(From second left) Edison, Ripin and the participants pose with the programme materials.
MIRI (April 23): The ‘Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit’ programme (Let’s Read Together for 10 Minutes) should be expanded to smaller villages to raise awareness on the importance of a reading culture among the community, particularly youths.
State Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat said such efforts should be implemented in an integrated manner with the cooperation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Ripin noted that corporate social responsibility (CSR) approaches involving organisations such as Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Miri and NGOs could help extend reading activities to rural communities.
“Programmes like this should be expanded to small villages so that reading habits among the community can be enhanced,” he said when officiating the activity, organised by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Miri at the Kampung Bakam Multipurpose Hall here.
The Lambir assemblyman stressed that reading serves as a gateway to knowledge, success, and a better quality of life.
Ripin said through reading, individuals not only acquire knowledge but also develop critical thinking skills and shape their life direction, including in education and career pathways.
“A reading culture is the starting point for building knowledgeable human capital. By nurturing a society that loves reading, we can produce quality generations and future leaders capable of advancing Sarawak and the nation,” he said.
He also commended the efforts of various parties, including strategic partners, digital community centres, village security and development committees (JKKKs), schools, and NGOs, for their cooperation in ensuring the programme’s success.
At the same time, Ripin pointed out that current technological advancements have made reading materials more accessible through smart devices, reducing reliance on physical books.
However, he cautioned the public to be discerning when consuming content on social media, noting that it is not always educational and may be commercially driven or purely for entertainment.
“Users need to be wise in evaluating content and not be easily influenced by unverified information.”
He expressed hope that the programme would increase interest in reading among the community, even though the campaign encourages just 10 minutes of reading a day.
“If practised consistently throughout the year, it will certainly have a significant impact on improving knowledge and quality of life,” he added.
Earlier, Pustaka Miri regional manager Edison Ricket said the reading campaign is an annual nationwide initiative encouraging the public to spend at least 10 minutes reading, either physically or online.
He said the activity aims to cultivate reading habits, raise awareness of its importance, and build a reading culture among the community, particularly in Sarawak.
Edison added that last year’s programme in Limbang attracted 462 participants, with various activities organised.
He expressed hope that participation from all levels of society, regardless of age, would continue to grow, strengthening literacy culture and producing a knowledgeable and competitive community.
