KUCHING: More than 100 people yesterday took part in the “Let’s Read Together For 10 Minutes” programme held at CityONE Megamall here.
According to State Library Board of Management member, Datuk Alfred Yap Chin Loi, knowledge is vital for the development of human civilisation and reading is the key to progress.
“The culture of reading, especially about quality information, is very much needed if we want to compete with other nations.
“Which is why I urge we use our libraries more and read materials that are authoritative in nature,” he said.
Yap added that successful and developed countries had mastered the power of knowledge.
“Sarawak should also practise this culture of reading to obtain the latest information which is vital for the development of both the state and country.
“The information that we obtain from school and university now just isn’t enough for us to compete on an international level,” he said.
Meanwhile, the library’s acting CEO, Arpah Haji Adenan hopes 5 million people can take part in the programme nationwide this year.
Last year, 4.2 million people participated in the programme, she said, adding that 2.54 million people took part in it in 2015 and 2.5 million people the year before.
“This programme is an initiative to instil the reading culture as well as lifelong learning among the people.
“Through this, we hope reading will be a huge part of everyone’s lives,” added Arpah.
The “Let’s Read Together For 10 Minutes” programme was conducted simultaneously throughout Malaysia for the third consecutive year.
Participants had to stop whatever they were doing and just read for 10 minutes from 11am to 11.10am.
Last year, 242,874 Sarawakians took part in the programme compared to 137,543 in 2014 and 140,436 in 2015.
The event also saw the presentation of awards to the most active readers in 2016. They were Halimah Mahri (Adult Category), Nur Syamimi Abdullah (Staff Category), Nurhusnina Mohammad Fauzan (Children Category), Aidan Corrigan (Senior Citizen Category) and Sim Kay Chun (Student Category).
After the event, Yap also launched CityONE Megamall reading corner.
