ASEAN Records is proud to officially recognise Perbadanan Kota Buku for achieving the milestone:
Largest Book Swapping Event Organised under a National Reading Initiative (2,890 Participants from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on 25 April 2026 during Kota Baca 2026 at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur)
This recognition highlights a significant nationwide effort to promote reading culture through large-scale public engagement, reinforcing the role of books and literacy as central pillars of a knowledge-driven society.
Driving a Nationwide Reading Movement Through Kota Baca 2026
The record-setting event took place as part of Kota Baca 2026, a national literacy programme organised by the Ministry of Education and implemented by Perbadanan Kota Buku. Held from 23 to 26 April 2026, the initiative coincided with the World Book and Copyright Day celebrations, with its main activities centred at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.
A Landmark Book Swapping Event Engaging Thousands
A key highlight of the programme was the mass book swapping event, held on the evening of 25 April 2026 at Dataran Merdeka, where 2,890 participants gathered in a coordinated, large-scale exchange of books.
This event formed part of a broader programme segment described as the “Himpunan Tukar Buku Terbesar di Asia Tenggara,” where participants actively exchanged books in a shared space, symbolising knowledge sharing and community participation.
Beyond its scale, the initiative encouraged meaningful interaction among participants, promoting the idea that books are not only personal possessions but shared resources that can circulate knowledge across communities.
Integrating Literacy, Culture, and Community Engagement
Kota Baca 2026 featured a wide range of programmes designed to engage audiences of all ages, combining literacy, cultural expression, and community participation.
These included literary and cultural performances such as poetry readings and theatre, intellectual discussions on topics including artificial intelligence, storytelling competitions, and interactive sessions with authors and national literary figures.
Community-focused activities such as family-friendly programmes, book-themed runs, and interactive initiatives like the Kota Baca Passport further enhanced visitor participation, creating an inclusive and dynamic environment that encouraged active engagement with reading and literature.
A Milestone Moment of Recognition
The ASEAN Records certificate was officially presented on 25 April 2026 at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, in conjunction with Kota Baca 2026.
The recognition was received by Puan Adibah Omar, Chief Executive Officer of Perbadanan Kota Buku, and witnessed by YB Fadhlina Sidek, Minister of Education, highlighting the national significance of the initiative and its contribution to Malaysia’s reading agenda.
Voices of Leadership
Reflecting on the recognition and the broader impact of the initiative, Puan Adibah Omar shared:
“This achievement reflects a collective effort to bring books back into the centre of society. Kota Baca is not just an event, but a national movement to cultivate a culture of reading among Malaysians.
By creating large-scale, inclusive platforms such as the book swapping initiative, we aim to encourage knowledge sharing, strengthen community engagement, and inspire a lifelong habit of reading across all levels of society.”
Advancing Malaysia’s Reading Culture Through National Initiatives
This milestone underscores the importance of sustained, large-scale initiatives in shaping reading habits and building an informed, knowledgeable society.
Kota Baca 2026 demonstrates how integrated programmes—combining physical events, digital platforms, and community participation—can effectively promote literacy while fostering social cohesion.
As Malaysia continues to advance its national reading agenda, initiatives like this play a critical role in positioning the country as a regional leader in literacy and knowledge development.
About Perbadanan Kota Buku
Perbadanan Kota Buku is an agency under the Ministry of Education Malaysia responsible for driving the development of the national book industry and promoting reading culture across the country.
Through strategic initiatives, partnerships, and large-scale programmes such as Kota Baca, the organisation plays a key role in supporting the National Reading Decade and strengthening Malaysia’s position as a knowledge-based society.
