So much time to read, but Malaysia's book stores are closed. What now?


Tintabudi bookshop in Kuala Lumpur will remain shut for the duration on the movement control order in Malaysia. Founder Nazir Harith Fadzilah says the store will rely on online sales to sustain itself. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah

Homegrown independent bookstore owners and literary groups will be heavily affected by the two-week movement control order (MCO) that was announced on March 16. With their businesses temporarily ordered to close, many are worried about an uncertain future, with some resorting to new methods to keep themselves afloat.

Elaine Lau, co-owner of Petaling Jaya bookstore Lit Books, says in light of the MCO, their physical store in Petaling Jaya had to be closed, and two major in-store events postponed. She and her husband, fellow co-founder Min Hun, had not expected things to escalate as quickly as they did, and that they would be in an environment of restricted movement.

Subscribe now and receive FREE sooka plan for 1 month.
T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Culture

Long-lost Chopin waltz resurfaces after 200 years in hiding
'Brat', word redefined by Charli XCX, named word of the year by Collins dictionary
Palestinian filmmaker-artist blends mythology and folklore at Ilham Gallery in KL
Weekend for the arts: 'Kalam' literary fest, celebrating Chinese Hanfu
Visual artist who turns rubbish into art helps nurtures Chad art scene
New musical at DPAC captures the thrill of chasing childhood Broadway dreams
What is Diwali? How is it celebrated in India and the diaspora?
Indians mark Diwali by lighting a record number of earthen lamps
Book lovers in KL, check out the 'Kalam' festival for a mix of lit and culture
'I'm too old to get too worried by AI', says author Margaret Atwood, 84

Others Also Read