By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Dec 5 — The 2021 Selangor Book Fair is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors over the 11-day period at the Shah Alam Convention Centre (SACC), here, says Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Menteri Besar said the target includes both physical and online participation, starting from December 2 to 12.
“We are getting encouraging responses not just by the number or attendants, but also from the sales transactions, especially on school’s equipment, scientific books and other items.
“Apart from benefitting book lovers, the book fair would also help to boost the economy especially for those who were affected by the Covid-19 outbreak,” he said after officiating the event, yesterday.
Amirudin said that the 16th instalment of the event also featured a seminar on the publication of books for special needs children .
“As far as I am concerned, there is no specific programme related to this aspect in the Southeast Asia region. We believe this programme has its own followers and there are a lot of materials to be explored.
“We have also provided facilities for persons with disabilities (OKU) and physical distancing is being enforced during the event to curb Covid-19 outbreak,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amirudin had also launched the Broadband Network Joint Venture Project between Smartsel and the Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS).
“This project will provide internet connectivity to the public libraries in nine districts throughout Selangor. This is a pioneer project and the budget will be detailed later on.
“If the full implementation is approved, most likely the allocation would come either from the state government or the Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated),” he said.
With 152 booths, more than 200,000 local and international publications are offered at discounted prices at the book fair.
Apart from an array of activities, visitors also will stand a chance to win a lucky draw of RM500 cash prizes every day.
