MOE steps up reading drive as students turn newspapers into creative learning tools

THE Ministry of Education (MOE) is strengthening initiatives aimed at nurturing reading habits among schoolchildren through the Newspaper and Magazine Workshop (AKHMA), a programme designed to encourage students to engage more actively with printed media and develop critical literacy skills.

Held in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL), the workshop brought together 200 students and teachers from across the country, utilising newspapers and magazines already supplied to school resource centres as educational tools.

Assistant Director of the Educational Resources and Technology Division (BSTP), Azatus Sakhia Shakir Mashkor, said the programme was intended to ensure that newspapers distributed to schools nationwide were fully utilised and appreciated by students.

"We want students to appreciate the information available in newspapers and magazines. Through newspapers and magazines, they not only learn how to find information, but can also apply reading techniques more effectively," BH quoted her saying.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the ministry to strengthen literacy and encourage students to develop reading as a lifelong habit while enhancing their ability to analyse information and current affairs.

Azatus Sakhia said the programme has now entered its second year and remains a key component of the ministry's strategy to promote reading among school students.

She added that the ministry intends to continue expanding the programme in the future, citing the strong response received from schools throughout the country.

Beyond encouraging reading, the workshop also seeks to stimulate creativity by challenging participants to transform information from newspapers and magazines into projects such as scrapbooks and original written works.

For many students, the programme provided an opportunity to engage with current affairs in ways they had not previously considered.

Nurain Afrina Khairil, 17, a student from Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuala Selangor, said the workshop had been particularly enjoyable because reading was already one of her favourite hobbies, although she admitted she rarely read newspapers.

"Through this programme, I not only learn about current developments and national affairs, but I also feel excited about producing my own work.

"In addition, our group chose to create a scrapbook focusing on crime-related issues in the country," she said.

Another participant, 10-year-old Nur Maryam Nailah Mohd Badrul Amin from Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Lui Jempol in Negeri Sembilan, said she was delighted to create a scrapbook entitled Daulat Tuanku.

"I enjoyed learning through AKHMA using tear-and-paste techniques here.

"If given the opportunity, I would be interested in writing my own book in the future," she said.

The workshop highlights the ministry's growing emphasis on combining traditional reading materials with hands-on creative activities as part of its wider effort to foster literacy, critical thinking and a deeper appreciation of information among Malaysia's younger generation. - June 2, 2026