SHAH ALAM, April 23 — A 13-year-old student from Klang has been named Selangor’s most prolific book borrower, having checked out a whopping 1,378 books over the past year.
Alif Zachary Mohd Arif, who studies at SMK Telok Gadong, received the accolade during the Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit 2025 carnival at Raja Tun Uda Library here today.
The five-day event, which began April 18 and concluded this week, celebrates and promotes reading throughout the state.
The son of a food delivery rider, Alif has been a regular at the Sungai Udang Public Library in Klang since he was six, describing it as his “second home”. Living just 30m away, he said his love of books started early.
“After school, I usually rest a while and then read. At night, I continue (reading) after finishing my homework,” he told reporters at the event.
[caption id="attachment_398566" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Selangor’s most prolific book borrower Alif Zachary Mohd Arif, 13, speaks to reporters at the Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit event at Raja Tun Uda Library, Shah Alam, on April 23, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Alif Zachary's dedication earned him RM1,000 in prize money as the top borrower in the children’s category. Alif, who hopes to become a science teacher, said he finds comfort and clarity in physical books.
“It’s easier to absorb the information and share it with others. Being an only child, I spend more time with books than with friends,” he added.
In the adult category, retail manager Nik Hasrol Hafiz Hashim, 39, was honoured with the accolade after borrowing 674 books last year. He received RM1,500 and said reading is central to his home life.
“We don’t have a television and we limit screen time for our kids, who are five and two. Some of the books I borrow are for them,” he said.
The carnival, now in its 12th year, is held annually by the state government and managed by the Selangor Public Library Corporation.
— Bernama
