KUCHING – His Excellency the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, together with his wife, Her Excellency Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd. Sanusi, officially launched the First Reading Carnival and Sarawak Book Festival 2025 at The Hills Shopping Mall this morning.
The couple arrived at 10.00 am and were warmly received by dignitaries, including YB Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami, Deputy Minister of National Unity; YBhg. Datuk Dr. Abang Haji Abdul Rauf bin Abang Haji Zen, Chairman of the Sarawak State Library Management Board; YB Dato Lo Khere Chiang, State Assemblyman for Batu Kitang; YBrs. Tuan Haji Japri bin Bujang Masli, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak State Library; and YBrs. Encik Edy Irwan bin Zulkafli, Director General of the National Library of Malaysia, alongside other invited guests.
The ceremony began with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a welcome performance, prayer recital, and a Bicara Berirama performance by students from Kolej Datuk Patinggi Haji Abang Abdillah, Kuching.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic digital signing by TYT Tun Pehin Sri and YABhg. Toh Puan, marking the official opening of the festival. A special montage showcasing the spirit of the book festival was then presented, followed by the launch of seven new local books. Awards were also handed out, including the 2024 Active Reader Recognition Award and the Bicara Berirama: Unity in Diversity Competition Winner Award.
After the ceremony, the Head of State and his wife toured the book exhibition booths, which were organised by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak in collaboration with strategic partners such as the Ministry of National Unity, the National Library of Malaysia, book publishers, and other agencies.
In his speech, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi expressed his gratitude to all organisers and partners for their efforts. He emphasised that the festival would not only encourage the reading culture among Sarawakians but also support the growth of the local book industry.
He added that such events play an important role in uniting communities through knowledge and cultural exchange, while also creating opportunities for writers, publishers, and readers to connect.
The Sarawak Book Festival 2025 will continue throughout the week, featuring talks, workshops, book launches, cultural showcases, and community reading activities aimed at fostering a stronger reading culture in Sarawak. – TYT Sarawak