BERNAMA’S SANTUNI MADANI PROGRAMME BOOSTS READING HABITS, CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AT SK BATU LAUT

SEPANG, April 23 (Bernama) -- Students of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Batu Laut received a boost in reading interest and character development through the Santuni MADANI - One Leader, One Village programme organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) at the school today.

The programme began with the “Let’s Read Together for 10 Minutes” activity in conjunction with World Book and Copyright Day, followed by the first session of the Bibliotherapy Workshop and a guidance session by Bernama’s AKRAB team, in line with a holistic approach to cultivate a reading culture, enhance self-confidence and promote mental wellbeing among students.

In her opening remarks, Bernama deputy editor-in-chief (News Service) Nasriah Darus said the programme is part of the broader Santuni MADANI initiative to empower rural communities through continuous education and engagement.

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“Reading not only enriches knowledge but also stimulates imagination, reduces stress and strengthens communication skills. What’s more, it can be done anytime and anywhere,” she said.

As part of its corporate social responsibility, Bernama also contributed 100 books to the school’s library through its “3B – Baca Bersama Bernama” campaign.

Since its launch in 2016, over 4,730 books have been distributed to target communities, including students, the underprivileged and the Orang Asli community.

Meanwhile, the Bibliotherapy Workshop will run over five sessions to introduce reading as a therapeutic tool for building confidence and improving focus among students.

The AKRAB Guidance Session featured various activities such as a psychology exhibition and self-assessment tests using interactive methods, conducted by Bernama’s AKRAB team accredited by the Public Service Department.

Today’s programme also received strategic support from Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad (MYDIN), which donated dental care kits to all students as part of an oral health awareness campaign for the younger generation.

Also present were SK Batu Laut headmaster Fadhlah Afif Talib, Batu Laut village head Subandi Sangadi and Bernama Management Services and Finance head Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain.

The “Let’s Read Together for 10 Minutes” activity is held annually on April 23 in conjunction with World Book and Copyright Day, observed under the auspices of UNESCO.

Previous Santuni MADANI activities in Batu Laut included Canva workshops, cyber threat awareness briefings, and Ramadan CSR programmes, all implemented in phases to ensure long-term impact.

The programme will continue until October 2025, involving students, teachers and local communities, including the secondary school and village community centre. An impact report will be presented at the end of the fifth session.

-- BERNAMA