By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Dec 3 —The state government has contributed over RM250,000 to ensure the 2021 Selangor Book Fair’s success.
Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad said the amount was given as a subsidy for stall lots fees, to the event’s 121 exhibitors.
“We as the organiser understand the economic difficulties faced by the exhibitors, so for the fair this year the sites are priced lower, between RM2,000 to RM3,000 compared to the previous RM3,600 to RM5,300.
“The offset is borne by the state government. This eases the exhibitors’ burden and helps them generate revenue. Payment is made directly to the vendor,” she told SelangorKini.
Mastura said they appreciated the contribution. and considered it as a step to support reading culture among the community.
Today also sees the state-level celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which will be held simultaneously with the book fair.
It will be launched by the state executive councillor for women and family development Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud at 2pm.
The second day of the book fair also featured independent speaker Syamsul Debat in the programme ‘Finding the Joy of Working in the New Norm’ (Mencari Kegembiraan Bekerja Dalam Norma Baharu) as the opening event.
Other scheduled programmes include a discussion ‘Beware of the Dangers of Pedophilia: Know and Avoid’ (Awas Bahaya Pedofilia: Kenali dan Hindari) by a psychology officer from the Selangor Police Headquarters, and a talk on Social Media and Entrepreneurship by Telekom Malaysia.
Several other programmes which ran in the morning included online talks on the publication of children’s books, and the Quran Time session.
Meanwhile, the afternoon session will feature performances by the nasyid group In-Team and NGO Naurah Care to enliven the atmosphere and entertain visitors.
National Laureate Dr Shamsuddin Osman will be in attendance for the ‘Bicara Hati dan Minda Sasterawan’ event at 2.30pm.
The 11-day fair started yesterday at the Shah Alam Convention Center, and will run until December 12, from 10am to 9pm, while on Friday and Saturday it will close late at 10pm.
Over 200,000 local and international books are offered at attractive discounts, with several prominent personalities making appearances, including national astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha and former Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik.
Apart from a variety of activities, visitors also have the chance to win a lucky draw of RM500 cash every day.
