Government expands MADANI Book Vouchers to boost reading culture

The Government has announced a significant expansion of the MADANI Book Voucher initiative, extending assistance to all secondary school students and university students under the Ministry of Higher Education as part of efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s reading culture and build a knowledge-driven society.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed the enhanced programme during the official launch of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2026, one of the region’s largest literary events. Under the expanded initiative, eligible students will receive book vouchers worth RM100 each to purchase reading materials.

The announcement builds on the success of previous programmes that have sought to improve access to books while supporting literacy development. The MADANI Book Voucher 2024 programme benefited 3,566,544 students nationwide, while the MADANI Teacher Book Voucher Programme 2025 reached 428,027 educators.

The enhanced initiative will be accompanied by measures to improve accessibility, streamline user experience, and strengthen support for local publishers and booksellers. The programme is expected to benefit students, educators, families, and the wider public by encouraging greater engagement with reading and learning.

The Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair is organised by the Malaysian National Book Council (MBKM) with strategic support from the Ministry of Education and industry stakeholders. Perbadanan Kota Buku (PKB) serves as a key implementation and ecosystem partner in supporting the national book industry and facilitating access to quality reading materials.

Industry stakeholders welcome continued investment in literacy

Industry leaders have welcomed the Government’s continued investment in literacy and education, highlighting the broader impact of the initiative on the publishing ecosystem.

Chief Executive Officer of Perbadanan Kota Buku, Adibah Omar, described the book fair as an important platform for promoting reading and collaboration within the industry.

“The Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair remains a vital platform for advancing Malaysia’s reading culture and uniting stakeholders across the publishing value chain. The continued leadership shown through the Book Voucher initiative signals a clear commitment to empowering Malaysians through knowledge and lifelong learning,” she said.

Adibah added that the next phase of the programme is expected to improve access, inclusivity and innovation across the book ecosystem while benefiting the wider community.

“PKB stands ready to support this vision by enhancing digital platforms, expanding industry participation, and ensuring the initiative delivers meaningful, long-term impact for the nation,” she said.

As the implementing agency for previous voucher programmes, PKB has also played a role in advancing digital transformation within the industry through platforms such as BookCapital.my, helping to connect publishers, distributors, educators and readers nationwide.

PBAKL 2026 is expected to attract hundreds of publishers, authors and literary enthusiasts from across the region, reinforcing its position as one of Malaysia’s leading cultural and intellectual events. The expanded MADANI Book Voucher initiative is expected to further support reading habits, strengthen the local publishing industry and contribute to the nation’s long-term educational and knowledge development goals.