KUALA LUMPUR: The New Straits Times has launched Malaysia’s first QR-coded audio news feature, “Heard the News?,” aimed at making news more inclusive and accessible to all readers.
The initiative, supported by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), allows readers to scan a QR code in the New Straits Times print edition or access the e-paper to listen to narrated versions of articles.
The format not only opens the door to those with visual impairments, auditory learning preferences or reading challenges to expand their knowledge, but also allows non-native English speakers to strengthen their command of the language.
Teachers who attended the launch said “Heard the News” can breathe new life into the way students engage with the news.
Nur Khaorunnisa Mohd Amin from Sekolah Kebangsaan Bangsar said the initiative offered a fresh approach to attract young readers, especially at a time when fewer children were picking up newspapers.
“Now, with this innovation, I have new ideas on how to draw pupils into reading news content more excitingly,” she said after attending the launch ceremony at IWK Eco Park.
Another teacher, Mohamad Fadlullah Ab Jalil from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Pantai, said Heard The News was a timely effort to strengthen digital learning in schools.
“This is a good initiative in elevating digital education in our country, especially since students today prefer instant news.
“With this tool, they can listen first before practising their reading and pronunciation. It helps to enhance their language skills while keeping them informed about current affairs,” he said.
English teacher Nur Aliyah Ahmad Jamallullail said the “Heard The News” initiative was especially valuable in language learning, as it could be integrated directly into classroom lessons.
“For English, listening skills are very important. With the QR codes provided, teachers can use them as teaching materials to introduce new vocabulary to pupils,” she said.
She added that the tool significantly enriched students’ vocabulary.
“For example, when my pupils read a news report about an earthquake, they not only learn the word itself but also related terms like ‘seismic’.
“They can then play the audio to hear the correct pronunciation. This really helps them grasp both meaning and usage,” she said.
Students also welcomed the idea of accessing news through audio via QR codes.
Amshyar Nabih, 16, said the experience was unlike reading text alone.
“With audio news, I can sharpen my listening skills and prepare better for next year’s SPM. It makes studying more engaging compared to just reading,” he said.
He added that the format could be particularly useful for students who struggle to focus on long articles or prefer learning by listening.
Classmate Siti Nur Amirah Johari, also 16, agreed that the initiative had strong potential in classroom learning.
“It feels like having a teacher reading with us, which makes it easier to understand. When I listen to the correct pronunciation, I can follow and learn.
“If I only read on my own, I sometimes pronounce words wrongly. This way, I can improve my language and speaking skills,” she said.
Siti added that the tool could also build students’ confidence in communication, particularly for public speaking or class presentations.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
