ASIA Records is proud to officially recognise Perbadanan Kota Buku for achieving the milestone:
Largest Book Swapping Event Organised under a National Reading Initiative (2,890 Participants from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on 25 April 2026 during Kota Baca 2026 at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur)
This recognition marks a significant large-scale literacy initiative in Asia, demonstrating how community-driven programmes can effectively promote reading culture and public engagement through accessible and inclusive formats.
Kota Baca 2026: A National Movement with Regional Relevance
The record-setting event was held as part of Kota Baca 2026, a nationwide literacy initiative organised by the Ministry of Education Malaysia and implemented by Perbadanan Kota Buku.
Taking place from 23 to 26 April 2026, in conjunction with World Book and Copyright Day, the programme brought together government agencies, industry stakeholders, writers, and the public in a unified effort to strengthen reading habits and literacy engagement across Malaysia.
Kota Baca 2026 reflects a broader movement that extends beyond a single event—demonstrating how structured national initiatives can contribute to building a sustainable reading culture with potential relevance across the region.
A Large-Scale Public Book Swapping Initiative
On 25 April 2026, a total of 2,890 participants gathered at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur to take part in a coordinated book swapping session.
As part of the “Himpunan Tukar Buku Terbesar di Asia Tenggara,” the initiative encouraged participants to exchange books within a shared space, promoting reuse, accessibility, and knowledge circulation among communities.
The scale of participation highlights the effectiveness of community-based engagement in making reading more accessible, while reinforcing the value of books as shared resources within society.
Encouraging Literacy Through Inclusive Public Programming
Kota Baca 2026 featured a diverse range of programmes designed to engage audiences across different age groups and backgrounds.
These included literary performances, discussions on contemporary topics, storytelling sessions, and interactive engagements with authors and literary figures. Community-focused activities and family-friendly programmes further enhanced accessibility, encouraging broader participation from the public.
This integrated approach demonstrates how literacy initiatives can be positioned as both educational and experiential, creating meaningful connections between communities and reading culture.
A Milestone Moment of Recognition
The ASIA Records certificate was officially presented on 25 April 2026 at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, in conjunction with Kota Baca 2026.
The recognition was received by Puan Adibah Omar, Chief Executive Officer of Perbadanan Kota Buku, and witnessed by YB Fadhlina Sidek, Minister of Education Malaysia, in acknowledgement of the initiative’s national significance and regional impact.
Voices of Leadership
Reflecting on the recognition and its broader significance, Puan Adibah Omar shared:
“This achievement reflects a collective effort to bring books back into the centre of society. Kota Baca is not just an event, but a national movement to cultivate a culture of reading among Malaysians.
By creating inclusive platforms such as the book swapping initiative, we aim to encourage knowledge sharing, strengthen community engagement, and inspire a lifelong habit of reading.”
Advancing Reading Culture Across Asia
This milestone highlights the growing importance of large-scale, community-driven literacy initiatives in shaping reading habits and knowledge-sharing practices.
As countries across Asia continue to strengthen their education and literacy ecosystems, programmes such as Kota Baca demonstrate how coordinated public engagement can play a key role in building informed, connected, and knowledge-driven societies.
Perbadanan Kota Buku’s achievement sets a strong example for how national reading initiatives can create meaningful impact while contributing to the advancement of literacy culture across the region.
About Perbadanan Kota Buku
Perbadanan Kota Buku is an agency under the Ministry of Education Malaysia responsible for developing the national book industry and promoting reading culture across the country.
Through strategic initiatives and large-scale programmes such as Kota Baca, the organisation continues to support Malaysia’s National Reading Decade and strengthen literacy engagement at both national and regional levels.
