Apa yang rakyat Malaysia suka baca?

Abstract

This newspaper article discusses the findings of the 2022/2023 Malaysian Reading Habits Study, which revealed that 89.9% of Malaysians aged 21-27 read, but there's a significant shift in their reading habits. The study highlights a preference for digital content, with many individuals opting for pirated e-books or illegal downloads due to high prices. This poses a challenge for the local publishing industry, particularly in terms of digital content creation and provision.

The article emphasizes the importance of supporting local publishers to ensure the continued development of the industry and the availability of diverse reading materials. It also notes that print material production costs are high, making digital content a more viable option. The study's findings indicate that while reading habits are strong, there's a need for a more sustainable ecosystem that addresses the affordability and accessibility of digital content, while also combating piracy to support local creators and publishers. The survey also revealed an increase in reading frequency, with Malaysians reading an average of 15 books per year in 2024, up from 14 books in 2014 and 2008. The article concludes by hoping that the Malaysian Reading Habits Study will benefit all stakeholders involved in the publishing industry.