Reading-A Positive Culture On Board A Train

By Ali Imran Mohd Noordin BUKIT MERTAJAM (Malaysia), Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Based on statistics, reading among Malaysians has picked up from two books read in a year in 2005 to some 8-12 books in 2010, which is a promising trend. However, the study on Reading Habits held by the National Library (conducted once every five years) did not take into account the reading of digital materials, otherwise the figure would have been higher. With this in mind, PNM, in collaboration with the national railway entity KTMB, has launched the "Lets Read 1Malaysia" (MM1M) programme to boost reading among users of public transport in Malaysia. Launched last Nov 12, the programme is an offshoot of the pilot project unveiled in November 2008 at the KTMB station in Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, Perak. Now, the programme has been extended to Bukit Mertajam station in Pulau Pinang. The launch was held on board the Ekspres Sinaran Utara train service heading from Ipoh to Bukit Mertajam. The guest of honour was Deputy Information, Communication and Culture Minister Maglin Dennis D’Cruz. The programme's launch was marked with various activities, including the Presentation of gifts to passengers, as well as poem recital by undergraduates of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). A reading campaign for children was also held. PEOPLE AND TOURISTS Maglin said he was happy with the programme's achievement, which has had a positive impact on Malaysians and tourists. "When I heard about this programme for the first time, I knew that it would be a great one," he said. "By reading, tourists will know our country better, plus accurate information can be relayed to the public," said Maglin. Maglin said the quality of reading materials is vital in that it ensures the language against being tarnished, in addition to educating readers on grammar and vocabulary. BOOK BANK The programme's concept is simple. The public can donate books at the Book Bank at railway stations. The books will be made available on shelves in KTMB train coaches. For the time being, the Book Bank is available at the KTMB stations in KL Sentral, Ipoh and Bukit Mertajam. The concept will be expanded to other KTMB stations in the future. PNM welcomes any books from the public that are still in good condition, as the books will benefit other readers instead of being dumped elsewhere. The national library agency also acts as the bridge for publishers that wish to contribute reading materials under this programme. "Implementation of this programme involves no costs. We utilise reading materials obtained for free and these books are for KTMB passengers," said PNM Deputy Director-General Siti Rodziah Othman. "This is one of the platforms available for the public and government agencies to inculcate a reading culture in the society," she said. BOOST QUALITY For KTMB, such programmes can enhance the quality of services offered to train passengers, apart from enabling the railway agency to maximise the space available in each of the train coaches. The marketing manager for KTMB's InterCity Services, Mohd Noordin Kimi, said KTMB has plans to make its stations and train coaches reader-friendly. "We are aware of the potential to add value to the existing facilities by making them reader-friendly, and we will make changes to improve the MMIM programme from time to time, such as providing reading corners at all stations," he said. At present, first and second class coaches in the north-south train Services, including the Sinaran Utara, Senandung Mutiara and Sinaran Selatan, have reading corners. By next year, this facility will be expanded to cover the east coast route on services such as Senandung Wau and Senandung Timuran. It also will be made available in third-class coaches, in line with plans to upgrade such coaches. POEM RECITAL Undergraduates from UPSI also lent their help by reciting poems non-stop during the four-hour train journey. One of them, Siti Hajar Basir, 22, said: "Poetry is part of the Malay Literature, hence the younger generation need to be involved to ensure its continuity," she said. Bernama had the opportunity to meet some of the train passengers to gauge their feedback on this programme. A Malaysian who has been residing in London for the past 30 years, 60-year-old Harris Possible said he was impressed with the MMIM programme. "This effort should be given the thumbs up, as satisfaction from reading is something fascinating." "In London, there is a similar campaign named ‘BookCrossing,’ where people are invited to leave their books at public spots so that the materials can be picked up and shared by others," he said, adding that he hopes the programme can be implemented in Malaysia in the future. Student Tan Sing Yee, 20, said he hopes the campaign is able to encourage train passengers to read while on board. Civil servant Zamri Dulhadi, 27, said reading should be a daily routine for Malaysians, just like exercises to remain healthy. "This culture should be nurtured right from childhood. It will create a paradigm shift in establishing a reading society in Malaysia," he said. DRAWS INTEREST Australians James Welch, 29, and Harriet Jones, 23, who visited Malaysia to enjoy the country's beauty, were impressed with the effort shown by PNM and KTMB. Both said that reading is a culture in Australia and the programme should augur well with the Malaysian society. "Reading provides the alternative for train passengers, aside from enjoying the pictureque landscape and watching movies," said Welch. Jones said the efforts should have the support of all parties, including parents, and not simply left to the authorities to shoulder alone. -- BERNAMA