Besides the traditional big names like Penguin and Random House, the book industry is awash with small local independent presses. Their do-it-yourself spirit is a hallmark of the Malaysian publishing community.
Among them are Buku Fixi, Gerakbudaya, Lejen Press and Silverfish Books. Their book shops and online stores feature an array of titles on local writing, culture and politics.
Buku Fixi
Kuala Lumpur has a thriving local book publishing industry. The city was selected as the World Book Capital 2020 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are a variety of local publishers that offer a wide range of books to suit every reader’s tastes.
Buku Fixi is a popular Malaysian publisher that specializes in urban novels and crime stories. It also publishes limited editions and themed anthologies. Some of their novels have been adapted into movies. They have published several limited editions of famous authors’ works including Sitora Harimau Jadian (Malaysian National Laureate 1983) and Yang Nakal - Nakal, a compilation of short stories by the late Dr. Usman Awang.
The company has a number of imprints. Among them are the Grafixi series for graphic novels, and the Malay translation of DC Comics titles such as Batman and Superman: Public Enemies.
In recent years, independent publishing has become a lucrative business in Malaysia. A new wave of Malay-language publishers has sprung up, producing cheap pulp fiction that taps into a young generation’s desire for escapism. They use street slang and feature stories that flirt with taboo topics such as sexual promiscuity and communism.
One of the most popular authors that Buku Fixi has published is Helmi Effendy, who aims to challenge the stereotypes that exist in Malaysian society. His novels have been banned in many schools, but they have sold well at pop-up book markets and online vendors.
He also writes an influential blog and has been praised for his work on social issues, particularly the plight of Muslim women. However, Helmi recently drew the ire of social media users after his support for Islamophobia was revealed.
In May, Buku Fixi announced that it would no longer be selling Helmi Effendy’s books after a tweet by Twitter user Ooi Kok Hin pointed out that he advocated for systematic killings of race traitors. They later removed all of his books from their website. They also stated they supported free speech but did not condone threats or prayers for people to be killed.
Gerakbudaya
Founded by Chong Ton Sin, Gerakbudaya is a well-respected local indie publisher and bookstore that publishes timely and important books on social awareness and critical discourse. It also supports new writing by promoting and nurturing emerging writers. Its Silverfish New Writing series focuses on the latest works from Malaysian and other neighbouring authors.
Gerakbudaya offers an extensive selection of titles from various genres and languages, ranging from fiction to non-fiction, and is home to an academic research imprint, the Strategic Information and Research Development Center (SIRD). It also supplies books sourced from independent publishers in Singapore, Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian region.
It is a favourite among bookworms for its diverse collection of titles, including an extensive selection of Malay literature with a deviant flair. In addition, the store stocks a wide selection of popular literature, classics and local interests at reasonable prices.
As a member of the International Publishers Association, Gerakbudaya was shortlisted for the Prix Voltaire in Switzerland. The prestigious award recognises exemplary courage in upholding freedom of expression.
Another name to look out for is Lejen Press, a literary and photography zine publisher that seeks to develop the writing talent of aspiring writers by offering a platform for them to share their work. Its books are available on its website, as well as at the I AM LEJEN Shop in Terminal Subang Skypark.
Word Works, an English-language publishing house based in Penang, has a wide range of titles to choose from. Its selection includes classic works from renowned authors, as well as contemporary literature. It also organises creative writing courses and provides editing and proofreading services.
The publisher also produces literary and photography zines, which are compact booklets inscribed with works by contributors. These are a great way to keep up with the current literary landscape.
A former editor, Elaine Hun and her husband Min have a passion for literature and are keen on providing an accessible space for people to discover and discuss new works. They are dedicated to preserving the rich and vibrant culture of literature by offering the latest titles from both local and global authors.
Lejen Press
Lejen Press is a boutique book shop that stocks Malay literature, especially fiction, by local independent publishers. It carries titles by big names such as Buku Fixi and DuBook Press, along with smaller ones like Obscura Malaysia and Poket Press.
The bookstore aims to make it easy for readers to discover new and emerging authors. The shop also hosts events and workshops where writers can share their experiences with the community.
Founded by Wani Ismail, the publisher aims to provide an alternative space where readers can connect and discuss literature with like-minded people. It conducts a monthly book market, called Boco, and has partnered with various local institutions to organise literary events.
Another key component of the store is its cafe, where customers can have coffee and tea while reading their books. Its menu of dishes includes traditional Malay food, such as chicken soup and nasi goreng.
Aside from its retail outlets, Lejen Press operates an online store as well as an annual festival in Kuala Lumpur. Featuring both international and local authors, the event is part of the company’s broader commitment to promote Malaysian literary culture.
Its website also features a blog, where readers can keep up with the latest news in the Malaysian publishing industry. In addition, it organises creative writing courses and editing services.
One of the most exciting developments in Kuala Lumpur’s independent book scene is the rise of the Malay indie publishing mafia, led by Amir Muhammad (Buku Fixi), Mutalib Uthman (DuBook Press), Aisamuddin Md Asri (Lejen Press) and Zul Fikri Zamir (Thukul Cetak). They have published hundreds of titles – mostly by young first-time writers – sparking a sort of renaissance in both the publishing scene and the Malay readership.
With their titillating covers and titles that seem to push the envelope, many of these publications are geared towards younger, more experimental readers who find it hard to get into mainstream publishing in Malaysia. Amir, for example, said that he started out as a filmmaker and decided to launch his own press in order to publish the kind of literature that he wanted to read.
Silverfish Books
Founded in 1999, Silverfish Books is a pioneer of the local publishing scene. A huge supporter of Malaysian English-language authors, Silverfish is a place where you can find rare titles that are often unavailable elsewhere. In addition to selling these titles, the company also publishes fresh writing under their own label.
The independent bookshop carries a good selection of books and literary magazines, as well as books about Malaysia. Its cosy space is ideal for a quick browse, and the staff are more than happy to give recommendations. Its wide range of genres, from international fiction to children’s books, makes it a popular destination for avid readers.
As one of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic independent book shops, Silverfish has survived the changing reading landscape and thrived in the face of a fiercely competitive market. Owner Raman Krishnan has long been dedicated to promoting the local literary scene in the English language. He started the publishing house in 1999, and over the years, has produced a number of well-loved titles that have made an impact on the Malaysian literary world.
In this year’s Children’s Book Week, Silverfish Books has organised a series of activities to promote the work of Malaysian children’s writers and illustrators. The event will run from 9 August until 18 August and includes author talks, workshops and quiz nights, as well as a children’s literature book giveaway.
Another bookstore worth mentioning is Lit Books, a newcomer to the scene and a bookshop that was recently opened by former corporate consultant Fong Min Hun. The shop is situated in a quiet suburb outside of the city centre, and offers a carefully curated selection of literature and non-fiction books alongside a cafe. The team at Lit is always open to ideas for new events and are constantly thinking of ways to engage the community.
In addition to a wide selection of books, this bookstore also offers book signings and readings. Its community hub also organises regular author discussions and literary quiz nights. For those with young kids, there is also a children’s library featuring popular Malay titles as well as fan memorabilia from TV shows and cartoon characters.
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