MALAYSIA’s oldest newspaper, Utusan Malaysia, returned to the stands today almost a year after it ceased publication following years of financial losses.  

The Malay daily, along with its sister publication, Kosmo!, are now owned by media tycoon Syed Mokhtar Albukhary.

A copy of today’s Utusan contains 48 pages and is priced at RM2. The newspaper, which was previously owned by Umno, now carries the tagline “Permikiran Baharu” (New Way of Thinking).

On its front page is a report on the state of the economy in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Its sports section features an exclusive interview with Johor Darul Ta’zim FC owner, Tunku Ismail Tunku Ibrahim.

Kosmo! also published a first day edition of 48 pages but kept its tagline “Suara Kontemporari” (Contemporary Voice).

The front page of the youth-centric newspaper features a report on gold traders who are doing brisk business. 

Utusan’s previous owner, Utusan Group, stopped operations on October 9.

Its executive chairman Abd Aziz Sheikh Fadzir the company could no longer continue operating at a loss.

The group subsequently sold 70% of its stake in its subsidiary Dilof Sdn Bhd to Aurora Mulia, a company linked to Syed Mokhtar.

Aurora Mulia was renamed Media Mulia Sdn Bhd, which currently holds Utusan’s printing permit. – July 20, 2020.