KUALA LUMPUR: The continued provision of the RM250 Book Voucher for 1.2 million higher learning and Form 6 students nationwide – as announced in the 2018 Budget on Friday – proves the government’s seriousness and consistency in instilling a love for knowledge among youth.
Institute of Translation and Book Malaysia (ITBM) chief executive officer Mohd Khair Ngadiron said the Book Voucher has increased the enthusiasm of students to purchase books as leisure reading and reference materials.
“All book industry players are welcoming the announcement. Together with the government, we will produce more quality books and reading materials in order to equip students with knowledge.
“We hope the Book Voucher will be use specifically to purchase books, and not computer accessories or smartphone devices.
“We would also recommend specific monitoring of the (distribution and use of the) vouchers to avoid leakages,” Khair said in a statement.
While tabling the budget, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the government will continue providing the RM250 Book Voucher to each and every higher learning and Form 6 student.
The Book Voucher was first introduced in the 2012 Budget.