KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced that the government has decided to provide book vouchers to teachers instead this year.
He said students had already benefited from them last year, and the government will decide on next year based on its financial status.
“We’re making adjustments this year. Last year, the vouchers went to students. This year, we’ve allocated them for all teachers.
“As for next year, it depends on the state of the economy,” he said during his speech at the closing ceremony of Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here.
Anwar explained this is because Malaysia is currently still grappling with the additional tariffs announced by Donald Trump’s US administration.
He said the initiative was extended to more than 400,000 teachers this year, as part of the government’s continued efforts to cultivate a reading culture among the public.
“We want to nurture not just learning, but wisdom. With these vouchers, I hope our teachers will be able to inspire students to read, explore, and grow intellectually,” he said.
Anwar said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek will issue more details on the book vouchers for teachers soon.
He also explained that discussions are ongoing to expand the scheme to also cover university students, including postgraduates.
“There are proposals to continue this benefit for university and higher education students. While discussions are still underway, the allocated amount for the initiative will be maintained,” he said.
Last year, Anwar had introduced the book voucher initiative as part of the government’s broader aim to foster a knowledgeable and critically thinking generation.
At that time, Fadhlina said that over 10,000 book vouchers had been redeemed within just three days from 31 May.
