<!-- still common address -->Berita Harian (abbreviated as BH) is a Malay-language daily newspaper in Malaysia. It is published by the New Straits Times Press and was first issued on 1 July 1957. Its Sunday edition, BH Ahad (formerly Berita Minggu), was launched on 10 July 1960.

History

Berita Harian launched on 1 July 1957. It was published on the British-influenced side of the Malaysphere. It has been recorded as the region's first morning newspaper to adopt the Romanized Malay script, contrasting with contemporaries like Utusan Melayu which continued to publish the Jawi script. Abdul Samad Ismail was appointed as its first editor in April 1958.

Early on, the newspaper regularly prioritised cartoons and comic strips. The tagline on the first published issue of the paper read "Berita Harian; Akhbar untuk Keluarga" (Translated: "The Daily News; A Newspaper for the Whole Family") and included front page text highlighting the inclusion of "the largest collection [of comic pictures] to be found in a newspaper in Malaya."

Format changes

In 1966, BH introduced a revised masthead. In 1974, the page count increased from 10 to 12, allowing for expanded content, including trade, photography, and foreign news.

In 1989, the sports section expanded with the launch of Jaguh, a 16-page pullout.

On 5 July 2008, BH transitioned from a broadsheet to a compact format. This shift included structural updates and the introduction of youth-oriented content.

With the rise of digital media, BH expanded its online presence and launched mobile services, providing real-time news updates. On 1 July 2012, BH revamped its sections, renaming Ekonomi to Bisnes, Ratu to Famili, and Rona to Kembara. Additional changes in typography, layout, and pagination were also introduced.

Educational contributions

BH introduced several educational initiatives, including the Berita Pelajar and Minda Pelajar pullouts, to engage students. In 1994, the newspaper launched Berita Komputer, providing technology-focused content for readers interested in computing and digital literacy.

See also

  • Other newspapers in Malaysia are published in the Malay language:
  • Utusan Malaysia
  • Harian Metro
  • Kosmo!
  • Utusan Borneo, a newspaper serving the states of Sabah and Sarawak
  • Sinar Harian
  • List of Malaysian television stations
  • 8TV
  • List of Malaysian radio stations
  • Eight FM

References

  • INMA