Getting books to students who need them most

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 13, 2026

Perbadanan Kota Buku has partnered with Pos Malaysia to improve the delivery of educational materials to underserved students nationwide, focusing on low-income B40 families and rural communities. This collaboration not only enhances access to learning resources for over 1.2 million students but also supports sustainability through initiatives like the distribution of recycled exercise books, promoting both literacy and environmental conservation.

Perbadanan Kota Buku, a government agency under Malaysia’s Education Ministry, has entered into a strategic partnership with Pos Malaysia Berhad to enhance the distribution of educational materials to students across the country, particularly those from underserved communities. The collaboration aims to address the recurring financial challenges faced by low-income B40 families in providing basic school supplies.

The joint initiative leverages Kota Buku’s mission to promote literacy alongside Pos Malaysia’s extensive nationwide delivery network. This union is designed to ensure that essential learning resources reach students in rural areas, Orang Asli settlements, and other communities with limited access to educational materials.

Adibah Omar, chief executive officer of Kota Buku, described the partnership as a significant advancement in the agency's efforts to democratize access to books and learning tools. She emphasized that the collaboration is intended to eliminate barriers caused by geography or economic status, allowing equitable access to educational opportunities across Malaysia.

Charles Brewer, group CEO of Pos Malaysia, highlighted the social impact of the partnership, underscoring the company’s role in bringing knowledge and hope to students nationwide. He noted that the initiative aligns with broader sustainability goals while contributing positively to the country's development.

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh pointed to the importance of government and industry collaboration in expanding access to literacy. He noted that the partnership supports the government's ongoing commitment to foster a strong reading culture and bolster the domestic book ecosystem. Wong added that the Education Ministry had allocated RM220 million for literacy-related programs in 2026, with current efforts already benefiting approximately 1.2 million students. He also remarked that such initiatives help not only students and educators but also authors, publishers, and booksellers.

This collaboration builds on the existing nationwide programme “Two Million Recycled Exercise Books: Driving Sustainable Education,” managed jointly by Kota Buku and Pos Malaysia. The programme seeks to distribute more than two million recycled exercise books to 4,120 schools, reaching over 200,000 students from the B40 group. Since its inception, it has helped families save an estimated RM2.4 million.

In addition to addressing educational needs, the programme incorporates environmental sustainability by using recycled materials, which Kota Buku estimates will prevent the loss of approximately 2,832 trees. This approach reflects a growing trend of integrating ecological responsibility into education initiatives, aligning social and environmental goals.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.