Evening Edition

E-hailing service providers have been asked to address complaints of expensive fares that have reportedly gone up as much as 400% or 5 times the usual rate at peak hours. We dissect the factors behind the price hike and look into alternatives and the possibility of government intervention.Image Source: Dan Gold, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tweet recently went viral after suggesting the high economic value of communication skills, with users sharing pointers on how they practice the art of conversation. We get into it. Image Source: mentatdgt, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia came in 6th at the recently concluded SEA Games, having achieved our targetted medal tally of 36 gold medals. Nevertheless, this was the worst performance in nearly 40 years where Malaysia has always finished in the regional top 5. We unpack the results and some of the crticisms that followed. Image Source: Faizal Azumu, Official Facebook PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been calls for drastic policy changes to tackle high corporate debt in Malaysia, with the warning that it will stunt economic recovery if left unaddressed. We get into the factors behind this and how corporate debt impacts our economy.Image source: Gwoeii, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pair of tweets talking about having to wake up early to get to work has sparked an ongoing conversation about the Malaysian experience of work commute, traffic congestion, and work-life balance. We dive into it.Image Source: Pixabay, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beruas MP and DAP spokesperson for law and parliament, Ngeh Koo Ham, has called for the heads of government departments to focus on improving the performance of their staff over policing the outfits of customers who come to seek service in government offices. We look into this issue and what the law says about enforcing these dress codes.Image Source: Fernando Lavin, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tweet went viral after it told the story of how job hopping 4 times in 8 months helped a friend increase the salary range by RM 1200. We get into the responses from people on how they feel about job hopping. Image Source: Andrea Piacquadio, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia transitions into the endemic phase, live acts are opening up to full capacity with foreign acts returning to our shores. We discuss this with comedian, Rizal van Geyzel and also touched on why some Malaysian performers choose to 'ply their trade' outside Malaysia. Image Source: Laugh Works (Rizal van Geyzel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced doing away with Approved Permits (AP) for food imports. With the prices of our food increasing lately, we discuss the umbrella effects of this decision and how it relates to our food security.Image Source: Franki Chamaki, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil-and-gas company Serba Dinamik Holdings Bhd and its four top executives were charged with submitting a false statement to Bursa Malaysia last December. Just last Friday, they were acquitted of all charges by the Attorney General’s Chambers. We look at the impact this could have on the integrity of the capital markets.Image Source: Serba Dinamik Holdings BerhadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, several tech companies including Apple, Google and Microsoft announced that they were looking into the possibility of going password-free, and replacing passwords with a more secure way to access accounts or devices. We discuss what this would look like. Image Source: Towfiqu barbhuiya, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Saturday, two reporters were allegedly harassed by a security guard at the Pudu UTC Immigration Department while attempting to cover a story on passport renewals. As a result, several groups have called for protection for journalists and reporters. We look into the incident and what is needed to create a safer environment for members of the media.Image source: Michal Matlon, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Kuala Lumpur, about one-third of construction costs for residential buildings go to building car parks, and this has caused the prices of houses to go up. We discuss the larger issues of being a car-centric nation and how that can affect us as homeowners. Image Source: Hello I'm Nik, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to the fifth installment of Mind Your Business, where we get into some of the major headlines and talk about how they impact businesses and our economic landscape. This week we discuss: - The OPR hike - Malaysia's Q1 GDP resultsImage source: Andrii Yalanskyi, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We unpack the long awaited debate between opposition leader Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former Prime Minister Dato' Sri Najib Razak to discuss the fate of Sapura Energy Berhad as well as issues pertaining to the country's governance and economy. Image source: Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Official Facebook PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has been a spirited back and forth on Twitter about taking MCs, faking MCs, and the culture of coming to work even when we don't feel well. We get into the responses and the prevailing office practices that keep us from taking a break when we need it. Image source: Towfiqu barbhuiya, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, temperatures of up to 34°C were recorded in KL and Selangor, following the arrival of the South West Monsoon winds. This has naturally caused some concerns about switching on air-conditioners and running the risk of raking up electricity bills. We explore the ways we can keep cool in weather like this and the role that our built environment plays in adapting to high temperatures. Image source: Matteo Fusco, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, we saw many families celebrating Hari Raya returning to their hometown for the first time in two years, as travel restrictions were lifted. We speak to PLUS Malaysia on the breakdown of the Raya exodus traffic, and what we can learn from it. Image source: Alexander Popov, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Tweet questioning why Malaysia lacks the culture of complimenting drew some attention. We get into the responses and explore whether we are indeed bad at receiving and giving compliments. Image source: Pixabay, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Solutions Forum is an initiative by Sunway Group and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Malaysia to showcase the most impactful solutions to Sustainable Development Goals–related challenges in Malaysia. We spoke to Professor Woo Wing Thye about the outcome of the forum, and what we learned from it.Image Source: Sunway Group, SDSN MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Passengers have taken to social media to complain about flight delays and rescheduling during the Raya period, without any proper compensation given. With the Transport Ministry now asking relevant airlines to rectify the issue, we discuss the various factors that are affecting the aviation industry, post COVID-19.Image source: Isabel Lee, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voting in the Philippines presidential election concluded yesterday, and an unofficial tally revealed that Ferdinand Marcos Jr., known as BongBong Marcos, won nearly 31 million votes. We look into the significance of this outcome in light of the Marcos family history in politics, and how it could affect diplomatic dynamics in the region. Image source: Bongbong Marcos, Official Facebook PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tweet questioning the need to include pictures in CVs has incurred a discussion on whether we're putting too much information on them when applying for a job. We get into it. Image source: Lukas, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Health has launched a probe into a fake blood screening campaign that was aimed at selling health products. We get into what an actual health screening should entail as well as how we can identify their authenticity.Image Source: Mufid Majnun, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bangi MP Dr. Ong Kian Ming has announced that he will not be contesting in the next elections, saying that he wants to take a break to regroup and recharge. We look into the merits of politicians taking a break from politics, and the impact this decision would bring.Image source: Dr. Ong Kian Ming - 王建民, Official Facebook accountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been a wide and heated discussion on Twitter regarding flight delays with AirAsia, with people criticising the airline for their poor services. We get into it. Image source: LT Chan, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has announced that severe action can be taken against anyone who allows underaged individuals to drive, after news of a tragic incident in which a grass cutter was killed after being hit by a 16-year-old driver. We look into why this issue is still prevalent in the country, and what can be done to curb it. Image source: Peter Kalonji, Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to our fourth installment of Mind Your Business, where we go through some of the major headlines and talk about how they impact businesses and our economic landscape. This week we discuss the below topics : - Minimum wage that took effect on 1st May 2022 - Malaysia's current inflation - Malaysia's economic growth for 2022Image source: Towfiqu barbhuiya, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent tweet sparked a conversation on navigation apps, dividing netizens into two teams - Google Map and Waze users. We dive into the discussion to see what people are saying about their preferred travel companion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Arulkumar Singaraveloo, Malaysia HR Forum and Social Compliance Malaysia’s CEO and co-founder, called for the government to consider making rest days mandatory for all workers, in line with ILO standards. We look into Malaysia's current policy and discuss the importance of rest days.Image source: Keira Burton, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bar Council has announced they will be holding an EGM to discuss several issues circling around recent allegations of judicial intimidation, as well as the 'Walk For Justice' that former Malaysian Bar presidents are calling for. We discuss these allegations and their impact on our legal and social systems with Karen Cheah, president of the Malaysian Bar Council, as well as what the EGM hopes to achieve. Image source: Laboo Studio, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting back to work, especially after a long break, is a struggle most of us can relate to. We discuss how to manage post-holiday blues and make the transition back to work easier. Image source: charlesdeluvio, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tweet about duit raya sparked a discussion on the tradition of giving money to children and younger relatives, and the key question of how much money to give. We get into the varied opinions and creative ways netizens have dealt with this.Image source: zesphiete, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back with our third installment of Mind Your Business, where we take you through some of the major headlines and talk about how they impact businesses and our economic landscape. This week we look into these topics: - Development and climate in response to the flash floods- Recruitment of foreign workers in the country Image source: Josue Isai Ramos Figueroa, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long Hari Raya and Labour Day weekend is right around the corner, and coupled with the new loosening of restrictions, many people are planning their drive back to their hometowns to visit their families. We get into the ultimate traffic question: When is the best time to leave? Image source: Mikechie Esparagoza, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia has just approved 5 new Digital Bank Licences. We get into the significance of this as well as what digital bank services might look like with these new players. Image source: Bank Negara Malaysia, Official WebsiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month, five Bornean MPs called for one-third of parliamentary seats to be from Sabah and Sarawak. This demand is in line with the terms outlined in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63). We look at the significance of this demand and the challenges that stand in the way of achieving it. Image source: Afif Abd. Halim, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, our Health Ministry announced a relaxation of SOPs that will come into effect beginning 1st May 2022. This includes no longer needing to check-in via MySejahtera when entering a premise. Malaysians took to Twitter to share their reactions to this change.Image source: Alan thien, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A survey conducted on 5000 women across 10 countries found that more than half of them have plans to quit their jobs within the next 2 years. We discuss the reasons behind this, and how employers can address this issue. Image source: Christina, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Union has signed a Digital Markets Act, which is expected to come into force in October, and this act could require messaging apps developers to make their apps work together. We explore what it would mean to compel companies to make messaging apps cross-compatible, and the pros and cons of this move. Image source: Alok Sharma, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#Nagaenthran, #RestInPeace and #Abolish DeathPenalty are all trending on Twitter after the news that Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam was executed this morning in Singapore after exhausting all legal avenues. Image source: Emiliano Bar, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been a lot of discussion on the act of eating in public during the fasting month, following an incident where an employee at a fast-food restaurant posted CCTV footage of three Muslim women dining in the restaurant, along with a caption condemning them. We discuss the cultural context of this action, and how we should navigate conversations surrounding issues like this. Image source: Rodnae Productions, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pusat KOMAS, a Human Rights NGO, has issued the Malaysia Racial Discrimination Report 2021 which detailed how Malaysia is doing in this regard. We dissect the contents of the report and and what it means for us. Image source: Clay Banks, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

tweet calling for the Government to declare a climate emergency has sparked conversations surrounding how climate change has impacted us and how the govenrnment isn't taking urgent action to address this. We look to social media to unpack the discourse. Image source: Markus Spiske, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia produces around 17,000 tonnes of food waste per day out of which 24% is avoidable food waste. We get into the mindset that perpetuates the problem as well as discuss how we can minimize wastage while preparing our food. Image source: Emmet, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia is the world's largest palm oil producer, contributing to 60% of the market supply. They recently banned exports of their palm oil in a move to control their domestic cooking oil prices. We discuss the factors contributing to Indonesia's decision, its effect on the global markets, and how Malaysia may stand to benefit.Image source: Nazarizal Mohammad, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People on Twitter are discussing how STEM-related careers bode lower pay, following Berita Harian’s tweet on the decline of students choosing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics streams. We join this conversation. Image source: Monstera, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Various criticism has been raised against the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), which said that workers choosing to work from home should be given smaller wages, including a deduction of travel allowances. We discuss this, drawing into the expenses that workers working from home bear and the impact of having their salaries cut. Image source: Vlada Karpovich, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back with our weekly segment of Mind Your Business, where we take you through some of the major headlines and talk about how they impact businesses and our economic landscape. This week we look into:- How entrepreneurs are responding to digital transitions- The importance of digital payment systems in e-commerce- The MoA between MATRADE and MARDI to commercialise MARDI’s new technopreneurs in international markets. Image source: David Dvořáček, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tweet about an incident where a parent stopped their child from cleaning up while they were eating out has gone viral, prompting a discussion on the act of cleaning up after dining in public. We get into it. Image source: Justus Menke, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.