KUALA LUMPUR: A new mini library has been set up in Kampung Jenderam Hilir in Sepang to inculcate reading habits among the Orang Asli community there.

The project, organised by Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa (YSS) in collaboration with Education Ministry and SME Bank, saw volunteers from higher learning institutes nationwide and 43 SME Bank staff taking part in the corporate social responsibility programme.

They were involved in painting murals, providing a new paint coat for the toilets’ walls, as well as fixing curtains and bookshelves, among others.

In a statement, YSS chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the project would benefit 350 Orang Asli in the village in line with the Education Ministry’s aspiration to transform Malaysia into a “reading nation” by 2020.

“With the mini library, the community here can finally make use of such a facility which was previously unavailable,” he said.

SME Bank group strategic chief officer Aiza Azreen Ahmad said the mini library project would serve as the local information centre for children to gain knowledge from.

“Through reading, we can educate and enrich ourselves from the many aspects of knowledge and information as well, other than upgrading our way of life.

“We will also be able to compete and move forward in a challenging world which is moving fast with technology.”