The reading culture among Malaysians is in dire straits.
As of 2022, the average Malaysian spends less than three hours per week engaged in reading activities.
This figure pales in comparison to the 10-hour average in India, nine hours in Thailand, and eight hours in Indonesia.
A 2005 interim study by the National Library of Malaysia revealed that Malaysians, on average, only read two books per year.
Although this number increased to 15 books by 2014, it still falls significantly short of the 40-book average in developed nations.
Are we too preoccupied with daily tasks to spare time for reading?
While we find ample time to scroll through social media platforms like TikTok, excuses abound when it comes to picking up a book.
It's time to leverage the advancements in information and communication technology (ICT) to revitalize our dwindling reading habits.
Whether it's enjoying e-books on smartphones during commutes or listening to audiobooks during rush hour, there are numerous opportunities to incorporate reading into our daily lives.
Let's reclaim our weekends and public holidays for reading, whether it's embracing the tactile experience of physical books or delving into e-books.
The cost of books from overseas shouldn't deter us, as public libraries offer a treasure trove of quality reads without membership fees.
Additionally, budget-friendly bookstores like Big Bad Wolf and BookXcess are excellent alternatives.
It's high time we discard the excuses that hold us back from reading.
Let's break free from the confines of our comfort zones and embark on a journey of intellectual enrichment.
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