Kuala Lampur, Sept. 19 -- SEPTEMBER 19 -The COVID-19 pandemic wasn't just a public health crisis; it was an unprecedented stress test for science communication.

In Malaysia, as the government scrambled to source vaccines and devise a rollout strategy, a parallel battle raged: the battle for public understanding and trust.

In this crucible, science journalism didn't just report the news - it became a critical, often beleaguered, mediator between complex science, anxious citizens, and pressured policymakers.

Its performance, a mix of vital service and exposed vulnerabilities, holds crucial lessons for future crises.

When the first Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Sinovac approvals landed, Malaysians weren't just asking "When?" but "How?" and "I...