Only Country to Wrap Books in Plastic ?

I have travelled extensively throughout the world, and to my knowledge Malaysia is the only country where bookstores wrap books in plastic so that people cannot browse through them.

If you enter any bookstore in the US, you won't find books wrapped in plastic to prevent the public from browsing through them. Go to the UK, and there will be books on the shelves for the public to browse through, read or buy.

There will always be individuals who will damage books. It cannot be avoided.

Would it be appropriate to wrap all goods in plastic e.g. shirts, trousers, etc. for fear that someone might damage them ?

Often i have read that the government would like people to read more. But with books all wrapped up, it is like telling the prospective buyer : "Don't Touch !" It is not the way to get people to read.

I will not buy a book from any bookseller when the book is wrapped and taped up.

It is heartening to walk into bookstores and see young children sitting on the floor reading. It is delightful to see adults reading sections of a book and discussing it with their friends.

I find it exciting to walk into a bookstore, head to my favourite section and pick up a book (even though the price may be too high), and browse through it. I feel good about having done something worthwhile with my time.

EDWARD

Kuala Lumpur

THE STAR NEWSPAPER, 22 JULY 2009