However, he said the vouchers would be accompanied by a list of recommended books to encourage students to spend the vouchers on quality books.

“(They may use the vouchers to buy) classic novels by renowned authors … I (also) want our children to understand artificial intelligence (AI). We will recommend a list of books,” he said.

Anwar also expressed hope that the relevant ministries would be able to prepare the format for the distribution of the vouchers tomorrow.

The initiative was first introduced by the Najib Razak-led Barisan Nasional government in 2016 as the 1Malaysia Book Voucher programme. This was for students in Form 6 and those in universities.

The programme was scrapped in 2017 and replaced with a student discount card, which was pre-loaded with RM250. The card also allowed students to gain access to discounts on books and stationery as well as other education material.

In June last year, the late Salahuddin Ayub, who was then the domestic trade and cost of living minister, announced that Putrajaya was considering bringing back the discount card pending discussions with the finance and higher education ministries.

Anwar, who has served as the education minister in the past, said it was important to train children to enjoy the pursuit of knowledge amid the amount of information available in the virtual world.

He said it was the government’s responsibility to help parents inculcate a culture of reading among their children.

Higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said the mechanism for the distribution of the book vouchers will be announced soon, adding that this was “good news” for Malaysians.

He said this initiative would reduce the burden of parents and students, particularly those in the B40 income group.

He also admitted to being caught off guard by Anwar’s announcement, particularly the expectation to have the mechanism ready by tomorrow. “But it’s okay, we will get it done,” he said.