About Us
Formation of Malaysian Booksellers' Association
On the recommendation of UNESCO to the Ministry of Education Malaysia, the National Book Development Council Malaysia (MBKM) was established in 1968. At the same time, we saw the booksellers had a part to play especially in promoting reading habits among Malaysians. To Complement the NBDC (MBKM) whose objectives and functions are on book development, the pro tem committee was established in 1968. Mr Francis Lee Che Kok was elected as pro tem chairman (Anthonian Store Sdn Bhd Kuala Lumpur), secretary Mr N I Mohamed (deceased) IBS Petaling Jaya, Treasurer Mr K Vallipuram (deceased) Eastern Book Shop Kuala Lumpur, Mr Foo Say Cheng (deceased) Central Book Store Kota Bharu, Haji V S Abdul Wahid (deceased) Johore Central Store Sdn Bhd Johore Bahru, Datuk Abdul Aziz Ahmad (deceased) Pustaka Antara Sdn Bhd Kuala Lumpur, Ng Yok Chee (deceased) Tai Kuang & Co Segamat, Syarikat United Book Sdn Bhd Penang, Federal Stationary & Publishing Co Sdn Bhd Kuala Lumpur, S S Mubaruk & Brothers (M) Sdn Bhd Ipoh and Walter Cheong (Nabco Pendidikan Sdn Bhd Ipoh). On September 30th 1969, MBA (Persatuan Penjual Buku Malaysia)were formed. We experienced a slow and painful growth, the committee worked very hard but it took a long time to grow. Now the association has more than 100 members engaging in distribution of a wide array of books, journals and digital content. Booksellers were doing the marketing and distribution activities for all formats of content. Since the establishement of MBKM in 1968, MBA (Persatuan Penjual Buku Malaysia) has been working together with MBKM till now.
MBA Executive Committee
2023-2025
Keith Thong
- President
- Chairman: Malaysian Book Industry Chamber (MBIC)
- University Book Store (M) Sdn Bhd
Mak Chee Kin
- Vice President
- President: Melaka Action Group for Parent in Education (Magpie)
- Edaran Sumber (M) Sdn Bhd
Chartered President:
Chartered Secretary:
Chartered Treasurer:
Francis Lee Che Kok
Haji Zahari Omar
Freddie Khoo
Cheah Thye Wee
Keith Thong
N I Mohamed
Ernest Yee
K Arul
T S Chong
Thong Hon Keong
Keith Thong
Desmond Chee
K Vallipuram
R Vijesurier
Sung Wing Lok
T S Chong
1968 – 1984
1984 – 1990
1990 – 2005
2005 – 2014
2014 till date
1968 – 1975
1975 – 1983
1983 – 1995
1995 – 1998
1998 – 2000
2000 – 2013
2014 till date
1968 – 1971
1971 – 1991
1991 – 2013
2013 till date
Objectives:
- To do anything laiful which the association may think necessary and desirable for the promotion of the sale of books and periodicals in the country.
- To promote and protect the interests of bookseller in Malaysia.
- To improve and maintain the status of the book trade.
- To encourage the improvement of the education and qualification of members and their employees with the object of rendering good service to the community.
- To co-operate with other organisations concerned with the creation, production and distribution of books.
- To enter into any arrangement for co-operation joint venture or any other area of activity which may seem desirable in the interest of the association.
- To use every lawful means to place and maintain the bookselling trade on a remunerative basis.
Membership:
The membership is open to all booksellers (bookshops) throughout the country.
- Ordinary member
To be an ordinary member the shop engaged wholly or substantially in bookselling with a retail outlet where members of the public can shop are eligible for membership - Associate member
- Firms engaged in bookselling but without a proper retail outlet for members of the public are eligible for Associate membership
Subcription:
Each ordinary member shall pay an entrance fee of RM200.00 and an annual subscription fee of RM150.00. Each Associate member shall pay an entrance fee of RM200.00 and an annual subscription fee of RM100.00
Aims:
- To adapt and orderly system of distribution and supply of books and publications so as to create and maintain a healthy thriving progressive book trade in the country.
- To ensure the MBIC members gain reasonable return as an incentive on promote book trade.
- To instill a sense of professionalism amongst MBIC (Malaysia Book Industry Council) members.
- To ensure the books and publications are published and sold at reasonable prices throughout the country.
- A healthy book trade is dependent on a proper balance of cultural and economic forces; Whilst a bookseller is a commercial enterprise, it must be recognized that fair practice in competition and fiscal policy is of vital importance.
- To Maintain the advisory and driving role of the association towards government and authorities, and through that achieve support and respect for the bookshops.
- To develop a good relationship with MBIC members and media.
- To strengthen communication with MBIC members and among our members. (MBA)
- To appeal to Mabopa members to let MBA members to do the delivery of SPBT (Skim Pinjaman Buku Teks) and pay commission 10% for the service.
- All kind of books should not therefore be subject any form taxation.
- Booksellers need to train their staffs to be professional and knowledgeable to be able to serve the increasingly sophisticated readers.
- Booksellers represent the most important channel of the book industry because it has direct contact with the community.
- Promote the bookshop as the main channel for qualified bookselling.
- Government should support MBIC as they provide knowledge to the community and our future leaders.
- To have a management training course for bookshop assistant, supervisor, assistant manager.
- To help develop professional standards of bookselling in the country.