Evening Edition

PKR Youth Chief Akmal Nasir has urged the government not to allow affordable housing schemes to "become a scam" and for laws to better protect buyers. We find out why these issues exist and what is needed to be done. Image Source: Maximillian Conacher, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, it was revealed that the Seri Perdana is undergoing renovations worth RM38.5 million. We get an understanding of the rationale behind this. Image Source: structuresxx, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's round up of Dewan Rakyat highlights, we heard about increasing pensions for civil service retirees, calls to declassify MA63 reports, a fiery debate on cabotage policies and an explanation from Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan himself on his recent acquittal for money laundering charges. Image Source: Parlimen Malaysia Official FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Health acknowledged that there’s an issue with brain drain in the healthcare system as the number of specialists in the public sector decline. We look at how they plan to tackle this. Image Source: Arion Reyvonputra, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is trying to make loan applications quicker for SMEs by putting aside credit check processes. We talk about what credit checks entail and whether this move will help SMEs. Image Source: PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights from today's Dewan Rakyat's proceedings include discussions around the cost of upgrading schools, and food security. Also, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman gives her debate speech for 12th Malaysia Plan, raising points on women's participation in politics, decentralizing COVID-19 recovery efforts, and establishing a sexual crimes court for children. Image Source: S.O, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic has affected many families and couples, as the travel restrictions have made it hard for them to reunite. As national borders remain closed, this is so much worse for people in long-distance, international relationships. Image Source: Toa Heftiba, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debates commenced today for the 12th Malaysia Plan, with Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being the first to give his speech, raising a discussion about the viability of the existing Bumiputera agenda and what lessons need to be considered. Also - statistics on traffic accidents, and vaccination for prisoners. Image source: Sadie Teper, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A brand new 13 km cycling and pedestrian lane is going to open up in KL by next year. Could this be the start of a new walkable, cyclable KL? We hear from a cyclist for his thoughts. Image Source: Robert Ruggiero, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been several calls for the government to conduct a thorough discussion on the 51% Bumiputera equity ruling for freight forwarding companies. We look into the impacts of this policy. Image Source: Jerome Monta, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long-awaited 12th Malaysia Plan was tabled in Parliament today, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri unveiling a five-year roadmap for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. We look at the key aspects of his speech. Also - updates on foreign investment in Malaysia, and Tabung Haji's RCI. Image Source: Parlimen Malaysia FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department has called for for senior citizens to undergo a screening before getting their driving licences renewed. We discuss what it might mean to implement this policy. Image Source: Linas Drulia, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy Minister Dato' Mastura Mohd Yazid said that both government and opposition MPs will be given equal allocation under the PM’s special allocation. We hear from an opposition MP on his view. Image Source: Michael Longmire, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The police have confirmed that they've started the process to extradite Nur Sajat from Thailand, prompting questions about the level of effort that's been put into her case. We find out more about the extradition process, and discuss Sajat's options for seeking asylum. Image Source: Fikri Yusof, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Higher Education made an announcement recently that university and college campuses will reopen in stages from October 15 for fully vaccinated students and staff. We check in with a student about their preparations. Image Source: javier trueba, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a Parliamentary reply on Tuesday, the Prime Minister revealed that over RM1 million was spent on office renovations and furniture for ministers and their deputies. We discuss whether this spending is justified, and what measures are in place to oversee the use of public funds for these purposes. Image Source: MaleeEll, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The disappearance and death of Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old from Florida, has captured a lot of attention, with social media users sharing theories and possible sightings online. But, does this shift the focus away from the crime? We find out more with a lawyer. Image Source: Firmbee.com, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today in Parliament, MPs brought up the rotation system that will kick into effect once schools reopen, discussing worries about the digital divide and how students will cope. Other highlights include statistics on domestic abuse, and a press conference about the shortcomings of MySejahtera in displaying one's vaccine status. Image Source: fuadstephan, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After six days of the Langkawi Travel Bubble, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has considered it a success, with plans to open up more travel bubble destinations. We look at what this means for Langkawi and for domestic tourism. Image Source: Nur Syafiqah, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three MACC officers have been detained for allegedly misappropriating funds; however, they are being investigated by the MACC itself. This sparked off criticisms that the anti-graft body needs to be held accountable so that it's more effective and independent. We discuss this with Cynthia Gabriel from C4. Image Source: Kindel Media, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's proceedings were heavy on COVID-19 updates, from the cost of treating the pandemic, to the changing protocols at Covid Assessment Centres. Separately- a call from Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar for urgent reviews on the minimum wage. Image Source: Breakingpic, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trilateral partnership has been signed, called AUKUS, as Australia looks to develop nuclear-powered submarines, with cooperation from the UK and the US. We look into the implications of this deal, and how it impacts global relations and security. Image Source: viper-zero, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent online scam has cropped up in the form of a website, reportedly operating under the guise of helping members of the public to look for long lost friends. We look into this website and discuss ways to protect our personal data online. Image Source: PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights from today's Dewan Rakyat proceedings include a commitment by the government to implement the lowering of the voting age by year-end, Malaysia's ratification of RCEP, the country's stance on the Taliban, and the ceiling price of self-test kits. Image Source: Gwoeii, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A feminine hygiene company, Libresse, recently pulled down their ad campaigns after receiving complaints that it was offensive and exploitative to focus on female genitals. We take a closer look. Image Source: Sora Shimazaki, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Territories Ministry is looking to hold a town hall session with NGOs, groups and individuals who are distributing aid to the homeless at the end of this month. We speak to an NGO to learn what pressing issues need to be raised. Image Source: Jon Tyson, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second week of the Parliament sitting begins with debates around a number of issues. Highlights include discussions about the floods in Yan last month, children orphaned due to Covid-19, interstate travel, and teacher shortages. MPs also debated the Agong's opening speech last Monday. Image Source: Laboo Studio, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The We Love You Box initiative was launched to act as an avenue for people to send messages of gratitude and chip in to fund care packages for frontliners. We speak to the people behind the initiative, and what it aims to achieve. Image Source: We Love You BoxSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent survey under the Sekolah Semua campaign found that younger people are more likely to report having felt discriminated against while in school, as compared to older people. We discuss these findings and talk about what needs to be done to tackle discrimination in schools. Image Source: ThinkingEyes, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) are calling for private higher education institutions (IPTS) to reduce their fees for local students, stating that this could reduce the economic and psychological burden on students. We speak to the Vice President of MUDA to learn more. Image Source: PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a calmer parliamentary session, today's highlights include calls for better mental health support, decriminalising suicide, finding solutions for contract doctors, and push for anti-hopping laws. Image Source: Lens Hitam, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, the Japanese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur confirmed that a warning has been issued to Japanese citizens in Malaysia over a possible terrorist threat in Southeast Asia. We get an understanding of this warning and where we are concering terrorism activity in the country. Image Source: Roméo A., UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debates commenced in Parliament today. Highlights included discussions around the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, the Health Ministry's efforts to deliver oxygen tanks to states, and protests over rejected motions to replace Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun. Image Source:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament reconvened today for the first session with Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri as Prime Minister. Highlights include the Agong's royal address, and the inking of a confidence and supply agreement between Pakatan Harapan and the government. Image Source: S.O, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the courts ordered the police and government to pay over RM280 thousand in damages to the family of T Benedict, a man who died in police custody in 2017. We discuss the impact of investigations and court victories pertaining to custodial deaths. Image Source: Ye Jinghan, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah currently has the lowest vaccine registration rate at 55.5%. We speak with an assemblyperson about the reasons behind this, and find out what needs to be done to boost vaccinations in the state. Image Source: Mufid Majnun, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In light of Suicide Prevention Day, we look at why youth-led groups and NGOs are calling for the a change in our laws that criminalizes suicide, and the best way to provide mental health support. Image Source: youssef nadam, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singaporean mattress company Sonno is looking to hire a 'sleep executive', and it's open to Malaysians too. Dhanya Nair tells us more. Image Source: Ketut Subiyanto, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that Malaysian mothers have equal rights as Malaysian fathers to confer citizenship to their overseas-born children. We celebrate this momentous decision and look at why it’s significant. Image Source: Family FrontiersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an effort to address domestic violence cases, Jawi and the Department of Women’s Development are working together so that mosques in the Federal Territories are made into transit centres for survivors. We discuss how impactful this move will be, and why it's important to have transit centres with the right services and facilities. Image Source: Wan Zaid, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, El Salvador became the first country to accept Bitcoin as legal tender, setting off debates on the opportunities and dangers of using cryptocurrency. Dhanya gives us the details. Image Source: Tima Miroshnichenko, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting tomorrow, cinemas nationwide can technically welcome back fully vaccinated moviegoers to the halls, though many have said they are still awaiting full SOPs. We discuss what this will look like, from the point of view of the cinemas and for us as the audience. Image Source: Jake Hills, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The arrest of serial paedophile Alladin Lanim was welcomed by the public, however many also asked - how did he manage to evade detection from the police for at least 14 years? We discuss the challenges around tackling child sexual crimes on the internet, and what needs to be done to strengthen our response mechanisms. Image Source: Sergey Zolkin, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has called for the government to reconsider the concept of zoos, calling it 'archaic'. We look into the pros and cons of this proposal. Image Source: Irina Damascan, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted outlets for people to connect with mental health services. Officers in Cook county have started a move to carry tablets around with them, to help connect citizens with an expert on the scene. Dhanya tells us more about this. Image Source: Daniel Cañibano, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, the government retracted its requirement for students to be from national schools in order to enter Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) after receiving heavy criticism. We speak to Teo Nie Ching to learn the kind of impact these exclusive prerequisites have. Image Source: Feliphe Schiarolli, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sharp decline of tourists at the Sangeh Monkey Forest in Bali has left the macaques without their preferred food source of bananas and peanuts, causing them to raid people's homes for food. Dhanya Nair tells us more about how the pandemic has impacted animals at tourist spots. Image Source: Radoslav Bali, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics came to a close yesterday, with Malaysia taking home three gold medals, and two silvers - beating our previous best of four medals at Rio 2016. We look back at the highlights, and look forward to how we can continue to grow. Image Source: yu_photo, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office released a statement confirming the reappointment of three special envoys for foreign relations, prompting criticism from the public. We look at why these positions exist and where this criticism is coming from. Image Source: zmpixes, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the loosening of restrictions now that more people have been vaccinated, shopping malls have seen an increase in foot traffic. We look at how this has been like for malls, and the measures they have taken to ensure safety. Image Source: Alexander Kovacs, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.