The Kuala Lumpur Alternative Bookfest returns to Central Market at the end of January, with the theme ‘Berani kerana beruang’, a play on the famous ‘Berani kerana benar’ slogan.

Organised by the Malaysian Book Publishers Association (MABOPA), this year’s KLAB will take place across five days—from January 30 untul February 3—and feature 90 booths comprising 70 publishers and book sellers, 14 arts and crafts vendors, and six F&B vendors.

At the time of writing, there is no confirmed list of vendors yet, but the KLAB organisers have released a series of hints to tease what festivalgoers can expect at the event, including ‘Top 5 finalist as a writer’, ‘Comeback!’ and ‘Awarded winner from Japan.’

KL Alternative Bookfest 2026

Location: Central Market, Kuala Lumpur
Date: January 30–February 3, 2026
Time: 10am–10pm

For more details, see Gerakbudaya’s Instagram page.