Fadhlina warns of ‘scrolling generation’ as gadgets erode reading habits among youth

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said encouraging a reading culture among Malaysians, particularly students at schools and universities, was a key government priority ― AFP pic

First Published: Wednesday, 04 Nov 2026 8:21 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — The emergence of digital gadgets has increasingly undermined reading habits among younger generations, giving rise to a “scrolling generation”, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek.

She said reading should be part of everyday life, rather than merely a leisure activity, to nurture a more knowledgeable generation.

“One book that is particularly popular at the moment is The New Dark Ages, which has also caught the attention of the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), who has discussed it himself.

“The New Dark Ages depicts a deep sense of fear surrounding the generation described as the ‘scrolling generation’,” she said in her speech at the closing ceremony of the HIPMaX Malaysian Folklore Storyfest: Folktales Reimagined Grand Finale Showcase 2026 at the National Library of Malaysia (PNM) here today.

Also present were Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Director-General of Education (Policy and Curriculum Sector) Dr Rusmini Ku Ahmad, and PNM director-general Edy Irwan Zulkafli.

Fadhlina said encouraging a reading culture among Malaysians, particularly students at schools and universities, was a key government priority, adding that the ministry introduced the ‘Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit’ programme to promote reading among pre-school, primary and secondary school pupils.

Meanwhile, Fadhlina expressed hope that the HIPMaX Malaysian Folklore Storyfest would continue to foster a love of reading among pupils while introducing them to folk tales that reflect the country’s history, culture and identity. — Bernama