KUCHING: Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee has urged primary school students to dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to reading to foster critical thinking and cultivate good reading habits.
Addressing over 300 primary school students from Kuching and Samarahan, he reminded them to read various reading materials, whether online, through mobile phones, computers, books or other media.
“Nowadays, there are various mediums that provide reading materials, so take advantage of these platforms to diversify your reading materials.
“If you choose to read something you like, it can spark interest, thus making it a more enjoyable and engaging activity,” said the Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development.
He was speaking at the ‘Reading Programme with Sarawak Leaders’ during the Cha-Ching Carnival in conjunction with the Financial Literacy Month 2023 at the Sarawak State Library here on yesterday (Oct 12).
Furthermore, Dr Annuar highlighted the importance of reading in English to enhance language skills, especially since Sarawak uses English for Mathematics and Science.
The Cha-Ching Carnival was organised by Sarawak State Library in collaboration with Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
The carnival, spanning two days, aimed to provide children aged seven to 12 with opportunities to learn the fundamental concepts of financial management, including earning, saving, spending, and donating.
Among the schools participating were SK Buntal, SK Encik Buyong, SK Rampangi, SK Gita, SK Semariang, SK RPR Jalan Astana, SK Combined, SK Kampung Senari, SK Tabuan Ulu, SK Major General Dato Ibrahim, SK Meranek, SK Jalan Muara Tuang and SK Merdang.
Also present at the programme were Sarawak Education Department director Datuk Dr Azhar Ahmad; BNM deputy governor Datuk Marzunisham Omar; BNM Kuching office head Mohd Irman Mohd Din, Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad head of corporate and social responsibility, Jeffrey Lam; and Sarawak State Library CEO Japri Bujang Masli.
