Form 1 Student Is Selangor's Most Prolific Book Borrower With 1,378 Books Checked Out
Alif shared that he has been an avid reader since the age of six.
Cover image via A 13-year-old student from Klang has been named Selangor's most prolific book borrower after checking out an impressive 1,378 books in the past year
According to the New Straits Times, Alif Zachary Mohd Arif, a Form 1 student at SMK Telok Gadong, was recognised for his remarkable reading habit during the 'Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit 2025' reading carnival at the Raja Tun Uda Library in Shah Alam on Wednesday, 23 April.
The five-day event, which began on 18 April, aims to encourage a love for reading across the state.
Alif, who has been an avid reader since the age of six, shared that he is a regular at the Sungai Udang Public Library in Klang, conveniently located just 30m from his home
He fondly refers to the library as his "second home".
The son of a food delivery rider, Alif said that reading has long been a part of his daily routine.
"After school, I usually take a short rest and then read. At night, I continue after finishing my homework," he told reporters at the event.
Image via Bernama/New Straits Times
With dreams of becoming a science teacher one day, Alif said he finds comfort and clarity in physical books
"It's easier to absorb the information and share it with others. Being an only child, I spend more time with books than playing with friends," he added.
For his achievement, Alif received RM1,000 in prize money as the top borrower in the children's category.
In the adult category, 39-year-old retail manager Nik Hasrol Hafiz Hashim was honoured for borrowing 674 books last year
He was awarded RM1,500 in recognition of his dedication.
"We don't have a television and we limit screen time for our kids, who are aged five and two. Some of the books I borrow are for them," the father-of-two explained, adding that reading is central to his family life at home.
The reading carnival, now in its 12th year, is organised annually by the state government and is managed by the Selangor Public Library Corporation.
