22/01/2026

THURSDAY | JAN 22, 2026

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Feline inspiration culminates in travel poetry book

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Library launched an immersive learning centre to empower the digitisation of the country’s heritage treasures and expand access to digital learning based on the latest technology. Its director-general Edy Irwan Zulkafli said the development of the centre is in line with the government’s aspirations to make libraries modern and inclusive learning hubs, while also strengthening the National Library’s role as a leader in library digital transformation. “The centre introduces the use of technology such as virtual reality, augmented reality (AR), the metaverse, holograms, librarian avatars, curved LED screens, interactive panels, a Robozone and an AR photobooth to support more interactive and high impact learning methods.” He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the centre on Tuesday, built under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan and Budget 2025, with project implementation which began on March 15, 2025 and was completed on Nov 28, 2025. He said the initiative under the National Unity Ministry also aims to empower digital literacy among the public and encourage the use of technology as a medium for fostering national unity through comprehensive and integrated learning programmes. Edy Irwan added that the National Library would continue to expand the use of modern technology in each of the library’s services to support human capital development as well as ensure that technology-based learning opportunities could be enjoyed by all levels of society. A visitor, Mohd Amir Saari, described the centre as a significant innovation to the conventional library concept. He added that the use of technology is not only attractive but also effective in conveying information to visitors. – Bernama Empowering libraries with technology

journey in motion. “Basyirah has an elegant, (regal) and independent personality; Muezza is portrayed as affectionate and patient, while Ashqar is more active and mischievous. “I began to imagine (them) travelling with me, discovering the charm of Kuching before venturing to different corners of Malaysia.” He added that more than 500 copies have been sold since the book was launched in December 2025. He said beyond the three main characters, the book also features more than 30 other cat characters inspired by the pets of his friends, clients and staff, as well as fictional characters to give a local touch to the location-based storytelling. Mohd Said Bani said the poems, initially written separately, were later

compiled into a single volume with a reader-friendly narrative. “Each poem is layered, allowing for different interpretations by children and adults. It could also serve as a relaxed introduction for international readers who want to get to know Malaysia through experiences and emotions, rather than destination facts alone.” He added that the storytelling in the book covers various states across the country through a combination of personal experiences and research. “There are places I visited myself and others I did not manage to go to but researched extensively. In the process, I was surprised to discover how many places in Malaysia I had not known about before.” Despite the light-hearted and imaginative approach of the book, he emphasised that its central message is to encourage readers to appreciate their own country. “We are often too eager to travel abroad, (myself) included, as though everything foreign is better. If even cats could see the beauty (of our country), why can’t we?” he asked, adding that the book received support from the Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry, as well as Tourism Pahang. He expressed hope that in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the book would spark curiosity among readers, especially children, to discover and appreciate the richness of the country. “I hope when children read it, they would say they want to visit these places. When they grow up, they would value what we have in Malaysia.” The 173-page English-language poetry book is published by Hikayat Fandom and available for online purchase at RM120 per copy.

o Volume explores Malaysia through perspective of creative cat characters

PETALING JAYA: One man’s longing for his three pet cats during frequent work trips to Kuching, Sarawak became the starting point for the publication of a travel poetry book that explores Malaysia from a different perspective. Titled “A Book of Poems: The Meowgical Tails of Malaysia”, the collection is written from a feline point of view and introduces various aspects of the country, including destinations, culture, food, nature and the lives of local communities. The poems are written by BzBee Consult Sdn Bhd founder and

managing director Prof Mohd Said Bani CM Din, whose inspiration came from his cats Basyirah, Ashqar and Muezza “During my travels, Basyirah and Muezza fell ill while they were at a pet boarding facility. I was constantly worried about them. It was as if I could hear their ‘meows’ in my head, and that eventually became my source of inspiration,” he told Bernama. He said the distinct personalities and characteristics of the three felines led him to imagine them as narrators that set the entire poetic

Mohd Said Bani (centre) posing for a photograph with his beloved cats at the poetry book launch event. – BERNAMAPIC