SIBU: Sibu Member of Parliament Oscar Ling Chai Yew’s Service Centre has launched the “I Love Reading Program”, providing storybooks to more than 60 primary and secondary schools within the Sibu parliamentary constituency.
The first school to receive the storybooks was SJKC Su Lai, where a handover ceremony was held today (Nov 26) at its premises in Jalan Apollo Barat. The school’s headmaster, Kho Kiat Hee, was present to receive the contribution.
Other schools in the constituency will gradually receive their books in the coming days.
According to Ling, this initiative aims to promote a reading culture among students, cultivate reading habits, and enrich the collections of school libraries.
He said that the primary goal of providing books to schools is to encourage students to develop good reading habits.
He specifically highlighted the importance of this for students who are excessively attached to their smartphones, referring to them as “phone addicts”.
Ling emphasised the need for these students to change their lifestyle and reading habits, put down their phones, and immerse themselves in books.
Through focused reading, he pointed out, students can acquire valuable knowledge and learn from the wisdom shared by authors.
Under the “I Love Reading Program”, over 60 schools will receive books from Ling’s service centre.
Quoting an old saying, “There is a house of gold in books, and beauty like jade in books,” Ling emphasised that reading has always been an excellent way to gain knowledge, broaden horizons, and expand thinking.
Extensive reading, he noted, can enhance students’ literacy and writing skills. Furthermore, stories and fables in books can inspire children’s thinking, improve logical reasoning, and develop creative writing abilities.
He also encouraged parents to monitor their children’s daily routines and reading habits, urging them to limit their children’s excessive use of phones and gaming. These activities, he warned, could disrupt reading time, harm their eyesight, and affect their concentration on learning.
Ling added that the 60 schools benefiting from the programme are all located within the Sibu parliamentary constituency. He expressed hope that the initiative would enrich the collections of school libraries, providing students with more reading options.
“By exploring the vast and fascinating world of books, students can gain valuable knowledge, stimulate creative thinking, and improve their writing skills, ultimately enhancing their academic performance.
“I also hope this effort contributes to nurturing the future pillars of the nation.
“Under the 2024 Madani Government’s Program Mesra Rakyat initiative, I have also allocated funds to improve teaching equipment in schools. SJKC Su Lai in Sibu, for example, has been provided with funding to purchase an LED screen measuring 3.6 metres by 2 metres,” Ling added.
