KUCHING: There is a need for Sarawak to publish at least 1,000 book titles annually for every one million population.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting said the figure, which is for a country like Malaysia, was reported by the International Publishers Association in 2014.
“In 2022, the Sarawak State Library (PUSTAKA), received 461 titles under the legal deposit requirements as stipulated in the Sarawak State Library Ordinance 1999.
“We are still very far below the target of about 2,800 titles,” he said.
He said MTCP has provided a fund to sponsor writers or associations registered with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) for book publication.
“It is called the Facilitation Fund for Heritage, Arts and Culture and it supports workshops, courses, seminars, stage performances, competition, exhibitions, book publications and activities involving local communities that contribute to the development of Sarawak’s heritage, arts and culture,” he said in his speech at the launching of the PUSTAKA Book Fair 2023 here yesterday (July 25).
Ting said the book industry can also play a crucial role in bolstering the state’s economy.
“By promoting literary tourism, we can encourage visitors to embark on a literary-themed journey, visiting the settings that inspired their favourite authors and stories.
“This unique form of tourism not only boosts local businesses but also fosters a deeper connection between travellers and our communities,” he added.
Also present was Pustaka Sarawak board of management chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo and chief executive officer Japri Bujang Masli.
