OVER one million books, featuring more than 200,000 titles, are available at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at Sunshine Central in Penang from today till Aug 10.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the event encourages people to read, learn, and dream.
“When more people read, societies grow stronger and opportunities expand. That is the magic of this initiative – it makes knowledge borderless and inclusive,” he said at the launch of the book sale today.
Emphasising that knowledge is vital, Wong said reading should be accessible and books affordable to all. He praised Big Bad Wolf for offering titles at prices within reach of the public.
Wong highlighted that the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale has grown far beyond its origins to become a global phenomenon, inspiring millions and leaving a lasting impact in every city it visits.
“Whether you’re a seasoned reader, a student searching for your next resource, a young professional seeking inspiration, or a parent looking for the perfect bedtime story – there’s something here for everyone.
“At its core, Big Bad Wolf is about building a new generation of readers and changing the world, one book at a time,” he said.
On a personal note, Wong shared that he enjoys reading, particularly books on history and self-development.
He added that beyond selling books, Big Bad Wolf creates a space where ideas thrive, young minds are nurtured, and the love of reading is shared across generations.
“Penang is a state that celebrates learning, creativity, and culture. I see incredible synergy between platforms like Big Bad Wolf and our mission to position Penang as a vibrant destination not only for travel, but also for intellect and imagination.
“Book tourism is significant, and there’s no better place to embrace it than Penang, where heritage, cuisine and now affordable access to knowledge come together under one roof,” Wong said.
Also present at the opening ceremony were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Big Bad Wolf business director Bernard Lee and head of commercial Jeremy Sew, Sunshine Central CEO Cynthia Hwang and group manager (marketing communications) Bryan Wong.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting