Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed concern that children are losing the reading habit due to the influence of social media, which shortens their attention spans and replaces knowledge with brief information. This warning was issued during the launch of the National Book Fair 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Center.
Anwar voiced his worries that reading culture has become a problem in the modern world, noting that many people are no longer interested in reading and instead consume superficial information from social media. He emphasized that attempting to solve complex issues in just 20 words or directing insults in 40 words is dangerous, adding that this does not constitute true knowledge.
Event Details
During his speech, Anwar affirmed that society cannot truly be great without a strong reading culture and intellectual curiosity. He pointed out that the average Malaysian reads about five books annually, which is lower than their neighbors in Singapore and Thailand, where citizens read 6.7 and 6.3 books per year, respectively. However, the Malaysian National Library indicates that the number rises to 24 books annually when accounting for digital reading.
Regionally, Malaysians spend an average of 122 hours per year reading, slightly less than Vietnam (123 hours) and significantly less than Singapore (155 hours).
Background & Context
Malaysia has a long history of promoting reading and culture. However, rapid technological changes and the rise of social media have significantly impacted reading habits. In recent years, the Malaysian government has launched several initiatives to promote reading, including providing book vouchers worth RM100 to high school students, with the program expanded to include university students the following year.
Anwar noted that this program will continue and will not be affected by any budget cuts, reflecting the government's commitment to fostering a reading culture among the youth.
Impact & Consequences
Anwar's warnings point to a broader issue regarding the impact of social media on education and culture. The decline in reading can lead to weakened critical thinking and creativity, affecting future generations' ability to tackle complex challenges. This trend may also contribute to the spread of misinformation, as many rely on unreliable sources for their information.
This issue is particularly significant in light of the global shift towards digital education, where governments and communities must adopt effective strategies to promote reading and the pursuit of knowledge.
Regional Significance
Arab countries also face similar challenges in promoting a reading culture among youth. With the increasing use of social media, it has become essential for governments and communities to adopt strategies that enhance reading and develop critical thinking skills. Promoting reading can contribute to building more aware communities capable of facing challenges.
In conclusion, Anwar Ibrahim's warning highlights the need to revive the reading culture in Malaysian society, which can serve as an important lesson for other countries in the region.