Evening Edition

A digital artist in Belgium has designed an AI tool that could detect when politicians are distracted in an effort to help them focus on issues raised during parliament sittings. Shawn Tanis tells us more. Image Source: Marco Oriolesi, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new survey from Ipsos has found that the main cause of tension between Malaysians is political polarisation, a strained feeling transpiring when there is a difference in support for political parties. We explore these findings and how this tension affects our society. Image Source: Jessica Da Rosa, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UMNO Supreme Council announced that they have withdrawn their support for Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, twelve hours after the party's vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister. We explore what this move might mean for the Perikatan Nasional government. Image Source: zmpixes, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What started off as a father encouraging his daughters to learn maths has become a Los Angeles-based e-commerce platform called Mighty, allowing for children to operate their own online stores and earn some money. Shawn Tanis gives us the details. Image Source: Monstera, PexelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several days ago, 18 durian farmers were detained for trespassing into the Batu Talam permanent forest reserve in Raub. The Pahang state government had earlier accused the farmers of illegal farming, and attempted to evict them. We find out more about the situation from lawyer Collin Arvind Andrew who represented the farmers. Image Source: Jonny Clow, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A social media post went viral over the weekend from Kembara Kitchen, highlighting an increase in baby dumping - of newborns being abandoned at hospitals. We check in with an organisation that operates baby hatches on how they have been coping. Image Source: Solen Feyissa, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has just appointed Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as Deputy Prime Minister effective immediately, after avoiding this appointment for so long. We speak about how this will affect political developments moving foward. Image Source: msyaraafiq, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inspired by the #BenderaPutih movement, three local students built an app for people to find food banks and locations of white flags they can provide aid to. We speak to one of the developers about the Sambal SOS app. Image Source: abillion, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most hard-hit industries during the Covid-19 pandemic is the tourism industry, which has resulted in the collapse of hotels after leaving hotel owners and their staff with pay cuts or job losses. We explored the devastating impact that this has caused and what the industry needs to recover. Image Source: Adriana Saraceanu, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pinterest has become the first major platform to ban all weight loss ads that idealise or shame body types, after a research by the National Eating Disorders Association showed that unhealthy eating habits are linked to social media. Shawn Tanis tells us more. Image Source: i yunmai, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Dr Adham Baba revealed that 33% among B40 recipients of the Skim Peduli Kesihatan scheme have been diagnosed with chronic diseases. We look into why these illnesses are prevalent in the community, and how healthcare can be made more accessible. Image Source: Hush Naidoo, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some recipients of the AstraZeneca vaccines may face challenges travelling around Europe after the EU stated that it only recognises vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency for now. We look into the implementation of this system, and discuss the criticisms that this unfairly penalises poorer countries. Image Source: Keith Chan, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A BBC article talks about 'The Great Resignation', pointing out that about 41% of employees are working their way out of their jobs even as companies are struggling and people are being let go. We speak about how the pandemic has encouraged people to pursue different pathways. Image Source: Jadon Barnes, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An investigation in the UK involving Google and Amazon has been done to probe into concerns over them taking enough steps to manage fake reviews on their websites. Shawn of the news team tells us more. Image Source: Henry Perks, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The police are investigating two individuals, filmmaker Anna Har and cartoonist Amin Landak, over the release of the short film “Chilli Powder and Thinner”. The film depicts the true story of a teenager’s experience with police brutality. We speak Anna about the impact of today's events. Image Source: Anna HarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Among the many initiatives to get aid to the rakyat, Subang MP Wong Chen is carrying out a contactless welfare aid program by providing shopping vouchers instead of food packs. MP Wong Chen speaks to us about why he believes shopping vouchers are more effective than food aid baskets. Image Source: Nico Smit, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chinese Communist Party celebrated its 100 year anniversary today, and president Xi Jinping made a speech highlighting that foreign powers trying to influence the country would not be tolerated. We look into what this means for China's relations with Taiwan and the United States. Image Source: Gil Corzo, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) is urging the govt to reconsider that DNA samples of newborn babies be taken and kept in order to assist in solving criminal cases. We talk to lawyer Suaran Singh to gain an understanding of what this would mean for data privacy. Image Source: National Cancer Institute, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has once again urged for the Parliament to reconvene before August 1, without waiting for the Emergency to end in a press statement released today. We look at what this latest development might mean for the country. Image Source: Laboo Studio, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trade union in the UK is looking at introducing laws to ban out-of-hours emails as the lines between work and home blur amid the pandemic. Dhanya gives us the details. Image Source: Windows, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore is drawing up a road map to live alongside COVID-19 long term, now regarding it as an endemic disease. Is Malaysia ready for this? We look at how this approach can be taken here. Image Source: Victor He, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim Jong Un's health has been the focus of public attention with his emaciated appearances. This comes with the worry that he has yet to publicly anoint a successor to take charge of North Korea’s advancing nuclear arsenal. We speak about why this has been of concern recently. Image Source: Alexander Khitrov, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic has resulted in loss of a source of income for Tuk-Tuk Drivers in Bangkok who rely on the tourism industry. Kpop fans have found a way to help struggling Tuk-Tuk drivers, by recruiting these drivers to advertise their favourite artists. Dhanya of the news team tells us more. Image Source: Nikita Belokhonov, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A movement called #BenderaPutih was recently started on social media to help households who are in need of food and essentials, suggesting people hang a white flag outside their homes as a way to ask for assistance. This comes following increasing reports of people facing extreme difficulties during the Covid-19 pandemic. We look into the psychology of asking for help, and how to normalise the act of reaching out when we need a hand. Image Source: CanvaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wildlife activists are looking to file a suit against the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) after their officers allegedly shot 20 endangered dusky leaf monkeys in Port Dickson last month. We speak to a lawyer to understand the legalities of the incident. Image Source: James Thornton, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bernama reported that less than one-fifth of Orang Asli eligible for Covid-19 vaccination have signed up to receive it. We speak to Mohamad Azni Bidin, trustee of the Dr Bolton Orang Asli Tust Fund and Temuan Orang Asli from Negeri Sembilan, about his efforts to push for more registrations within the community for vaccination. Image Source: Mufid Majnun, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A paddy growing project by NGO Forever Sabah is reigniting interest among traditional Sabah farmers in paddy planting, as well as assisting communities in overcoming poverty. Shawn Tanis gives us the details. Image Source: Dương Trí, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Penang South Islands (PSI) project, which was launched by the Penang state government to reclaim about 1,821 hectares of the sea to build three new islands, has been criticised for its impact on the environment and the livelihoods of fishermen. We look into how developments can be done more sustainably. Image Source: Siti Rahmanah Mat Daud, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Bank has just revised its forecast of Malaysia’s GDP growth from 6% to 4.5%. We look into how a lower GDP might impact our economic recovery and what needs to be done for us bounce back. Image Source: Paweł Szymankiewicz, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue our conversation from yesterday's Inside Story on the issues farmers are facing during the MCO, and speak to Tan Chee Kiong about the larger ramifications of the pandemic on farms and the people who rely on them for a living. Image Source: Erik Aquino, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Along with the total lockdown, childcare centres have had restrictions imposed on their operations adding to the challenges parents have to face. We check in with a daycare centre to understand how they have been coping during this time. Image Source: Kelli McClintock, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past year, courier service companies have seen a boom in deliveries resulting from e-commerce growth. We hear from Pgeon Delivery and EasyParcel to look at how they guarantee customer data privacy. Image Source: Liza Summer, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The California state government is looking into introducing a rent-forgiveness program to help low-income tenants who are struggling with overdue rent and payment difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Shawn Tanis gives us more details. Image Source: Leohoho, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local restaurants are urging their customers to order directly from them instead of through delivery services, to avoid the big cuts they take from their profits. We hear from two business owners to understand their relationship with delivery services and how customers can better support them. Image Source: Norma MortensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Malaysia, epidemiologists are saying that the prevalence of the many variants present are largely unknown as the Delta variant continues to be a dominant strain in most countries. We look into why genomic sequencing is crucial and what can be done prevent the spread of Covid-19 variants. Image Source: Mat Napo, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian government is currently looking at the possibility to loosen restrictions for those who have completed their vaccine doses. We looked into whether this idea would be beneficial, and the guidelines on how it could be implemented. Image Source: cottonbro, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A study in China found that being a content creator and churning out live-streaming video content is the ultimate way to make money. Shawn tells us more. Image Source: Anastase Maragos, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A coalition of trade groups, Industries Unite, shared that the 4 stages of the National Recovery Plan outlined very little strategies to help businesses bounce back. Shawn Tanis tells us more. Image Source: Kelvin Zyteng, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two lawyers have been accused of judicial fixing, after text messages surfaced implicating them in influencing the outcome of an ongoing civil suit involving Malaysia's Petronas and Norway's largest oil services firm Aker Solutions ASA. We speak to Fahri Azzat to understand what this investigation entails. Image Source: Tingey Injury Law Firm, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with World Music Day, we celebrate local musicians and check in with independent singer-songwriter, Lyia Meta, on how the past year has impacted her profession. Image Source: Lyia MetaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more people have been investing in cryptocurrencies, with many groups believing that digital currencies are an ideal investment option. Dhanya tells us more. Image Source: Austin Distel, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Attorney General Chambers has advised that all civil servents and documents must now identify Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin by his legal name, Mahiaddin Md Yasin or Tan Sri Dato Haji Mahiaddin Md Yasin. We look at how this directive came to be. Image Source: Muhammad Izzat Termizie, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The reports of alleged sexual harassment and abuse within our sports industry has emphasised the need for us to call for serious actions to be taken. Cindy Ong joins us to speak about her experiences, and what we can do to better protect our atheletes from abuse. Image Source: Serena Repice Lentini, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme Coordinating Minister Khairy Jamaluddin expects for Covid-19 to continue to be prevalent among our communities in the foreseeable future and thus, he will no longer be using the term "herd immunity." We speak to a doctor to understand what this means. Image Source: MUHAMMAD IZZAT TERMIZIE, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BERSIH will be launching "Sack or Keep?" a simulated recall elections campaign on June 21. We speak to Thomas Fann about the campaign's aim to increase awareness on the role of recall elections and how it will impact our political landscape. Image Source: Element5 Digital, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A young student in the UK has come up with an innovation that ensures people who wear glasses can don their masks on comfortably. This has opened up conversations about the minor inconveniences that the pandemic has brought on. Dhanya tells us more about it. Image Source: Lisanto 李奕良,UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A competition organized by the non-profit organization, Edufication, has encouraged teachers to propose their ideas on creating more innovative ways to conduct lessons during the pandemic. Dhanya tells us more. Image Source: Lucas Law, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, Christiano Ronaldo removed two Coca Cola bottles at a Euro 2020 press conference, which led to Coca Cola acquiring a loss of 4 billion dollars in company market value. We looked into the impact that big names can have on brands, as well as what it takes to be more health conscious. Image Source: beIN SPORTS FranceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Perak government has received heavy criticism for distributing low-quality phones to students from low income groups for learning, with the reason for its low quality being to prevent them from using it for entertainment purposes. We look into how this would impact the learning experience of students. Image Source: cottonbro, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin has asked the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to hand over information on refugees that are registered with them, supposedly for Covid-19 vaccinations. We speak about the effectiveness of this move in getting refugees vaccinated. Image Source: Swarnavo Chakrabarti, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.