Berita Harian (abbreviated as BH) is a Malay-language daily newspaper published in Malaysia. It is published by the New Straits Times Press. Its Sunday edition, BH Ahad (formerly Berita Minggu), was launched on 10 July 1960. This newspaper is indirectly connected to the Singaporean paper of the same name, Berita Harian. Both papers originated from a single publication founded on 1 July 1957. They were separated in September 1972.
The newspaper adopted the Romanized Malay script at its founding, and over the decades underwent several format changes, transitioning from a broadsheet to a compact format in 2008. It has also contributed to Malay-language education through pullout publications. Berita Harian is published from Balai Berita, Kuala Lumpur, and maintains an online presence at www.bharian.com.my.
History Berita Harian launched on 1 July 1957. It was published on the British-influenced side of the Malaysphere. It was the first morning newspaper in the region 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."
The newspaper featured translated Western comic strips, but in December 1958, the newspaper began a regular competition where readers could send original comic panels and cartoons written in the Malay language. Winners would be given a cash prize and have their contribution featured in the next issue of the paper.
In 1960, a Sunday edition of the paper was launched, originally titled Berita Minggu it was renamed to BH Ahad in 2012.
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 established an online platform and mobile services offering digital news content. 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
External links
INMA