By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, Dec 2 — International writers and publishers participating in the Selangor International Book Fair (SIBF) 2023 have described it as strengthening not only their camaraderie but also fostering ties between nations.
Indonesian author Asma Nadia said she is excited as this is her first time participating in SIBF.
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Indonesian author Asma Nadia speaking to SelangorKini during the launch of the Selangor International Book Festival (SIBF) 2023 at the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Convention Centre in Section 13, Shah Alam, on December 1, 2023. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
"Previously, I attended the Kuala Lumpur Book Fair, and this is my first time joining SIBF 2023; so I am fairly excited.
"I cannot wait to meet readers in the specially arranged sessions. SIBF is truly remarkable, and I hope it continues, growing even bigger and inspiring other countries to organise book fairs like this," she told SelangorKini.
Inspirasi Nusantara Sdn Bhd director Nabieh Rahmat said he gathered publishers and book authors from Indonesia due to Malaysian readers' demands.
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Inspirasi Nusantara Sdn Bhd director Nabieh Rahmat speaking to SelangorKini during the launch of the Selangor International Book Festival (SIBF) 2023 at the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Convention Centre in Section 13, Shah Alam, on December 1, 2023. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
"Alhamdulillah, besides publishers, book authors are also in attendance, and they are happy to come for SIBF 2023 to meet readers in Malaysia.
"Visitors can come to the exhibition area to get interesting Indonesian books like 'Tentang Kamu' by Tere Liye and 'Lost in Ningxia' by Asma Nadia," he said.
SIBF 2023, running from December 1 to December 10 the Shah Alam City Council Convention Centre from 9am to 9pm, is organised by the Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS).
It features various exciting activities for visitors, including lucky draws, book sales, and attractive discounts.
First held last year as a continuation of the Selangor Book Fair, itself first held in 2006, SIBF features 225 local and international exhibitors, including those from the United Kingdom, Turkey, North Macedonia, South Korea, and Egypt, among others.
Taking place at Kompleks PKNS from its inception, the fair was later moved to the MBSA Convention Centre, and has recorded nearly five million visitors to date.
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The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj (second from right) and Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin (second from left) during the launch of the Selangor International Book Festival (SIBF) 2023 at the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Convention Centre in Section 13, Shah Alam, on December 1, 2023. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
