BY SHARIFAH NONG-JASIMA AND ANIS HIPNI
KUCHING: Malaysians nationwide paused for a shared moment of reflection and learning during the annual Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit (Let’s Read Together for 10 Minutes) programme, aimed at nurturing a sustainable reading culture across all layers of society.
Held simultaneously at 11 am nationwide, the programme carried the theme, ‘Menikmati Saat Ini’ (To Enjoy the Moment), encouraging Malaysians to reconnect with the simple joy of reading.
Organised by Kolej Datu Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah (Kolej Abdillah) and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), the programme was officiated by the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, at the school hall on Wednesday.
In her speech, Sharifah Hasidah likened reading to an everyday ritual while reflecting on the programme’s purpose.
“Small initiatives like this are powerful reminders that change starts with simple habits.
“If each of us dedicated just 10 minutes to reading every morning, before heading to the market, school or work, we could cultivate a lifelong habit that enriches our minds and hearts.
“Just as we instinctively reach for a glass of water or our morning coffee, reading too can become second nature.
“With consistency and intention, insya-Allah, reading will no longer feel like a task but a natural part of our daily rhythm,” she said.
Meanwhile, DBKU Mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman stressed that Malaysians should continue nurturing a reading habit, as it benefits both individuals and the community.
“It brings benefits not just to individuals, but to the broader community.
“I urge parents, educators and students to use available platforms to seek knowledge and expand their understanding.
“Today’s access to reading materials, made easier by digital devices and smartphones, offers unprecedented opportunities compared to the past,” he said.
The 10-minute reading programme was launched in 2014 by the National Library of Malaysia (PNM) to promote reading among Malaysians, held in conjunction with the annual World Book and Copyright Day celebration on April 23.
While speaking to reporters, Malaysian Parents Consensus Platform (MAPIM) Sarawak President, Datuk Rozalix Edi Wahab, said MAPIM Sarawak encourages families to foster reading habits from an early age.
“MAPIM Sarawak supports the reading culture and encourages parents to cultivate reading habits within the family as an effort to balance mobile phone usage among today’s younger generation.
“By nurturing a love for reading from an early age, knowledge will be broadened, helping to balance screen time and promote better eye health for our children,” he said.
