KUALA LUMPUR – THE recently launched digital version of the New Straits Times has caught on among the likes of prominent leaders, VIPs and heads of organisations, who prefer the application to the conventional newspaper for its convenience and flexibility.

President of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations Datuk N. Marimuthu said it was easier reading the digital paper because one does not need to thumb through the pages.

“I can get the news anywhere and anytime of the day from my smartphone or iPad. It’s faster and easier.

“It also saves time, especially when I want to email the material to a friend. Just copy and paste.”

The application, launched by NSTP last Friday, offers digital editions of the NST, Berita Harian and Harian Metro.

Young and Internet-savvy iPhone users have lauded the move saying that it would promote the reading habit among the younger generation and make them more knowledgeable.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala said the digital paper was a convenient tool as it could be accessed anywhere.

Kraftangan Malaysia chairman Datuk Sohaimi Shahadan said he preferred the digital paper as it was easier to read.

Transport Workers Union secretary-general Tan Sri Zainal Rampak who keeps himself updated with the current news through his laptop, said digital versions were better for news alerts.

“I travel a lot and the digital version allows me to access the various newspapers online.

“When I’m home, I don’t have to worry about the newspaper not getting delivered or bother about old newspapers or where to store them.”

Actor-director Joanna Bessey said digital editions were faster and more efficient because the news was more streamlined.

“I can be more selective with my news, instead of going through the whole newspaper.”

To enjoy the digital editions, which are free during the trial period until the end of the month, go to the Apple iTunes Store or App Store on the Apple iPhone, iPad or iPod and key in “NST Digital” in the search window in the store front.

Click on the “free app” button under the NST Digital icon to launch the digital edition.

Follow the three registration steps and log in with your username and password to read the digital versions.