ALOR SETAR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s largest book fair, Big Bad Wolf (BBW), serves as an excellent platform to enhance reading literacy and English language proficiency among the public, particularly the younger generation in Kedah.
State Education, Religion, Communications and Information Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Azam Abd Samat said reading culture must be instilled in children from an early age, as knowledge is crucial in nurturing a knowledgeable and capable generation for the future.
“The book fair, which runs from today until Aug 9 at Stadium Sultan Abdul Halim, Alor Setar, is very good. I saw many books that are suitable for children, especially in English.
“It is capable of attracting the public’s interest to improve their English proficiency. The English books sold feature interactive illustrations to help readers become more familiar with the language,” he said at the opening ceremony of BBW here today.
He added that the state government has also called for collective action across agencies and society to promote a reading culture and develop a knowledgeable generation to advance the state and the nation.
Meanwhile, BBW representative Chloe Lim Sooi Yee said 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the festival this year, a goal expected to be achieved with the cooperation of the state government.
“This BBW event is being held concurrently with Temasya Orang Kedah (TOK) at Stadium Darul Aman, so we hope those attending the festival will also visit the book sale. To attract visitors, the BBW mascot will be present at TOK from today until Sunday.
“Visitors should stay alert for the mascot’s appearance there. If they spot our mascot, they can take a photo with it and upload it on any social media platform and tag us. If selected, they stand a chance to win cash vouchers as well as lucky draw prizes, including a 10-gramme gold bar,” she said.
The 11-day book sale, which runs from 10 am to 10 pm, features 40 per cent new titles to provide visitors with a wide selection of reading materials. Admission is free.
-- BERNAMA