Karangkraf breaks tradition, launches English publishing arm at PBAKL 2025

KUALA LUMPUR – Breaking from its long-standing tradition, Karangkraf Group (GBK) has officially launched a dedicated English-language publishing arm, timed with the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025.

This initiative opens a new chapter for Malaysia’s publishing industry, as the company now welcomes English manuscript submissions year-round from all aspiring authors.

As part of PBAKL, which runs until June 1, GBK is also offering discounts of up to 40 per cent on all book purchases.

GBK’s English Editor, Nur Layli Khayandari Mohamed Ain said the move paves the way for more local writers to create and publish English-language works under Karangkraf’s banner, expanding their reach to international markets.

“Previously, GBK was best known for publishing Malay-language works. But this year, winds of change are blowing as we open our doors to authors interested in writing in English,” she said.

To mark this new venture, Grup Buku Karangkraf invited its authors to a meet-and-greet session at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) on May 24.

The session featured Letters to My Sisters author Sharifah Nadirah, Tragic Loss: Lessons from a Silent Goodbye author Fuad Abdullah and Why the Hate? author Muhammad Danial Jazmi, who is also the youngest author at Karangkraf.

Nur Layli stated that GBK has so far published at least four titles—Letters to My Sisters, A Journey Through Betrayal and Back, Why The Hate? and Tragic Loss—all under the non-fiction category, covering themes of Islam and mental health awareness.

“That’s why we’re inviting talented writers out there to submit their English manuscripts anytime throughout the year,” she told Sinar Daily at the GBK booth on Saturday.

Upon introducing their books, Sharifah described that her book, Letters to My Sisters, focuses on women’s empowerment, supporting Muslim Malaysian women who face cultural pressures while advocating for their mental health.

Sharifah, who is also part of Sister Cactus, a community club supporting Muslim women’s mental health, said the book is a compilation of letters meant to serve as a companion for fellow sisters struggling to balance careers and roles as mothers.

“Society often pressures women by asking when they are going to get married and settle down, followed by many other cultural misconceptions expecting them to be this and that. But Islamic teachings are complete, and this book serves as a companion to help relieve the cultural pressure they face in striving to be the best women,” she said.

The book includes heart-to-heart conversations with readers, aiming to uplift their burdened mental health.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Danial Jazmi’s debut book, Why The Hate?, gives voice to the youth, delving into themes of emotion, identity struggles and the unspoken realities of teenage life.

The 18-year-old shared that the book was inspired by his personal experience in high school, when he had a falling out with a best friend, leaving him feeling alone.

Beyond that impactful experience, he also faced bullying for his appearance and for not being as smart as others, compounded by strict parents limiting his social life.

“We can tell when people don’t like us by the way they look at us—their eyes, their body language. But sometimes, people who seem filled with hatred are actually kind in nature, so we shouldn't judge people solely based on that,” he said, reflecting on his personal experience with hate and what inspired him to write.

He encouraged aspiring writers with basic skills to keep going: “Just keep writing until you feel satisfied with it. It doesn’t matter how bad or good your English is, as long as you have vocabulary to use. What matters is that we understand what we write. Just keep writing,” he advised.

Danial plans to write more books in the same genre, possibly a sequel to Why the Hate?, focusing on personal experiences and encouraging others in similar situations.

Author Fuad Abdullah shared that writing was never his niche. His first book, Tragic Loss: Lessons from a Silent Goodbye, explores the meaning of grief.

“I’m not a writer, but I do write a journal, and I ended up publishing this book,” he said during the meet-and-greet session.

“It’s important to write how you feel. I managed to write about my personal healing process by translating what I wrote in my journal into the book. It includes psychological perspectives on loss and a few research studies. My main goal is to create awareness and break the stigma around mental health affected by grief, as it is now highly prevalent in our population,” he said.

He stressed the importance of educating the public about mental health and suicide, noting that normalising these conversations can help others feel brave enough to speak up rather than suffer in silence.

As part of PBAKL, which runs until June 1, GBK is also offering discounts of up to 40 per cent on all book purchases.

Nur Layli confirmed that detailed terms and conditions for submitting English manuscripts will be officially announced after the conclusion of PBAKL via GBK’s digital platforms, including Karangkraf Media Group’s Instagram page.

In a key moment at PBAKL 2025, GBK drew significant attention with a special meet-and-greet session featuring Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

His appearance wasn’t just to meet fans—it was also to promote his new book titled Jalan Tegak, which chronicles his personal journey and the challenges of navigating Malaysia’s political landscape from his earliest days in public service.

The session turned into a lively event, further energised by the surprise appearance of popular actress and singer Bella Astillah.

Why the Hate? is available for pre-order from Karangkraf Mall at RM25 or at a discounted price at the International Book Fair (PBAKL) itself, available until June 1.

Tragic Loss: Lessons from a Silent Goodbye is priced at RM30, and Letters to My Sisters at RM27.