Librarians association, UTM launch Braille and audio versions of 'Baca'

New Straits Times

28-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Librarians Association of Malaysia, in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) library, today launched Braille and audio versions of the book 'Baca' (Read) to provide reading access to visually impaired individuals.
Selangor Women's Welfare and Charity Organisation (Pekawanis) president Datin Seri Masdiana Muhammad said the Braille version of 'Baca' not only introduces new reading material but also reflects a growing awareness that reading is everyone's right.
"This initiative is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that every individual, including children with special needs, is not left out of activities that cultivate a culture of learning and reading.
"I hope this effort will go beyond just providing Braille and audio books, but also include the creation of a friendly learning environment, well-trained teachers, and innovative assistive technology," said Masdiana, who is also the wife of Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
She was speaking during the launch of the Braille and audio versions of 'Baca' in conjunction with the 2025 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today.
Also present was association president Dr Ghazali Mohamed Fadzil.
A total of nine writers, comprising PPM members and professionals, including Hasnita Ibrahim, Digital Library Information manager at the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) were involved in writing the book.
Meanwhile, Ghazali said 'Baca' is part of the transliteration campaign "Baca Celik Hati" project led by UTM library since 2000.
The book compiles inspiring stories, experiences, and the spirit that forms the backbone of the librarian profession, encompassing the history of libraries in Malaysia, as well as topics such as the benefits of reading, family library management, bibliotherapy, and compulsive issues related to books.
He said in 2023, through the "One Character, A Million Practices Project" (Projek Satu Aksara Sejuta Amalan) and in strategic collaboration between UTM library and PPM, 'Baca' was successfully transliterated into Braille and audio formats as part of the effort to bridge the information access gap and promote an inclusive literacy culture within the community.
"This initiative is not merely a publication in different formats, it is a manifestation of the librarians' commitment to inclusive literacy, in line with the principle of 'No One Left Behind'," he said.
He said the Braille copies will be distributed to selected special education schools across the country as a starting point for the long-term mission.
– Bernama