Penang: The Penang Book Fair 2025, held in conjunction with the national-level 2025 Unity Week (SMP) celebration, serves as a venue for students to 'hunt' for quality reading materials at special prices and attractive discounts. The event, held at the Malaysian Library Pavilion in the grounds of Batu Kawan Stadium, features more than 50 stalls involving the participation of well-known publishing companies offering various types of reading materials such as novels, multi-level exercise books, and comics.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the fair is more than just a venue for book sales - it serves as a platform for education, culture, and unity, offering a variety of engaging activities for people of all ages. "PPAPP has prepared more than 50 stalls featuring renowned publishers offering a wide selection of books, including novels, exercise books, comics and more. We are also hosting cartoonist Ibrahim Anon, also known as Ujang," said its spokesperson.
The spokesperson mentioned that the book fair aims not only to foster an interest in reading but also to promote a spirit of unity through scholarly activities involving various levels of society.
Meanwhile, a Year Four student of Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Saujana Indah, Nibong Tebal, Maizatul Syasya Mohamad Muaz, 10, said she and a few friends took the opportunity to visit the Penang Book Fair to buy exercise books and comics. She said they came by bus as part of a school group, accompanied by several teachers. "I bought several exercise books, four of them cost only RM10. The teacher told us the exercise book sells for around RM5 elsewhere. So, I didn't want to miss the opportunity because they were so affordable. Many books were discounted and reasonably priced," she said, adding that she also bought some comics.
Her friend Nashwa Soffiya Mohamad Suffian also bought exercise books and comics and shared her excitement because, apart from buying books, she also participated in the colouring and quiz competitions. For form five student Nur Amira Izzati Mohd Nasir, 17, the book fair proved to be of great help in preparing her for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. "I managed to buy several SPM exercise books at discounted prices, offers I wouldn't normally get at regular bookstores. It has been very helpful in getting ready for the examination," she said.
SMP 2025, running from July 17 to 20, features 35 engaging activities. The key highlights include the Rumah KAMI ethnic exhibition, Kadazan Dusun and Orang Asli cultural villages, the Malaysia Tanah Airku showcase, and a historical timeline exhibition by the Department of Museums Malaysia. Various services are also provided directly to the public, including discounts on summonses issued by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ), as well as reductions in compound fines issued by the local authorities, such as the Penang City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).