Reading Corners At Sabah Railway Stations

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of National Unity (KPN) will set uo a reading corner at selected railway stations in Sabah so that commuters can enjoy a spot of leisurely reading on the go, said its minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.

He said that in the digital era, people are now more focused on browsing social media on their mobile phones and forget the habit of reading.

“Therefore, I hope that this initiative receives support from all members of the community who can improve the culture of reading and become an inspiration to others to preserve and promote Malaysia’s cultural heritage," he said.

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He said this when launching the ‘Treasure a Journey of Knowledge’ programme at the Tanjung Aru railway station here today.

Aaron Ago said the Journey of Knowledge programme is organised by the KPN through the National Library of Malaysia (PNM) in collaboration with the Sabah State Library (PNS), Sabah State Railway Department, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Sutera Harbour Resort.

“The programme is held to encourage interest in reading in the local community as well as promote reading encouragement programmes with various platforms for the community in Sabah.

“This is in line with the ministry’s focus, which is to foster an interest in reading and support lifelong learning towards creating a society with a culture of reading which is in line with the goal of making Malaysia a Nation of Readers by 2030,” he said.

He said that in addition to creating a reading corner at selected train stations in Sabah, the programme will among other things include a digital exhibition on the train that will be recorded in the Malaysia Book Of Record (MBOR) with the title ‘First Digital Library Exhibition Aboard A Train’.

“PNM has raised the content of the exhibition of Malay manuscripts, u-Pustaka, materials published by PNS related to independence and history and cultural heritage in Sabah and there are also e-sports activities to attract the interest of young people.

“This digital exhibition takes place from today until Sept 5 with free admission for an expected crowd of 10,000 visitors. MBOR recognition has underscored the significance of the event.

“The National Library has diversified into a new approach to promote reading, not only in the library itself but reading wherever you are,” he said.

-- BERNAMA