PUTRAJAYA — The national publishing industry continues to record encouraging growth, with the number of International Standard Book Number (ISBN) and International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) registrations remaining high, reflecting an active and dynamic publishing ecosystem, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
He said a total of 23,485 ISBNs and 304 ISSNs were recorded in 2025, while 2024 saw 24,017 ISBNs and 245 ISSNs, indicating that the industry is gaining momentum.
“These figures clearly show that the national book industry is expanding, with the publication of academic and general reading materials continuing to grow in line with public demand,” he said in a statement today.
Aaron said the positive development not only reflects the growth of the publishing industry but also strengthens the government’s efforts to cultivate a reading culture among Malaysians.
He said this is in line with the national aspiration to develop a knowledgeable, critical-thinking and informed society, in achieving the goal of making Malaysia a Reading Nation by 2030.
Meanwhile, he said the National Library of Malaysia (PNM), as the National Centre for ISBN and ISSN, continues to play a strategic role in supporting the industry by providing international standard services that facilitate publication, distribution and global recognition of published materials.
Aaron added that the Ministry of National Unity remains committed to strengthening collaboration with all stakeholders, including publishers, writers, educational institutions and the community, to ensure that the reading culture continues to thrive and becomes the foundation in building a knowledgeable, inclusive and competitive MADANI society.
