Interested in reading local books but struggling to find the books or the time to read? Well, now you can listen to them thanks to the power of audiobooks! Nusantara Audiobooks is the country’s first ever platform that feature Malaysian authors. It is definitely a great way of listening to some classics when you’re not in the mood for flipping through pages. Additionally, some of us just enjoy audiobooks more than physical books. There’s something about how the right voice can really bring the story to life.
Nusantara Audiobooks
Nusantara Audiobooks was established in 2016 as a platform to feature many genres of books. There are dozens of audiobooks ranging from literature, biography, philosophy, and more. In fact, you can also find significant and rare history texts such as Sejarah Melayu by Tun Sri Lanang. There is also Hikayat Hang Tuah which will help transport you to the 15th and 16th century.
Moreover, the entire Sang Kancil collection is available in both English and Malay. People of all ages can enjoy this lovable folk tale series. In fact, some of us also grew up reading the books in school. However, if you prefer more contemporary books, you should check out books by Shahnon Ahmad and A. Samad Said. Other than that, there are also biographies by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, and even Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim.
Familiar Voices
The voices behind these stories are names you might be able to recognise from the local entertainment industry. Datuk M. Nasir, Adibah Noor, Wan Hanafi, Tony Eusoff, and more can be heard reading the books to you. In fact, Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim is the narrator for his autobiography titled I, KKK. He is the first narrator to hold recording sessions in his own home due to his age at the time.
The main purpose of Nusantara Audiobooks is to preserve classical books and encourage the younger generation to read them. It is an initiative by the Selangor State Government and the Selangor Public Library. Together, they hope to reach out to a younger audience with this digital format. Nusantara Audiobooks also plans to translate Malay books into English to resonate with non-Malay speaking audiences.
