KUCHING: Writing is considered positive when it can produce effects by documenting the experiences of individuals battling challenges related to psychology or chronic diseases in their lives but later they are able to transform their lives for the better.
In saying this Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, their stories that are documented and then published are able to benefit the public resulting from the experiences as mentioned in the writing.
He said this in relation to the benefits of bibliotherapy as a form of therapy that uses books as material to help individuals who are dealing with psychological, social and emotional issues.
“Therapy through reading also relates the individual’s relationship with the content of books or any media as a treatment for depression and through this method of bibliotherapy will also be able to increase efforts to foster a culture of writing,” he said in his speech at the Sarawak Authors Festival (SAF) 2022 launching programme held at Pullman Hotel yesterday (Oct 26).
He added that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in this state are encouraged to collaborate with the Library and study the system used in bibliotherapy.
Furthermore he added that there is the Malaysian Bibliotherapy Association (PERBIMA), and in Sarawak, the Sarawak State Library, both of which can be used to learn more about the type of bibliotherapy.
“The development of the writing field in Sarawak is quite promising today, thanks to the Sarawak government’s strong support through special incentives given in 2018,” he noted.
Abang Johari’s speech was read by the Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah who also launched the Sarawak Authors Festival (SAF) 2022 programme which is held from October 24 to 29.
He said that SAF is intended to show appreciation for the contributions of Sarawak writers and publishers to the state’s publishing industry.
“This festival is highly valuable since it fosters and stimulates the community’s interest in many fields of writing in this state, as well as being able to encourage quality publishing activities in Sarawak.
“Through this festival, the involvement of all parties to participate and further acquire new knowledge is highly encouraged because it involves smart collaboration with various parties.”
In a similar development, the Sarawak State Library established the Acquisition of Sarawak Authors Publication Committee (ASAPC), which has supported high-calibre writers who are always active in producing quality works, particularly in the domains of literature and culture.
He emphasised that the results of this type of writing will be able to raise awareness of the uniqueness of Sarawak literature and writing among the people not only in this state but throughout the world.
The SAF2022 programme launching ceremony yesterday also saw participants receiving awards from various categories. Such an event will simultaneously run at all three Sarawak State Library campuses in Kuching, Sibu and Miri.
