KOTA KINABALU:
All communities and leaders need to fully utilise the facilities provided at the public libraries by the State and Federal governments to create a reading culture and knowledge society. Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs, said if the facilities are not utilised, the objective of providing them could not be fulfilled. Officiating at the opening of new library in Ulu Putatan yesterday, he said that under the 9th Malaysia Plan, his ministry has focused on a program to build more libraries in Sabah with funds from both the State and Federal government. He said the libraries include those in Membakut, Nabawan, Beaufort, Kota Belud, Ranau and Semporna. In addition, 20 village libraries and two mobile libraries are also built with funds from the State Government. Yahya said the State Library has expanded the usage of information and communication technology (ICT) in all libraries, including those in villages and the mobile units. The facilities would help improve communication between rural and urban residents, he said.
