BOOK EVENTS
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Kuala Lumpur Reading Festival 2026
The organiser promises a two-day celebration of reading for the distracted generation. The idea is to slow down, unplug, and rediscover the joy of missing out, and the pleasure of being fully present.
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Selangor Children’s Literature Festival 2026
The Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) and Pustaka Raja Tun Uda revamped the event for a broader, more holistic approach to children’s learning and creativity.
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KL Art Book Fair 2026
What began as a modest space for artistic exchange, KLABF has grown into one of Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant creative gatherings. After five years, it has become a vital annual meeting point for artists, designers, writers, and collectives.
NEWS & FEATURES
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The question that changed everything
Many of the world’s greatest discoveries started with a simple question. They are keys that open doors to new ideas.
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KLABF to return in November
What began as a modest space for artistic exchange, KLABF has grown into one of Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant creative gatherings.
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Everything you need to know about NILAM
If you are a student, a parent, or a researcher navigating the Malaysian education system, you have likely heard the term NILAM buzzing in every school corridor. But between the
Beastly Folklore Monsters: The story behind Alak book series
While the world of Alak is filled with magic, the motivation behind it is very real.
The author weaves the issue of logging, habitat loss, and greed with powerful elements from the local belief systems.
Listen to the conversation with Juliet Jacobs and co-host Surin Suksuwan on BFM 89.9 – The Business Station.
Alak In The Hinterland wins National Library of Malaysia book award
The fantasy adventure title Alak in the Hinterland has emerged as a winner at the National Library of Malaysia (PNM) Book Awards 2025/2026.
The debut title in the Alak series was recognized for its excellence in the Children’s Fiction (English) category, placing it among the nation’s most impactful literary contributions.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, the Deputy Minister of National Unity Yuneswaran Ramaraj says the award is the highest platform to recognise quality publications in Malaysia.
“Beyond recognizing the excellence of authors and publishers, these awards act as a catalyst for producing creative, innovative, and high-quality works that can compete at the national level and globally,” he says.
SHORT STORIES
We believe that fiction is a powerful way to build empathy and help us better understand the natural world.
Send your story to publisher@alak.my be featured in this section. Every published story will receive RM50.
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Saving The Pink Rider
A pickup truck was changing lanes quickly into the path of the woman. Maya gasped. Short story by Raimi Zamani.
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The Bloating
What started as a mundane bout of indigestion and rebellious digestive tracts proved to be a terrifying inspiration for Nora Drenalina.
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The Ghost In The Trees
This story by Raimi Zamani is based on a heartbreaking true story about a strange, hairless creature that were found crawling through an oil palm plantation.
BOOKS & MERCH
Alak In The Hinterland
By Salhan K Ahmad
Illustrated by Rizo Leong with woodblock prints.
A story of courage, justice and longing. Winner of the National Library Of Malaysia book award. The title is available in hardback and ebook editions, on both Google Books and Kindle.
Alak And The Curse Of Jerangau
By Salhan K Ahmad
Illustrated by Rizo Leong with woodblock prints.
The story dives deeper into the mind of a man-eater harimau in this sequel. A new edition of the book is in the pipeline.
Sejuta Kucing
By Wanda Gag
Translated to Bahasa Melayu by Salhan K Ahmad
First published in the United States in 1929. The first title ever published in picture book format for children at that time. Recipient of the Newbery Honor.
Hari Lahir Thanvi
By Yuma Vasuki
Translated to Bahasa Melayu by Nizha Periaswamy
Cover image illustrated by Rizo Leong with woodblock print.
A collection of stories from the point of view of Thanvi and her friends in a corner of India. Winner of the Bal Sahitya Puraskar prize from the National Academy of Letters
Pesta Menuai
Authored and illustrated by Rizo Leong
Step into the vibrant, beating heart of Sabah’s Kadazan-Dusun culture with Pesta Menuai. The visually breathtaking children’s book is brought to life by masterful woodcut artistry.
Woodblock prints
Rizo Leong’s prints frequently depict the destructive impact of illegal logging, deforestation, and mega infrastructure projects on indigenous land and wildlife.
The subject matter of his work is deeply rooted in the contemporary and historical landscape of Malaysia at large.
The imagery is densely packed with localized iconography and sharp critiques of state and corporate power. The work in this collection defines the art direction in Alak book series.
His work embodies the grit of a young protagonist facing a complex world.
All prints are pressed on uncoated paper
Print size: 38×56 cm
Signed and numbered
Shipped in a tube 63x10x10cm
More prints
RETURN TO THE UNTAMED HINTERLAND
Ancient traditions and encroaching ambitions fiercely collide over control of the land’s natural wealth.
Rooted in the raw, unapologetic grit and atmospheric tension that defined the award-winning first book.
This next adventure promises a deeper plunge into the hinterland where every shadow hides a new threat and survival demands more than just courage.
Selected stores
Handpicked for the discerning reader. Find our exclusive titles at these fine retailers.
