National Library urged to explore e-book

The National Library of Malaysia (PNM) has been urged to explore the electronic book (e-book) market to assist writers and publishes achieve a wider market for their works.

Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said information and communication technology (ICT) advancement has made it necessary for this new market to be penetrated to ensure that intellectual works were brought to a higher level.

"Books as a source of knowledge or as a reflection of humanity must move much forward in this era of sophisticated technology while the usage of e-book should be something of a necessity in enhancing dissemination of knowledge.

"Towards this goal, the PNM must play its role and endeavour to penetrate the new market," he said at an event to boost the "nusantara" (Malay Archipelago) spirit and book launching called "Firdaus dan Firdaus" at the PNM auditorium, here, today.

Also present were PNB director-general Datuk Raslin Abu Bakar and Rais' wife Datin Seri Masnah Rais.

The two books launched were "Cermin Belakang", which touches on Malaysia-Indonesia ties and written by Senator Datuk Dr Firdaus Abdullah, and "The Power of the Minangkabau" by Drs Firdaus Effendi.

E-book is a book-length publicaton in digital form, consisting of text or images, or both, and readable on the computer or other electronic devices.

On the two books launched today, Rais said he wanted the books to be bought by PNB and copies of them distributed to the 1,089 rural libraries in the country.