MALAYSIAN READING MORE, BUT STILL NOT ENOUGH

Category: Features
Published on 20 July 2011
Written by Super User
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More and more Malaysians are picking up the habit of reading. This was revealed in a recent
survey which said each Malaysian reads eight to 12 books on an average in a year, as
compared to a 2005 survey which said that they read only two books annually. But what is
the genre of books they are reading?
The choice of books is an important factor as this contributes positively to the society. A
previous study had revealed that many Malaysian readers are more inclined towards light
books and magazines. Here, another point needs to be considered. Can those who read
novels or fashion and entertainment magazines, be categorized as readers?
The response, however, is: "at least I do read". But in line with the slogan People who read,
People who are successful, can a person claim success by merely reading light books?

Is It Wrong to Read 'Light' Books?

Glancing through the corner of the bedroom of 17-year-old Alia Kamarul Ahmad, one can
find heaps of books. This would naturally mean that Alia Kamarul is a book worm. But a
closer look reveals that Alia Kamarul's collection is made up of various genres of novels,
including those on romance and suspense, apart from various light magazines. There are
only a handful of academic books, and that too related to her university studies.

"Reading academically oriented books makes me feel bored and sleepy too. However there
is nothing wrong in reading novels and magazines as compared to not reading at all," she
told Bernama.

Commenting on this issue, Associate Professor Datuk Mohamad Ali Hasan of Universiti
Malaya's Science faculty said, it is not wrong to read books in the lighter category but it will
be wise not to totally rely on that genre.

"It is good that Malaysians are reading more books, but they are reading light books and shy
away from heavy stuff. Ideally they should be reading various books, including those that
increase knowledge. Why? Because we want to create a generation of thinkers and this is
very important," said Mohamed Ali, who is the president of the Collaborative Council for the
National Parent-Teacher Association.

Reading Uninteresting Books a Waste of Time

Many people in the Malaysian society prefer reading books that are related to their field of
work or are of light genre. For them, reading books which are not to their liking is a waste of
time, which they feel will not contribute to self-development. Such thinking will limit the
horizon of their knowledge, said Mohamad Ali.
"Their scope of knowledge will be limited. The nation needs people who think globally,
hence we should read more. How can we master knowledge if we read only light books?
Look at Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid, who while in secondary
school, had read all the books in the school library and this enabled him to analyze and
discuss issues," said Mohamed Ali.

Pointing at the 'examination-oriented' education system instead of 'lifetime education', he

said the reading culture among Malaysians is yet to reach the level of awareness,
understanding and appreciation. This is because many still regard the culture of reading as a
burden and devoid of fun.

"This has led the people to read only light books and they only read knowledge books to
pass the examination and boost their career. We have not reached the level where reading
is fun and without any regret, he said.

Reading on One's Own Will

Reading habit cannot be forced on a person. However it is the parents duty to inculcate a
reading culture in their children.

"I do not agree to making children read what they prefer. Parents should educate their
children on reading various materials, including knowledge and lighter stuff too. This is not
to ask them to read 'heavy' books on knowledge, but only that which is suitable for their
age. If they are used to this from childhood, then the habit will follow them right into
adulthood," said Mohamad Ali.

Budget Less for Books

He said many people are not willing to spend part of their earnings on buying quality books.
He called for a change in this attitude. "We are yet to see a Malaysian culture where the
shelves are full of books. The same goes for educational reading materials. It has to catch up
among the society here as compared to those in the West," he said.

Increasing Skilled Workforce

The Malaysian government's objective is to achieve a high per capita income of RM15,000
by 2020, apart from having 37 per cent skilled workforce by 2015. This target may, however,
fail if the society does not inculcate the habit of reading books on knowledge. The task does
not lie with the government alone, but also the initiative of the people.

"We will be left behind if we only read 'light' materials. We have to catch up. We are already
behind and we have to move fast," he said.

- Bernama