By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Dec 1 — The ongoing Selangor International Book Fair (SIBF) has proven useful for students sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations, as it allows them to source for materials that are often hard to find in regular bookstores.
Nur Af'feda Mohd Rasid, 17, said the fair, held at the Setia City Convention Centre, is something she looked forward to as it offers a wide variety of books that are often hard to find in regular bookstores.
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SMK Perempuan Kapar student Nur Af'feda Mohd Rasid, 17, at the Selangor International Book Festival in the Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, on November 29, 2024. — Picture by MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
"There are plenty of book options here, like chemistry books that were previously hard to get in stores but are available here. This makes it easier for us to buy those books for revision.
"Whenever the event takes place, my friends and I always attend. Not only can we find books, but we also get to spend time together," said the student of SMK Perempuan Kapar, Klang.
Meanwhile, Nur Hijratul Dania Khairul Anuar, 17, noted that, besides reference books, a variety of SPM question collections are also available at the fair, making it easier for her to practise.
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SMK Perempuan Kapar student Nur Hijratul Dania Khairul Anuar, 17, at the Selangor International Book Festival in the Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, on November 29, 2024. — Picture by MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
"SIBF is excellent because it helps students find reference materials that are not available in stores.
"At the same time, it encourages young people to read rather than spend time on gadgets," said the student, who attends the same school.
Muhammad Nukman Zainurrashid, 20, travelled all the way from Seremban with his sister to find his favourite book, Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson.
The Universiti Malaysia Pahang business analytics student admitted that the book had been difficult to find in the market, but SIBF featured this psychology-themed title.
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Universiti Malaysia Pahang business analytics student Muhammad Nukman Zainurrashid, 20, at the Selangor International Book Festival in the Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, on November 29, 2024. — Picture by MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
"Although this book is available to read online, I prefer reading a physical copy as it helps me focus and understand better. So, travelling this far to purchase it was worth it," he said.
SIBF 2024 is being held concurrently with the Selangor Education Summit from November 27 to December 3, targeting over 300,000 visitors.
First organised in 2022, it is a continuation of the Selangor Book Fair, which has been held annually since 2006.
Starting last year, the state government also hosted the Selangor Children’s Book Fair at the PKNS Complex, involving local authors, publishers, and booksellers.
SIBF 2023 recorded an attendance of over 250,000 people of various ages during the 10-day event, which began on December 1 at the Shah Alam City Council Convention Centre.
