PBAKL 2026: Strong Youth Turnout Dispels Myth Of Declining Reading Habit

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) --The strong presence of young people at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2026 has debunked the perception that Malaysians are reading less, according to PBAKL Organising Chairman Mohd Khair Ngadiron.

He said more than 60 per cent of visitors to the book fair were youths aged below 40, with the event attracting an average of about 200,000 visitors daily.

“The overwhelming presence of young people at PBAKL 2026 clearly refutes the notion that society is reading less nowadays,” he told Bernama at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today.

He noted that young people not only made up the majority of visitors but also played a significant role as exhibitors, entrepreneurs and industry players within the book ecosystem.

Mohd Khair attributed the growing participation of youths partly to the influence of social media platforms, influencers and celebrities who have ventured into writing and publishing.

He said platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Threads have become highly effective promotional tools in cultivating interest in books and reading-related activities among younger audiences.

“Today’s young generation is creative and innovative. They are not only drawn to books, but also to complementary activities such as merchandise sales, meet-the-author sessions and interactive programmes,” he said.

Commenting on reading trends, Mohd Khair said novels remained the most sought-after genre among visitors, followed by motivational, self-development, religious and healing-themed books.

PBAKL 2026, which is being held at WTCKL, recorded more than 1.7 million visitors as of its seventh day, reflecting an increase compared to the previous edition of the fair.

-- BERNAMA