# BH (newspaper)

BH (renamed on 2 July 2012; formerly known as Berita Harian) is a Malay-language daily newspaper published in Malaysia. It is owned by the New Straits Times Press. BH was first published on 1 July 1957, marking its debut as a major newspaper in Malaysia. Its Sunday edition, BH Ahad (renamed on 1 July 2012; previously known as Berita Minggu), was launched on 10 July 1960.

## Overview

The newspaper was printed in broadsheet format until 5 July 2008, when it transitioned to a more compact format. In the 2000s, it also began targeting younger readers.
On 1 July 2012, the paper underwent a significant transition, including renaming the 'Ekonomi' section to 'Bisnes', changing the pullout 'Ratu' to 'Famili', and 'Rona' to 'Kembara'. Additionally, adjustments were made to the layout, typography, and pagination.

## History

On 1 July 1957, Berita Harian, the first romanized Malay morning newspaper, published its inaugural issue. Subsequently, on 10 July 1960, the first romanized Malay Sunday newspaper edition, Berita Minggu, was introduced. During its early stages, Berita Harian emulated the content of the Straits Times and maintained a price of RM0.15, employing a staff of eight individuals to operate the newspaper. Abdul Samad Ismail was appointed as the first editor in April 1958.
From 1 January 1966, Berita Harian started publishing a revised masthead. In 1968, the Sunday edition of the newspaper introduced the cartoonist Lat's Keluarga Si Mamat cartoon series. In 1972, Ismail was replaced by Abdul Wahab Zain as editor. In 1974, the newspaper doubled its page count from 10 to 12. This expansion allowed for the inclusion of additional content about trade, photography, advice, foreign news, and entertainment. Subsequently, on 1 July 1975, the price of the newspaper was raised to RM0.25. Abdul Samad Said became editor in 1976 before being replaced by Salim Kajai in 1978. Edisi Bandar Berita Harian was launched on 29 November 1979.
In 1981, Berita Harian underwent a comprehensive overhaul, including a change in masthead colour, the introduction of new sections, and an expansion of entertainment content. The price of the newspaper subsequently increased to RM0.35, followed by another raise to RM0.45 in 1983. Adibah Amin became the editor the same year, and Ahmad Sebi Abu Bakar the group editor the following year.
Berita Harian and Berita Minggu were merged into Berita Harian Sdn Bhd on 19 June 1985, and on 20 October, Akhbar Dalam Darjah was launched. Bakar was replaced as group editor in April 1986 by Abdul Kadir Jasin, before being replaced himself by Ahmad Nazri Abdullah on 8 April 1988. The newspaper's sports section was expanded on 8 August 1989, to include Jaguh, a 16-page special tabloid pullout. Berita Harian and Berita Minggu were overhauled in December 1991. Berita Harian gained a new tagline, "Sumber Ilmu dan Maklumat Mutakhir", while Minggu saw its format changed. Special daily supplements were added: Berita Pelajar, Berita Wanita, Berita Teknologi, Jaguh, Perspektif, and Dunia on 1 June 1992. In May 1993, a Komputer subsection was added to the technology content. The subsection would be expanded to a pullout on 5 January 1994, before Berita Komputer was launched on 11 August. Later in 1993, Minda Pelajar was added, and the newspaper price was raised to RM0.70. At this point, the paper was printing 50,000 issues weekly. The newspaper was again overhauled in January 1995, where fonts, images, layouts, and sections were edited. The newspaper then shifted its attention from regional to national and foreign news. A weekly edition, titled Citra, was launched in February, sold at RM1.00. It was discontinued, and its last edition was published on 31 January 2000. Ahmad Rejal Arbee was appointed group editor in July 1998. Later, in November, the price was increased to RM1.20, and the sections were reorganized.
Berita Harian and Berita Minggu were both redesigned in 1999. Its educational sections were expanded in 2001. Their aesthetics were again edited in January 2003, mainly to target younger readers, adding a pullout called IKON on Saturdays in October for youth. In March, the entertainment sections were revamped as well. Hishamuddin Aun was appointed group editor on 18 July. By 2004, circulation had increased to 238,000 daily, and the paper added front-page stories for each region. Malaysia Super League content was added in February on the first Thursday of every month. Zian Johari became Executive Editor of Berita Minggu on 1 June 2004. The cover price of Berita Harian was raised to RM1.50, except for in Sabah and Sarawak, where it was raised to RM2.00. Berita Minggu's price was raised to RM2.00 nationally. The two papers were again revamped in June. Come April 2006, Datuk Manja Ismail was appointed Group Editor and Director of Malay publications, and the newspaper added a cellphone service for readers to receive news digitally. In March 2008, Datuk Mustapa Omar was appointed Deputy Group Editor. In July, Berita Harian and Minggu ceased their broadsheet format after 51 years and went compact. In July 2009, Datuk Mior, Kamarul Shahid, and Mahfar Ali were appointed Group Editor and Deputy Group Editor at Berita Harian. After launching in 2009, Berita Harian became, by October 2010, the number one online newspaper in Malaysia.

## Digital Transformation

In the 21st century, Berita Harian expanded its presence online and became one of the prominent digital newspapers in Malaysia by 2010. The newspaper also introduced mobile services to provide readers with easier access to news updates.

## Editorial Leadership

Notable journalists who have served as editors of Berita Harian include Abdul Samad Ismail, Adibah Amin, and Datuk Manja Ismail. Their leadership contributed to shaping the newspaper's editorial policies over the years.

## Format Changes

In 2008, Berita Harian transitioned from a broadsheet to a compact format to adapt to changing reader preferences. This shift also included updates to its content structure, including youth-oriented sections such as the IKON pullout.

## Circulation and Regional Reach

In 2004, the daily circulation of Berita Harian reached approximately 238,000 copies. Pricing strategies were implemented to cater to readers in different regions, such as Sabah and Sarawak.

## Educational Contributions

Berita Harian introduced several educational pullouts, including Berita Pelajar and Minda Pelajar, aimed at engaging students. In 1994, the newspaper launched the Berita Komputer pullout, focusing on technology and education.