Book fair to cultivate reading among students

Book fair to cultivate reading among students

The Johor Book Fair, which attracted the participation of 60 publishers with 100 stalls set up, aims to to promote reading as a habit especially among students.

Students from 20 schools statewide are expected to make trips to Danga City Mall’s Expo hall daily for the fair which ends tomorrow.

Secondary school student Siti Hajar Mohd Gazali, 14, said the book fair was a good way to cultivate reading habit among students “I think students who come to the fair will have fun because there are many types of books to choose from such as novels, comics and academic exercise books.

“I plan to tell my parents about the fair and hope they will bring my siblings to buy books,” she said.

Primary five student Wan Hakim Wan Halim said his favourite part of the exhibition was the caricature corner.

“There were five artists who drew caricatures in a matter of minutes.

“For only RM7, one of the artists sketched a caricature of me and I am very satisfied with the drawing,” he said.

His classmate from SK Taman Rinting (2) P. Praavintran said that he bought a few exercise books for revision.

“My friends and I bought History, Mathematics and Science workbooks to prepare ourselves for the UPSR exams next year.

“I am glad that my teacher brought us to the fair because there are a lot of books for us to choose from,” he said, adding that reading was one of his favourite past times.

Johor Education director Sufa’at Tumin, who launched the fair said that there were a total of 100 exhibitors including 60 publishers at the fair.

“The public can get their hands on various types of books including academic books, novels, comics, religious and cookbooks at the fair.

“Such fairs will encourage more people to read as reading is a productive activity that promotes critical thinking and exercises the mind,” he said.

He added other than book exhibitions, there was also the 1Malaysia dance performances, colouring contests, lucky draws and singing performances to entertain visitors while they read.

The fair which ends tomorrow is from 10am until 9pm, admission is free.

-News courtesy of The Star-