GEORGE TOWN: A vibrant reading culture must begin at home before extending to schools and the wider community to build an intellectual society, Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said.
She said fostering long-term literacy required a concerted effort involving families, schools and government-led initiatives.
She cited national programmes including student book vouchers and the Kota Buku project, which are aimed at ensuring access to quality literature for all children.
Fadhlina said reading should go beyond basic academic requirements to encourage deeper critical thinking, courtesy and comprehension.
"We also require deep reading — meaning understanding every page and character with a stronger message," she said on the sidelines of the National Seminar: Works and Thoughts of Lim Swee Tin today.
