Malaysiakini is rolling out a metered paywall which will allow non-subscribers to read 10 paid articles of their choice for free each month.

This new feature will provide readers access to the independent news portal's in-depth articles, analyses, feature pieces and columns.

At present, this feature is available on the desktop versions of Malaysiakini's English and Chinese websites, while mobile users will enjoy the same service starting next week. The Bahasa Malaysia website will remain free to all.

Users would need to sign in to Malaysiakini using a Google or Facebook account in order to read the articles.

"It's the first time we are tweaking our subscription model since we launched it in 2002.

“Now, the occasional visitor can read Malaysiakini for free. We hope this will motivate them to subscribe over time," Malaysiakini chief executive officer Premesh Chandran said.

Premesh said Malaysiakini's metered paywall is similar to The New York Times model, which also provides 10 free articles a month.

"All over the world, we are seeing publishers moving towards the subscription model. Publishers know that advertising alone cannot support quality journalism.

"We hope that our supporters can help spread the word and get more subscribers on board," Premesh added.

First independent news portal

Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan hopes that the new feature would attract more people to subscribe to the news portal.

“Malaysiakini is the country's first independent news portal, launched in 1999 with the aim of providing readers with an alternative to the traditional media.

“Throughout its almost two-decade-long journey, Malaysiakini has reported the news and views that matter, as well as providing a platform for all Malaysians come together, speak their minds and be heard.

“Unlike others, Malaysiakini does not have investors with deep pockets and is dependent on subscription and advertising for survival,” Gan said.

Upon reading the 10 paid articles for free, non-subscribers would have to wait until the following month to access another 10 articles.

However, those who wish to continue reading the articles can subscribe to Malaysiakini, where the yearly package works out to RM200 - or just 55 sen a day.