go to bookxcess for cheaper books. There is one in midvalley that is almost always empty and well stocked and most importantly, cheap! Like RM25 per book cheap. My entire Asimov titles were bought from there, and none of those books could be found in popular or MPH.

Popular bookstores, wait for their sales which can happen every now and then

I think most importantly is we ourselves need to know who are the authors who are worth reading, that has withstood the test of time and still be a good read 50 - 100 years later. Don Quixote was published in 1600's, and still a book worth reading 400 years later, and its less than RM40 at any time at any book store.

If you're looking at RM50 books and above, its almost always the new books. Wait a year and the paperback versions would be on sale for sure

Also try second hand books. Have bought books from Books and Bobs and the book conditions are great.

I have a collection of books, and almost all of them are bought on sale, even the murakami and kazuo titles. You just need to be patient; and know what books you are going for.