Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2026 Aims for 2 Million Visitors

The Pesta Buku Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (PBAKL) 2026, a major book fair, is set to open its doors at the World Trade Center Kuala Lumpur from May 29 to June 7. This annual event, which has roots tracing back to the Pesta Buku Malaysia in 1982, has grown significantly, now welcoming international publishers and rebranding as the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF).

Organizers anticipate attracting 2 million visitors to the fair, which will host 198 companies across 1,210 booths. This year's theme is 'Malaysia Reads: Celebrating Books.' Saudi Arabia will be the focus country, while Pahang has been designated as the guest state. Special pavilions will be set up by various government bodies, including the Prime Minister's Department for Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of National Unity, alongside pavilions from China and Selangor.

Mohd. Khair Ngadiron, chairman of the PBAKL 2026 organizing committee, highlighted the fair's importance in advancing the local publishing industry and promoting book-related activities such as writing, editing, illustration, translation, and marketing. He expressed confidence in achieving the target of two million visitors.

The event aims to foster a love for reading among Malaysians and boost the national economy through book sales and industry development. PBAKL 2026 is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 30, with the closing ceremony led by the Minister of Education on June 7. Several activity stages and a seminar room are planned, offering a comprehensive program alongside the exhibition.

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We are targeting two million visitors this time.