Malaysians do not read a wide range of subjects

The Pelangi Publishing Group Bhd sees good growth prospects in Indonesia and Thailand as people in the two countries are avid book readers. The executive chairman and group managing director Samuel Sum Kown Cheek said another major factor were the large domestic markets there. He also mentioned that Indonesians and Thais read books of a wider range of subjects unlike Malaysians who only go for examination and revision books.

Is that surprising? Whenever we visit those two countries, we would be able to see for ourselves the variety of subjects available in their book stores. There are sections for the examination and revision books but anyone interested in other subjects can find other selections there too. The book store becomes a treasure house of knowledge for the inquisitive mind. Students who might just be there to buy their school books are tempted by other titles outside of their required reading list. The titles might range from the latest fiction to discourses on philosophy and religion. That variety is an added attraction for the buyer to stay longer in the store and buy other books.

Compare that situation with what is available in our book stores. A few do have variety but they are so few and concentrated in the urban centres. Some might say that the internet has helped to close the gap between what is available in urban and rural areas but is that true? A further study is needed to ascertain whether the lack of book stores which carry a variety of titles in most parts of the country has contributed to our sometimes jaundiced view of certain issues. Exposure to just what is written in text books is not a good way to broaden the outlook of the reader. The reader needs variety as it is a part of human nature. The variety stimulates, instigates, questions the norm and seeks answers from all sources.

We have to supply that source whether through the traditional book store and library, or with a better approach in looking for the right material using what is available in cyber space. As readers become more mature with an arsenal of solid background material, he can make a better decision in many situations. The more he reads, the more confident he is that he is on the right footing when asked to justify his decisions.

Image from colourbox