Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 7th April 2021: Patriots Malaysia Association (The Patriots), in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur World Book Capital (KLWBC) and Buku FIXI will be organizing the 12th edition of the Kuala Lumpur Alternative Bookfest (KLAB) on the 9th to 11th of April 2021. These 3 days 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 presents notable faces in the Malaysian indie publishing industry. The brain behind KLAB since its inception is Mr. Amir Muhammad, Buku FIXI Chief Executive Officer.
Chairman of the KLAB 2021 Organizing Committee, Mr Syazrul Aqram said that, “Kuala Lumpur Alternative Bookfest supports small and medium book publishers in Malaysia. This book fest 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 at a smaller scale. But the main point is, we want to gather local publishers, writers, and readers at one place.”
“KLAB is also intended to attracts the ‘urbanites’ book enthusiasts in the Klang Valley to grab reading materials on hand. Since there is no physical Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) held since last year, KLAB 2021 is not to be missed. Besides boosting the local economic activity while following the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP), visitors can also look forward to seeing new, rare and limited-edition books. There will be 19 publishers participating in KLAB 2021, which include Patriots Publishing, Fixi, Iman Publication, PTS, and Karangkraf, among others. Self-publishers are also invited to come together to make this event a success,” he added.
KLAB 2021 Coordinator, Mr Nadzri Ali Udin mentioned that, “The facilities at the venue includes nearby LRT and KTM, parking lots, food courts, restrooms, and prayer room. And we will ensure that all visitors and exhibitors to adhere to the SOP strictly. Temperature scanners and hand sanitizers 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 centralized payment counter as to avoid congestion. Payment can be done directly at respective exhibitor’s booth. Together, let us make this event safe, fun, and memorable,” he added.
This book fest will be officiated by the KLWBC 2020 Head of Secretariat, Mr Anuar Mohd Zain. Book industry related forums are also planned with 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 18th April 2020 until 22nd April 2021. Kuala Lumpur has been selected as the World Book Capital 2020 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
