Rural and Regional Development Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal today launched two books written by his wife, Shuryani Shuaib, which will be sold to raise funds for the Semporna Foundation set up in 2005 to help the needy, single mothers and orphans.

One of the pictorial books, My Kedah, contains photographs of Shuryani as she was growing up as well as scenic pictures in Kedah while the other, My Semporna, bears pictures of Shafie and scenic shots in and around Semporna.

Shuryani said the idea to produce the books evolved from the feelings and creativity related to the people, history and culture of the states where she and her husband were born.

She said she was optimistic that the books would fetch double the RM106,000 she raised from the sale of two books she had written last year.

Each of the books are priced at RM99.99 (for the hardcover version) and RM69.99 (softcover), and can be obtained at the MPH and Borders book stores and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

Shuryani said she planned to sell the books in the international markets, such as New York and London.

- Bernama