31/05/2025

SATURDAY | MAY 31, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

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Book fair sparks ‘savvy shopper’ scenes o Visitors catch on to trend of using wheeled luggage

Artist from China spreading wonder of khat KUALA LUMPUR: An acupuncturist and Muslim convert from China is intent on introducing Islamic calligraphy ( khat ) to the public as a medium for spiritual outreach and emotional healing. Now residing in Malaysia, Dr Hassan Bai, 57, shared with Bernama that while in university, he was drawn to the art of Chinese traditional painting. “Later, I taught myself Arabic calligraphy through YouTube and Facebook, and practised daily,” he said when met recently at his Muha International booth at the Kuala Lumpur International Books Festival. He said khat could not be separated from a deep appreciation of the meanings of Quranic verses, adding that to produce accurate and respectful writings, one must have both knowledge and a profound understanding of the verses. “We would be more careful when we understand the meaning of the verses. There is no room for mistakes. You must be serious and patient when writing. “This isn’t ordinary writing but God’s words,“ he said, adding that every stroke of ink is a form of spiritual reflection. Hassan’s artworks have found homes across the world in countries such as Australia, Europe and several in Southeast Asia, including Brunei and Singapore, with buyers coming from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds. “I also have buyers from Estonia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This art is for everyone who appreciates beauty and meaning,“ he said, adding that the human touch remains valuable despite technology opening possibilities for digital printing. “Printed calligraphy might cost RM10, but handwritten pieces can go for RM100 or even RM1,000 because each work is unique. This is the result of the heart and hand of a human,” Hassan said, drawing on his 12 years of experience in calligraphy. However, he acknowledges the challenges, particularly in attracting the interest of the younger generation in traditional arts that are fading into obscurity. “This is culture. People bring food to a festival, I showcase khat . I want people to see the beauty of Islam and art, not just letters,“ he said, adding that he also creates a fusion of khat in Arabic and Chinese scripts.

to cart away bargain purchases at largest edition of annual event

KUALA LUMPUR: The sight of people pulling wheeled luggage of all shapes and sizes is typically associated with airports, bus terminals and train stations. However, this familiar scene also coloured the atmosphere at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2025, that started at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on May 23 and is scheduled to run until June 1. The fair attracted thousands of book enthusiasts from around the globe and wheeled luggage was the preferred choice of many visitors to put their purchases into, instead of conventional cloth bags or backpacks. According to several visitors interviewed by Bernama, opting for wheeled luggage proved to be the most practical solution. It allowed them to conveniently carry the wide variety of books they purchased, especially with so many good deals and special prices offered throughout the 10-day event. Sharifah Abu Omar, 46, a housewife from Ipoh in Perak, said she never misses the opportunity to attend the fair, adding that she always brings along her wheeled luggage to haul home dozens of her favourite novels. “I’ve had a passion for reading for as long as I can remember. Romance has always been my favourite genre, and I’ve been faithfully following the works of our local authors, especially Acik Lana and Muna Mahirah. “In previous years, I brought my sister and daughter along. But this year, it’s just my son as he has just finished sitting for his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia exams,” she said, adding that the fair is a good platform to cultivate reading passion, especially among the

Considering the popularity of the fair and its discounted deals, it is no surprise that such a trend would emerge. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

“Happy Hour” promotions, during which books are offered at steep discounts. “It’s common to see people filling up their luggage with books during these promotions. It makes it so much easier for them to carry their purchases around. “When visitors hear the Happy Hour announcement, they immediately rush to my booth because they don’t want to miss out on the promotion opportunities, which we offer five times a day,” he said. This year’s fair, themed “Books: Reading, Leading” also features a variety of engaging activities. It is regarded as the largest and most dynamic edition yet, with a special segment held in conjunction with Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship.

younger generation. Aishahtul Humaira Amal Fahmi, 18, described wheeled luggage as a “lifesaver” in managing orders from her customers. “These books come in all shapes and sizes, from small paperbacks to hefty hardcovers. On average, I can fit about a dozen books in one luggage.” Aishahtul, who recently completed her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia and will soon be enrolling at a matriculation college, said the earnings from her personal shopper gigs would serve as her pocket money once she begins her studies. Stall assistant Muhammad Akif Iman Mohd Zaidi said visitors to the fair would usually be seen using wheeled luggage during