PENA Launches Phase Three of PENA-Malaysia MADANI Book Project

KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 (Bernama) -- The National Writers’ Association of Malaysia (PENA) today launched phase three of the PENA-Malaysia MADANI book publishing project as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the local book and literary industry. 

PENA president Dr Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad said writers can submit manuscripts across various genres, including novels, short stories, poetry, stage plays, general books, biographies, memoirs, travelogues and children’s picture books from today until Dec 31. 

He said following the success of the previous phases, the third phase continues with an allocation of RM1 million approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to intellectual development. 

“This project is not merely a platform for writers to introduce themselves, but aims to build a comprehensive book publishing ecosystem where writers, publishers, printers, illustrators and editors all benefit,” he said at a press conference in conjunction with the launch of the third phase at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today. 

Also present were PENA-Malaysia MADANI book publishing project director Mohd Khair Ngadiron, who is also the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2026 organising committee adviser and PENA treasurer Azalan Hussain. 

Commenting on the selection process, Mohamad Saleeh said manuscripts will undergo a rigorous evaluation by experts within six months of the submission of the complete manuscript. 

Meanwhile, Mohd Khair said for the third phase, each selected title will be professionally published with an initial print run of 1,000 copies, in addition to offering a 10 per cent royalty to authors. 

At the same time, he said the Prime Minister’s commitment to fostering a reading culture among the public was exceptional, citing the provision of book vouchers to secondary school students and those in higher education institutions. 

Since its introduction in 2024, the PENA-Malaysia MADANI book publishing project has successfully published more than 128 titles, featuring over 150 local writers, with distribution to 2,292 secondary schools, 20 public universities and rural libraries nationwide. 

Interested writers may submit their complete manuscripts via bukupena.com.my.

-- BERNAMA