KUALA LUMPUR: The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd is bringing back the culture of reading newspapers during its participation in the KL International Book Fair (PBAKL) at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), here.
NSTP circulation general maanger, Prakash Munusamy said there has been brisk sales of Berita Harian, New Straits Times and Harian Metro at the PBAKL daily. He said the newspapers brought in daily sold like hot cakes within a couple of hours.
"The demand for physical newspapers is quite high. Today, we brought 450 copies of the NST, BH and Harian Metro.
"Within two hours from 10am, all the newspapers were sold out. This is the objective for NSTP's participation in the PBAKL. We want to tell readers that our newspapers are still around, and we want them to recognise our brand while promoting the culture of reading," he said when met at the NSTP exhibit space in Bilik Mawar at WTCKL.
Prakash said the fair was also an opportunity to promote the e-paper of all three newspaper titles.
He said newly-registered NSTP e-paper subscribers would be given mystery gifts from various sponsors, including Julie's biscuits, Teh Cap Panglima and Nestle.
"We are targeting 300 month-long e-paper subscriptions for all three NSTP newspapers throughout the duration of PBAKL. So far, we have achieved 70 per cent of this target and we expect to reach this goal.
"Visitors who visit the NSTP booth will also get a free copy of Berita Harian throughout PBAKL. A total of 16,000 copies of BH will be distributed during the entire span of the fair with 1,600 copies given out daily," he said.
Meanwhile, the NSTP booth today featured a book signing event by 'Sayembara Novel Remaja dan Kanak-Kanak BH 2017' winner, Mazny Md Ramly.
"I thank the NSTP for providing a platform for writers to engage with their readers. It is an opportunity for us to meet our readers and promote our work.
"I hope that BH would continue such writing competitions. They not only give a chance for writers to showcase their talents, but also helps to enrich the field of children's literature in our country."