PATRIOTS Malaysia Association (The Patriots), in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur World Book Capital (KLWBC) and Buku Fixi, will be organising the 12th edition of the Kuala Lumpur Alternative Bookfest (KLAB) from tomorrow until Sunday. This three-day event will take place at Level 4, Selera Street, Sunway Putra Mall.
Kuala Lumpur Alternative Bookfest is a physical book fair that has been held in Kuala Lumpur since 2008 that showcases notable faces in the Malaysian indie publishing industry. The brains behind KLAB since its inception is Amir Muhammad, Buku Fixi chief executive officer.
Chairman of the KLAB 2021 Organising Committee, Syazrul Aqram, said: “Kuala Lumpur Alternative Bookfest supports small and medium book publishers in Malaysia. It is an effort to enhance the productivity and reachability of the nation’s book industry. Due to the movement control order (MCO) and Covid-19, this year’s event will be held on a smaller scale. But the main point is, we want to gather local publishers, writers, and readers in one place.”
“KLAB is also intended to attract the ‘urbanite’ book enthusiasts in the Klang Valley. Since there was no physical Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) held last year, KLAB 2021 is not to be missed.
“Besides boosting the local economic activity while following the standard operating procedures (SOP), visitors can also look forward to seeing new, rare and limited-edition books. There will be 19 publishers taking part in KLAB 2021, which includes Patriots Publishing, Fixi, Iman Publication, PTS, and Karangkraf. Self-publishers are also invited to come together to make this event a success,” he added.
KLAB 2021 coordinator Nadzri Ali Udin said: “The facilities at the venue include nearby LRT and KTM, parking lots, food courts, restrooms, and prayer room. And we will ensure that all visitors and exhibitors adhere to the SOP strictly. Temperature scanners and hand sanitisers will be placed at few stations, with additional standby medic services. Checking in via MySejahtera QR Code, taking temperature and wearing a mask is compulsory for everyone before entering.”
“For additional prevention measures, we will also provide line barriers together with ample and clear in-and-out directions for exhibitors and visitors. There will be no centralised payment counter to avoid congestion. Payment can be done directly at the respective exhibitor’s booth. Together, let us make this event safe, fun, and memorable,” he added.
The book fest will be officiated by the KLWBC 2020 head of secretariat Anuar Mohd Zain. Book industry-related forums are also planned with a row of panellists such as Dr Maszlee Malik, Ayman Rashdan Wong, Zamir Mohyeddin and many more.
The Secretariat of KLWBC with the slogan “KL Baca – caring through reading” acts as a sponsor for this event. The sponsorship was granted to stimulate book activities throughout the KLWBC Festival 2020 from April 18, 2020, until April 22, 2021. Kuala Lumpur has been selected as the World Book Capital 2020 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). – The Vibes, April 8, 2021
For more information, log on to http://bit.ly/klab2021
