The Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF), or Pesta Buku Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (PBAKL), is a major annual literary event in Malaysia, recognized as the largest book fair in Malaysia and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. It is truly an annual major event in the global publishing calendar.
Since 1991, the KLIBF venue has always been the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), located at 41 Jalan Tun Ismail, Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur, except for the 2016 edition that was held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
Established in 1981, the KLIBF is in its 43rd edition this year, organized by the Malaysian Ministry of Education via the National Book Council of Malaysia (MBKM) and Malaysian Book Industry Chamber (MBIC), in collaboration with the Malaysian Book Publishers Association (MABOPA), Malaysian Booksellers Association (MBA), Malaysian Book Exporters and Importers Association (MBEIA), Malaysian Book Contractors Association (PKBM), Malaysian Bumiputera Book Industry Association (PIBM) and the Malaysian Scholarly Publishing Council (MAPIM).
KLIBF 2025 features 1,172 booths with 258 exhibitors, including local and international publishers and booksellers.
Visitors can explore a wide range of books, from old to new publications, with a strong emphasis on Malay and Islamic literature, though books in English and other languages are also available.
FREE ADMISSION!
Main Stage (Level 2, near registration): Hosts major events like the opening ceremony and book launches.
Pentas Dunia Buku (Book World Stage): Located in Dewan Merdeka, introduced in recent years to showcase literary events.
Pentas Dunia Ilmu (World of Knowledge Stage): In Dewan Tun Razak 3, focusing on educational and intellectual discussions.
Pentas Plaza Merdeka: A newly opened hall in the parking area opposite Dewan Merdeka, hosting various activities.
Book launches, author meet-and-greets, and signings. Seminars and conventions, including the Seminar Pengawas Pusat Sumber (MIFLA), scheduled for 29 May to 1 June 2025 at Hotel Seri Pacific.
Asian Rights Fair 2025, a business matching event for international industry players. Other events include musical and cultural performances. There are also food stalls selling dishes reflecting Malaysia’s racial diversity. And not to forget, the kid-friendly zones with activities like storytelling, coloring contests, and games.
VIP Buyers Lounge: Offers a comfortable book-buying experience for teachers and librarians.
Special Focus: In 2025, KLIBF coincides with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship (1 January to 31 December 2025), which will reflect in this year’s programming with regional literary and cultural themes.
Also check out other Arts events in Kuala Lumpur, Literary Art events in Kuala Lumpur, Workshops in Kuala Lumpur.
