KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has reinforced her commitment to cultivating a reading culture among children with the publication of a new collection of books in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) 2026.
She hoped every future participation in the annual book fair would include the release of books dedicated to young readers.
Produced in collaboration with writer and illustrator Emilia Yusof, the latest collection features Harimau Berani Bicara, Penyu Yang Hebat, Kongsi Dengan Kawan, Orang Utan dan Warna, Mana Gajah?, and Peluang Kedua.
“Alhamdulillah (God be praised), this time I teamed up with Emilia Yusof and we have new books to share. I have always been very particular when selecting children’s books, so we thought, why not publish our own?
“The collaboration between my team and Emilia’s team has made these books especially meaningful. We both strongly believe that children’s literature plays an important role in nurturing a love of reading,” Fadhlina said in a Facebook post today.
She added that children’s books are more than reading materials; they serve as reflections of a society rich in values, compassion, and empathy.
“At a time when we are faced with an abundance of idols but a shortage of role models, the lessons and examples found in children’s stories are particularly important and deserve greater emphasis,” Fadhlina said.
She also invited visitors to KLIBF 2026 to visit Booth No. 818 to obtain the books and sign up for the Kelab Perempuan Membaca (Women's Reading Club).
