KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced the continuation of the RM100 book voucher initiative for secondary school students under the Education Ministry (MOE) and students at public higher education institutions (IPTA).
He said the vouchers can be redeemed at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2026, held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) from May 29 until June 7.
“I want to stress we can only include MOE secondary schools and universities under the Ministry of Higher Education (for this scheme now),” he said when officiating the opening of the fair.
Anwar also encouraged parents to ensure that students make full use of the vouchers to purchase reading materials that would benefit their education.
He said the book fair should continue to play a key role in promoting reading habits and nurturing a stronger reading culture, particularly among the younger generation in an increasingly digital world.
He also noted a growing tendency for people to rely solely on social media for information, warning that it could gradually weaken reading habits and deeper understanding of complex issues.
The Prime Minister urged educators to place stronger emphasis on knowledge across multiple disciplines, including religion, science and artificial intelligence (AI), while also strengthening students’ digital literacy.
While acknowledging ongoing fiscal constraints, Anwar said education and knowledge-building would remain national priorities.
He added that all ministries had been instructed to reduce unnecessary expenditure and adopt more prudent financial management to safeguard the economy.
“All ministries are important and all priorities matter, but under the current circumstances, everyone must act wisely and prudently. We need to understand the challenges, address weaknesses, reduce unnecessary costs and, at the same time, set clear priorities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education said the implementation of the voucher programme for secondary school students would be carried out soon.
In a statement, the ministry said the initiative announced by the Prime Minister is currently being finalised and is expected to benefit more than two million students.
"This initiative also coincides with MOE's efforts to make reading a priority among students which can improve the command of language and knowledge," the statement said today.
Earlier, Anwar announced the RM100 book voucher provision for secondary school students under MOE and IPTA students while officiating the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2026.
The initiative will continue this year, with vouchers usable at PBAKL 2026, which runs for 10 days from May 29 to June 7 at WTCKL. - May 29, 2026
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