You know what they didn't pick up?
Apparently, books.
Sorry, too lazy to read
A recent study by online shopping aggregator iPrice Group has revealed that Malaysians have ditched reading as one of their favourite pasttimes during the few months we were stuck at home.In fact, the study revealed that Malaysia recorded a decrease of 42 per cent in interest for books during that period.
That would put us the lowest in Southeast Asia. Yikes!
Malay Mail reported that while Malaysians' interest in books saw a decrease, countries like Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore recorded an increase in interest for books during the same period.
Despite that, the study found that some types of books still command an interest among Malaysians.
Notably, categories like the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) music books, literature books (particularly 'Harry Potter') and medical books were the most searched ones.
Interesting choices, we have to say.
Children books and adult colouring books are the most searched categories in several countries, namely Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines.
The Quran was, not surprisingly, the most searched-for book in Indonesia as it coincides with the Hari Raya celebrations, as well as school textbooks and - get this! - the unofficial biography of South Korean boyband BTS!
So Malaysians, have you started reading again?