Igniting passion to read and write local works
AN INDIE bookfest opens gateways for independent writers and publishing companies to showcase local literature, and for readers and non-readers to dive into it.

Themed “Buku Bertemu Rusa”, the 15th edition of Kuala Lumpur Alternative Bookfest 2024 (KLAB 2024) aimed to provide a space for independent Malaysian writers and publishing companies as well as niche bookshops and distributors to introduce local literature to the public.

There was a vast display of works across genres, from fiction, graphic novels, biographies and journals to poetry, magazines and children’s books.

KLAB 2024 person-in-charge Amir Muhammad said this was the third year the fair had been organised in Central Market, Kuala Lumpur.

“We have bigger crowds this time around compared to previous years, with a mixture of readers and non-readers.

“Being able to attract non-readers and get them to at least check out the books that we have here is already an achievement because without readers, we would not be able to continue publishing.

“I hope that non-readers are able to discover local literary gems and immerse themselves in reading after visiting the festival,” said the Buku Fixi managing director.

Biblio Press chief executive officer Kiridaren Jayakumar said the festival, held late last month, was a great platform to instil public interest in reading. Amir hopes the book fest can pull both readers and non-readers into the world of local literature.

“We focus on translated works, so we gather books in languages such as Chinese, Tamil, Japanese and translate them into Malay.

“Usually, non-readers would not take the initiative to visit bookshops like ours, so when they come to this festival and check out our booth, they are fascinated with translated works, leading them to pick up reading because they are able to understand the books better,” he said.

Postgraduate student Aina Atiqah Ismadi, who visited the festival for the first time, said KLAB was a good platform to spark an interest in reading, as visitors were exposed to a variety of literary works.

Working Desk Publishing founder and owner Wilson Khor Woo Han said KLAB encouraged writers to continue writing as it provided a platform for them to showcase and sell their works.

As a one-man publishing house based in Penang, Khor provides publishing support to writers by helping them liaise with printing companies as well as dealing with retail and distribution.

“When you see some good works, it would be a waste to leave them in the shadows, so since I have the channels and resources, why not get the writers’ works out to the public?

“Some writers do not want to set up booths on their own, so I help them highlight and sell their works by setting up a booth here at KLAB.

“As a writer myself, seeing physical copies of our works being displayed and purchased by people gives us a sense of satisfaction, which drives us to continue producing more works,” he told StarMetro.

Emeritus Prof Malachi Edwin Vethamani, who was visiting the festival, said KLAB was a good initiative to bring forth new writers into the local literary scene.

“Other than helping to highlight independent bookshops and smaller publishing houses, which really need support, the festival provides a good opportunity for young writers to display their works, and it should be continued to enable them to tell their stories,” he said.

Undergraduate Yumnu Adnan said the festival inspired her to keep writing.

“KLAB really opens doors for writers like me as I get to meet with other writers to exchange ideas and collaborate as well as network with publishing companies, bookshops and distributors to learn more about the book industry,” she said.
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Kuala Lumpur Alternative Bookfest 2024 provides networking, collaboration opportunities for writers, publishers and distributors,