rd edition of PBAKL 2025 at WTC in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: While most vendors and staff at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025 opted for t-shirts and jeans to stay comfortable amid the bustling crowd, a few stood out by donning creative costumes to draw visitors in. A check at the World Trade Centre (WTC) here found one of the main attractions to be a cheerful tiger mascot, waving enthusiastically and winning the hearts of children who couldn't resist stopping for photos and joining storytelling sessions. Nur Asna Harun, 35, from the Kuala Lumpur Library's Programme and Activities Unit, said the costume was more than just a gimmick – it served as a visual aid to capture children's attention during interactive storytelling sessions and promote the library's activities. 'I wear the tiger costume so the children stay focused and excited during the sessions. If I just speak plainly, they quickly lose interest. So I match the costume to the theme – sometimes I'm a fairy tale witch, sometimes a princess – and invite them to imagine along with me,' she said, Bernama reported. Meanwhile, Shahrizal Selamat, who was promoting books related to child therapy, chose to wear medical scrubs with the label 'Occupational Therapist', reflecting his role as head of the Family Support Programme at the Education Ministry. He said the attire helped him appear more approachable and trustworthy, especially when interacting with parents seeking resources for children with special needs such as autism, speech disorders or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 'We also use props like baby-sized dolls. When customers are intrigued, we take the opportunity to introduce the books while raising awareness about early intervention support for children in need,' he said. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere was a group of male vendors dressed in traditional silat attire, complete with headgear, while the women wore black traditional outfits paired with batik cloths wrapped over their heads and draped over their shoulders – creating a scene reminiscent of a bygone warrior era. Although it initially felt awkward to dress up in costume in public, Nur Adila Fadhlin Ruslan, 21, said she was heartened by the positive response, with many visitors offering compliments that strengthened her pride in portraying national heroes like Mat Kilau and Yamtuan Antah. 'We sell comics with historical and warrior themes, so we try to bring that setting to life. When we wear costumes, people get curious, come over to ask questions and often end up buying the books. 'Our title Rentap: Pahlawan Iban Yang Menggemparkan Penjajah is one of the bestsellers,' she said.