KUCHING: The evolution of the newspaper industry towards digital must be emphasised and embraced, says former political advisor of Utusan Sarawak, William Chan, in response to the management’s decision to cease print circulation.
He acknowledged that the shift was inevitable due to the sharp decline in demand for printed publications.
“Instead, the focus should be on the reality of the newspaper industry’s digital evolution, ensuring a meaningful transition into the next phase,” he said when contacted today.
Having been involved with Utusan Sarawak for over three decades, Chan expressed his hopes that the media outlet will continue to thrive in the digital space.
Earlier, Utusan Sarawak executive editorial advisor Kadir Dikoh announced that starting March 1, 2025, Utusan Sarawak will operate entirely online via its website, mobile app and Facebook page.
First published on Jan 16, 1949 by Abang Ikhwan Zainie under Arif Press Co, Utusan Sarawak was initially sold at 10 cents and consisted of four pages.
By 1957, the publication expanded to six pages, but it eventually ceased operations in 1971. However, the newspaper was revived in the 1990s, continuing its role as an influential Malay-language publication in Sarawak.
The establishment of Utusan Sarawak in 1949 was closely tied to local political movements. During that period, the Angkatan Semangat Anak Sarawak (ASAS), political organisation opposing Sarawak’s cession to the British, published Utusan ASAS as a platform to voice their struggles and aspirations.
Utusan Sarawak emerged within this context, serving as a medium for Sarawakians opposed to colonial rule.
In the following decades, the newspaper continued to play a key role in disseminating information and providing a platform for discussions on current issues affecting the Sarawakian community.
With its transition to digital, Utusan Sarawak now enters a new chapter, ensuring that its legacy of journalism remains relevant in the digital era.
