10/02/2026

TUESDAY | FEB 10, 2026

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Your brain needs books , sayang P ICTURE a modern Malaysian household at 9pm: father on Facebook, forwarding something suspicious about turmeric; mother stamina for attention – something scrolling does not encourage. In simpler terms: books teach patience; phones teach panic. 0 Vocabulary and expression

comprehension. Parents notice children allergic to anything longer than subtitles. If we want articulate citizens capable of analysis rather than reaction, reading must return to daily life. A modest Makcik proposal Nothing revolutionary. Just practical. 0 Daily quiet reading time in schools – even 20 minutes can build habit; 0 Community or park reading sessions organised by libraries or councils; 0 Family reading hour at home where everyone participates, adults included. Yes, you too; and 0 Book swaps among friends to keep costs down and conversations rich. Make it normal again. Make it visible. Final word from the resident Makcik Reading is not competition for technology; it is compensation for it. It offers depth where screens offer speed; reflection where feeds offer frenzy. It strengthens language, nurtures empathy and gives the mind room to stretch without being poked every second. And finishing a good book carries a quiet triumph no notification can match. So, dust off the shelves, visit the library or sit somewhere shady and open a page. The Makcik , as always, is right. AzuraAbas is the executive editor of theSun. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com support organisations can be empowering. Shared experiences can often reduce anxiety and help families feel less alone. Myths vs facts Myth 1: Down syndrome is very rare in Malaysia Fact: Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal conditions seen in Malaysian maternity and paediatric services. Myth 2: Parents caused the condition Fact: Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs randomly. Nothing done during pregnancy causes it. Myth 3: All individuals with Down syndrome have severe intellectual disability Fact: Intellectual ability varies. Many individuals have mild to moderate learning challenges and can attend school, work and live fulfilling lives. Myth 4: People with Down syndrome cannot contribute to society Fact: With support and inclusion, individuals with Down syndrome can work, form relationships and actively participate in their communities Myth 5: A diagnosis means a poor quality of life Fact: Quality of life is influenced by healthcare access, education, family support and social acceptance; not the diagnosis itself. With improved healthcare services, stronger advocacy and growing awareness in Malaysia, outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome continue to improve. Inclusion, early support and understanding are key to helping them reach their full potential. A Down syndrome diagnosis does not define your child’s future. Your child is first and foremost a child – with personality, emotions and potential. With love, medical care and community support, children with Down syndrome can lead meaningful and joyful lives. As healthcare professionals, we are here to support families every step of the way.

mobile phone-use during the school day to improve attention and classroom interaction. Some schools are also returning to greater use of printed materials after teachers reported better concentration. Translation: the paper was not the problem. 0 Parts of Scandinavia and France Schools have introduced structured periods of daily reading where devices are put away. Libraries, physical books and handwriting are being emphasised again. Not because they are old-fashioned but because outcomes matter. Rise of quiet reading gathering In a plot twist nobody predicted, reading has also become… social. Cities in Europe and North America now host public reading meet-ups. People bring books to parks or cafés and read together in companionable silence. Afterwards they chat. No performances. No shouting. No one filming themselves pretending to think. Imagine such a thing at Taman Tasik Perdana – civilised, slightly smug and beautiful. Why Malaysia should care We are enthusiastic adopters of technology – marvellous, efficient and necessary. But balance, darling. Balance. Teachers speak about dwindling attention spans. Employers note weaker reading

on TikTok, learning a three-minute Korean recipe she will never attempt; and the child watching a man unbox another man unboxing... something. And on the shelf, untouched, sits a book. Waiting. Patiently. Like an auntie who knows she is right. We used to read – properly read. Sit down, turn pages, get lost in worlds without WiFi. Now, if a paragraph exceeds the length of a WhatsApp message, people behave like they have been asked to climb Mount Kinabalu in slippers. This is not merely nostalgia talking. There is growing evidence – and policy changes overseas – suggesting that perhaps, just perhaps, we went a bit overboard with the screens. What reading actually does to your magnificent brain Research over the years has consistently shown that sustained reading, particularly from physical books, supports several important functions. 0 Focus and comprehension Reading long-form text trains the brain to concentrate on one narrative without hopping away every eight seconds. It builds M A R I N A T B Y A Z DOWN syndrome is one of the most common genetic conditions worldwide, including in Malaysia. As an obstetrician and gynaecologist, my role is not only to care for women during pregnancy but also to guide families with accurate information, realistic expectations and compassionate support when facing a prenatal diagnosis. Down syndrome occurs when a baby is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. This additional genetic material affects physical development, learning ability and overall health. There are three recognised types: 0 Trisomy 21 (about 95% of cases) 0 Translocation Down syndrome 0 Mosaic Down syndrome Each child with Down syndrome is unique, with varying abilities and health needs. Local scenario In Malaysia, Down syndrome remains one of the most frequently identified chromosomal conditions. According to local advocacy groups and paediatric services, early diagnosis, timely intervention and family support can significantly improve outcomes for children with Down syndrome. Malaysia has seen encouraging progress in: 0 prenatal screening availability, including NIPT in public and private sectors; 0 paediatric cardiology services, essential as some babies are born with congenital heart conditions; and 0 early intervention programmes offered through hospitals, NGOs and community centres. However, awareness gaps and social stigma still exist, making education and open discussion critically important. Why does it occur? Down syndrome occurs randomly during cell COMMENT by Dr Siti Farhana Md Pauzi

Books expose readers to richer language, more complex sentence structures and ideas. This improves writing, speaking and the ability to express thoughts clearly. Very useful when trying to disagree politely at family dinners without flipping the table. 0 Empathy Fiction in particular allows readers to inhabit lives other than their own. Studies link this to stronger empathy and social understanding. You practise feeling for others without actually having to attend their kenduri . 0 Stress reduction Reading has been shown to lower stress levels and encourage relaxation. Heart rate slows, muscles ease. Compare this with the emotional rollercoaster of comment sections. Exactly. Meanwhile, abroad: screens are being shown the door. Several education systems that once rushed enthusiastically towards digital learning are now applying the brakes. 0 Finland Well known for high educational performance, Finland has moved to restrict M A K C I K A B A S

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Understanding and nurturing children with Down syndrome

A Down syndrome diagnosis does not define your child’s future. Your child is first and foremost a child - with personality, emotions and potential. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

division. It is not caused by lifestyle, diet, stress or actions during pregnancy. Advanced maternal age is a recognised risk factor but it is important to note that most babies with Down syndrome in Malaysia are born to younger mothers, simply because they represent the majority of pregnancies. Screening tests estimate risk while diagnostic tests provide confirmation. These options should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider to ensure informed decision-making. A diagnosis – prenatal or postnatal – can be emotionally challenging. Take time to process the information and seek clarification from your doctor. Emotional reactions are normal and valid. 0 Get early intervention services In Malaysia, early intervention services Advice for parents: 0 Give yourself time

may include: • hospital-based therapy programmes • community rehabilitation centres • NGO-supported developmental services • early therapy improves motor skills, communication and confidence. 0 Monitor health regularly Children with Down syndrome may have associated conditions such as: • congenital heart disease • thyroid disorders • hearing or vision problems Regular follow-ups will allow early detection and timely treatment 0 Inclusive education Many children with Down syndrome in Malaysia attend mainstream or special education programmes. With appropriate support, they can learn effectively and build social skills. 0 Seek community and family support Connecting with other parents and

DrSiti Farhana Md Pauzi is an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com