Bandar Seri Begawan - The Book Fair 2013 has recorded a total attendance of 82,773 people as of 6pm yesterday, an increase compared to the 81,883 people in the previous year. As many as 48 companies participated this year and the majority of them were bookstores and 106 allocated booths.

The Director of Language and Literature Bureau (DBP), Hajah Aminah binti Haji Momin disclosed this figure during the closing ceremony of the Book Fair 2013 at the surrounding area of the National Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas last night.

With the participation of local and regional bookstores, it is hoped that various opportunities are created for the community to choose from a selection of books and obtain quality books at competitive prices.

The guest of honour at the event was Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina binti Othman.

The Language and Literature Bureau also extended an invitation to government departments and relevant companies to organise a mini library exhibition in an effort to cultivate the culture of reading and encourage readers to set up a mini library at home.

"Based on my research during my visits to book vendors, the participants have expressed their satisfaction towards the overall response from the public, in particular regular visits from the students. Their daily income during the Book Fair averaged around $1,000 and even up to $3,000. There were even participants who amassed profits of more than $40,000," Hajah Aminah said.

Members of the public have also benefited from various activities over the course of the fair, including cash vouchers.

Hajah Aminah also praised a number of bookstores for their active involvement in organising activities and providing prizes even though it was not compulsory to have one.

The companies are Marleina Enterprise, Syarikat Teras Maju Bookstore Sdn Bhd, Concepts Commercial Supplies and Bahr Islamic Book and Software as well as the State Mufti's Office.

The director highlighted that children books, religious books, cooking guides and cookbooks, novels and e-books received good response from the crowd. Meanwhile, hundreds of copies of one of the publications from government departments were sold to the public.

"Every year, the Book Fair awards the best vendor in two categories namely the Best Vendor in the Government and the Best Vendor in the Private Sector who fulfil the criterion in the aspects of sales conditions, neatness and creativity. The purpose of the awards' presentation is to encourage vendors to be more creative and innovative in attracting visitors.

"I am pleased to announce that the Best Vendor in the Government goes to the State Mufti's Office, while the Best Vendor in the Private Sector goes to Pustaka Remaja Sdn Bhd," Hajah Aminah said.