STUDENTS who read infrequently are more likely to record weaker academic performance, underlining the urgency of reinforcing a strong reading culture in Malaysia, according to a new survey by Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO).
The survey, titled Reading Culture Among Malaysian Students, involved 1,168 primary and secondary school students nationwide and found a strong positive correlation between reading frequency and academic achievement.
In a statement, FINCO said the study was conducted amid concerns over declining international assessment scores, reinforcing the need for continuous intervention to nurture reading habits beyond academic requirements.
While Malaysia’s literacy rate stands at 94.64 per cent, results from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 showed the country performing below the international average in reading skills. Malaysia’s reading score fell to 388 from 415 in 2018, with fewer than half of students reaching the minimum level of reading proficiency.
The survey found that although most students demonstrated reasonable reading habits driven by school demands, a significant gap remains in self-motivated leisure reading. More than a quarter of respondents said they do not read as a personal hobby.
FINCO chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim said the findings highlighted the importance of cultivating a love of reading outside formal learning environments.
“It is encouraging to see students diligently reading academic materials, but we must also nurture curiosity and enjoyment in reading beyond the classroom. When reading becomes a chosen habit rather than just an obligation, it opens doors to creativity, empathy and lifelong learning,” he said.
The study also pointed to clear socioeconomic disparities in reading habits. Students from lower-income households, identified through participation in free school meal programmes, were found to be twice as likely to read infrequently compared with their peers from higher-income families. They were also less likely to read for pleasure.
Limited access to books at home was identified as a contributing factor, with nearly one in three students reporting that they owned fewer than 10 books. Further analysis showed that frequent readers typically came from homes with more than 20 books, while infrequent readers had far more limited access to reading materials.
Among younger children, the impact of early exposure was pronounced. Primary school pupils who were read to more than four times a week showed the strongest tendency to develop good reading habits from an early age.
The survey also found that digital platforms could play a constructive role in encouraging reading. About 73 per cent of frequent readers reported reading daily on digital devices, compared with 53 per cent among infrequent readers.
FINCO chief executive officer Clare Walker said digital reading is increasingly shaping how Malaysian students access information.
“As students rely more on screens for learning and entertainment, our goal is to cultivate habits that encourage curiosity, comprehension and critical thinking, enabling them to navigate information wisely and creatively,” she said.
Based on the findings, FINCO’s report outlined four key areas to strengthen reading culture: boosting interest through digital platforms and culturally relevant content, expanding access to both physical and digital reading resources, reinforcing reading habits at home through parental involvement, and leveraging technology responsibly to enhance digital literacy.
The report stressed that coordinated efforts involving schools, families and communities are essential to ensure reading remains a lifelong skill and a cornerstone of academic success. - December 31, 2025
