Evening Edition

Over the weekend, a Facebook post by the Director-General of Health, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah garnered a lot of attention for stating that 40 healthcare workers were infected after receiving the vaccines. We discuss the context behind those infections, and look at why this doesn't mean that the vaccines are not effective. Image Source: Jonathan Borba, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, a Facebook post by the Director-General of Health, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah garnered a lot of attention for stating that 40 healthcare workers were infected after receiving the vaccines. We discuss the context behind those infections, and look at why this doesn't mean that the vaccines are not effective. Image Source: Jonathan Borba, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is looking into creating a new regulatory body to oversee parcel delivery services, in order to ensure the welfare and safety of delivery riders. Dhanya Nair tells us more. Image Source: Liza Summer, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An article from The Vibes reported that the country's production of high quality vegetables are being exported overseas leaving locals concerned that their vegetable supply are third-grade quality leftovers. We discuss with Heng Song Han the quality of our produce and what consumers should look out for when purchasing vegetables. Image Source: Chantal Garnier, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pfizer has received criticism for the gradually increasing price of its vaccines, especially when compared to other brands like AstraZeneca which cost significantly less. We look at the complexities of pricing vaccines and how it affects countries differently.Image Source: Samuel Regan-Asante, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting today, those sentenced to up to three years of imprisonment can now qualify for community service instead of serving time. We explore how this amendment made under the Emergency Ordinance could impact our prison system. Image Source: Rodolfo Quirós, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an effort to reduce greenhouse emmissions, France will be giving its citizens the chance to trade in their old, exhaust-heavy cars, for a 2,500 euro grant to buy an electric bicycle. Image Source: Tower Electric Bikes, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Malaysiakini article reports that foreign workers are often not aware of their rights, and this situation opens them up to exploitation by employers. We speak with researcher Aslam Abd Jalil about what can be done to empower foreign workers so that they are able to seek help when their rights are violated. Image Source: Shivendu Shukla, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A monthly wage of RM1,000 for fresh graduates has been the status quo for at least a decade according to surveys from the Ministry of Higher Education. Experts say that this is a systemic problem not caused solely by the pandemic. Dr Juita Mohamad shares her insights. Image Source: RODNAE Productions, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chinese government has asked the country’s websites and mobile apps to redesign their pages so that they are easier to use for all age groups. Shawn Tanis tells us more.Image Source: Marcus Aurelius, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During a recent working visit to Sarawak, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin purportedly said that Sabah and Sarawak had higher status as regions (wilayah) rather than states. We speak with Tawau MP Datuk Christina Liew about the distinctions between state and territory, and whether a new title could bring about other changes that have been long called for by East Malaysia. Image Source: Fahrul Azmi, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several areas in KL were impacted by heavy rain and flash floods yesterday, affecting Ramadan bazaars and causing traffic congestion. We speak with water engineer Dato’ Paduka Ir. Hj Keizrul Abdullah to find out the causes of flash floods in the city, and talk about what else needs to be done to better mitigate the problem. Image Source: Jonathan Ford, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia’s population moves towards becoming an ageing society, experts suggest that the government should implement a national insurance scheme to address the increase in national spending. We speak with Dr Khor Swee Kheng, specialist in health policies, about what a national insurance scheme would look like, and how it would fit into our healthcare system. Image Source: Hush Naidoo, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that not much is left in the government coffers after spending over RM600 billion on battling the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. We speak with Professor Mahendhiran Nair to get a better understanding of what this means for our economy. Image Source: Abdul Razak Latif, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uber, Paypal and Walgreens have teamed up in the US to help provide free rides to vaccination centres. Shawn Tanis from BFM's News Desk tells us more. Image Soure: Dan Gold, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Ministry recently announced that vaccinations will not be given at night during Ramadhan. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali said this is because people will not show up to their appointments at those times, due to tarawih prayers. We speak to Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, on how this might affect the national vaccine rollout. Image Source: Macau Photo Agency, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has proposed that companies should give time off to their employees to get the COVID-19 vaccination shot. What else can employers do to encourage vaccine uptake, and to support their staff when they receive the jab? We speak with Avinash Kumar, Managing Director at Monroe Consulting Group, for his thoughts. Image Source: Nataliya Vaitkevich, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has issued 84 notices against eateries for charging more than RM1 for a glass of plain water. Now, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry says it shouldn't cost more than RM0.30 per glass. Shawn Tanis from BFM's News Desk tells us more. Image Source: Clint McKoy, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private universities in Malaysia are gradually adopting online learning, losing their traditional features due to the pandemic. As a result, these institutions are continuing to experience a decline in tuition fees and a decrease in enrolment of international students. We look at how universities are coping with this shift. Image Source: Andrea Piacquadio, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Berjaya Corp Bhd recently announced that its group of companies will be implementing batik as its official attire opening up a conversation of promoting the use of batik clothing. Shawn Tanis tells us more. Image Source: PENpics Studio, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With puasa set to begin next week, we look at what some of the best practices at Ramadhan Bazaars are and how consumers can stay safe. Image Source: Esperanza Doronila, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celcom Axiata Bhd and Digi.Com Bhd are in “advanced discussions” to merge in order to form the largest mobile service provider in Malaysia. We look at what this means for the telco industry, and whether we can expect more mergers to happen in response to the pandemic. Image Source: Paul Hanaoka, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Air Transport Association has urged for requirements like proof of vaccination and testing to be lifted once the COVID-19 crisis is under control, citing worries that the restrictions may become permanent measures that will deter more people from travelling in the future.Image Source: yousef alfuhigi, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Korea has become the first country to drop out of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, as Japan faces a possible 4th wave of COVID-19 infections. We explore what this move might mean for the Olympics, as well as the seismic shifts that are happening in the arena of international sporting events. Image Source: Vytautas Dranginis, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Perikatan Nasional government is reviewing Gamuda Berhad's proposal for four of its highways to be acquired by the government. We look at what the repercussions might be if the government decides to proceed. Image Source: Thomas Depeyroux, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pet friendly premises have been serving cups of whipped cream for customers who want to treat their pups. As this gains momentum amongst pet parents online, we look at the potential health misgivings around the marketing of this trend. Image Source: Thirteen .J, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Putrajaya Corporation has made it compulsory for all farmers and public market traders in Putrajaya to provide a cashless payment facility, in order to renew their business licenses. Will this help pave the way for us to adopt a cashless payments nationwide? Vincent Wong shares his thoughts, and we explore when and how cashless payments work best. Image Source: Anete Lusina, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Children with disabilities face a significantly higher risk of becoming sexually abused, The Sun reports. We discuss the reasons behind this, and look at how reporting mechanisms need to be improved to be inclusive to the needs of these children. If you would like to reach out to organisations that handle cases of child sexual abuse, you may find out more at Women's Centre For Change or PS The Children. Image Source: Sigmund, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communities in several villages have developed new tourism projects to increase income, after the pandemic led to a decline in tourism business in their areas. Shawn Tanis tells us more. Image Source: Pok Rie, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rapper Altimet and Comedian Afdlin Shauki recently declared their endorsements of political party, PKR. We explore what this does for the party itself, and how this move can impact the celebrity. Image Source: Magic Orb Studio, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rapper Altimet and Comedian Afdlin Shauki recently declared their endorsements of political party, PKR. We explore what this does for the party itself, and how this move can impact the celebrity. Image Source: Magic Orb Studio, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to employers, there are currently more jobs than there are job seekers. We take a look at the possible factors behind the numbers and whether this signals a shift towards economic recovery. Image Source: Sora Shimazaki, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone pressed pause on pulling pranks in 2020, but brands have returned with full force this April Fools' Day- to varying degrees of success. We take a look at who went wrong this year, and look back on some of the successes in years past. Image Source: Priscilla Du Preez, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An op-ed on Malaysiakini expressed concerns regarding the filing of police reports, and the neccesity of lodging one. There have been cases where those who lodge a police report have withdrawn, and alleged crimininals exonorated of their crimes, which raises questions on whether the law and justice system can be misused. Rajsurian Pillai shares his thoughts. Image Source: Safuan Salahudin, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia is concerned about the amount of unsold commercial properties in the country with the matter made worse by changing trends during the pandemic. We speak to Siva to get an understanding of the concerns.Image Source: Foteros, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Malaysian venture called Mono Premium Melon, just opened their new muskmelon farm in Putrajaya. The imported melons usually go for RM500 a piece, but these homegrown offerings will be sold for just below RM200. Image Source: Oriol Portell, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a rally to protest the government's decision to delay the bill that would lower the voting age, some attendees, mostly MPs, were summoned by the police to give their statements. We speak to attendee YB Hannah Yeoh about what took place. Image Source: Bryan Hung, @bryanhungchien on InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born out of an idea during the lockdown, Advocates: The Podcast features some of the most prominent legal minds both locally and around the world, where they share their experiences, skills and stories about what drives their work. We speak with two of The Advocates, the hosts of the podcast, to find out more.You can listen to the podcast on Apple, Google Podcasts, or Spotify, or head over to advocatesthepodcast.com for more information.Image Source: Jonathan Farber, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perikatan Nasional has faced a lot of criticism on double standards over the breach of COVID-19 SOPs. But analysts speaking to The Malaysian Insight said that this might not play a significant role with voters. So what are the issues that matter when it comes to the election? We speak with James Chai for his views. Image Souce: asiandelight, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced that the work from home orders for public sectors and industires under the Movement Control Order will be lifted starting today. As Covid-19 workplace clusters are still being reported, responses from employees have been mixed. Dhanya Nair tells us more. Image Source: mwitt1337, PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new emergency law was introduced today, allowing the Prime Minister, chief ministers and Menteri Besar to pass additional spending without getting approval from legislative state assemblies, for as long as the state of Emergency stays in place. This has led to concerns of accountability for the lack of scrutiny over state government expenditures. We speak with lawyer Lim Wei Jiet for his views. Image Source: Jaggat Rashidi, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Google is rolling out new features on the Google Maps application, which will direct users along routes estimated to generate the lowest carbon emissions. Dhanya Nair tells us more. Image Source: Henry PerksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic has left many companies struggling to stay afloat, and a survey conducted by recruitment company Hays has found that most employers in Asia predict salaries will remain stagnant this year. How do employees stay motivated despite a lack of salary increments and bonuses? How can employers reward the contribution of their staff? We speak to Deepa George, HR consultant, to get her thoughts. Image Source: kate.sade, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has been excluded from the Leaders Summit on Climate, a US-organised climate action summit, which will happen virtually in April. Other countries in the region - Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam have received invites. Does this indicate that we're not demonstrating enough action in handling climate change? How much should we read into the non-invite? We speak with Darshan Joshi from ISIS Malaysia for his views. Image Source: Rich Carey, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Books are seeing a surge in sales in the US, with many in the industry attributing it to a new TikTok trend. Dhanya Nair tells us more. Image Source: Solen Feyissa, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Towns go through rises and falls - younger generations moving out, for example, can turn a once thriving town into a ghost city. And when that happens, how do you rejuvenate these places? We speak with KB Tiong from ICOMOS Malaysia to find out more. Image Source: Deva Darshan, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 100 youths marched towards Parliament on Saturday, following the Election Commission’s decision to delay the lowering of the voting age to 18. We speak with two protestors about their demands. Image Source: Bryan Hung, @bryanhungchien on InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall are set to plant more flowering trees, such as the Tecoma trees which are reminiscent of cherry blossoms, to promote tourism in Malaysia. Dhanya Nair tells us more. Image Source: Timo C. Dinger, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent survey done by Kaspersky found that 1 in 4 users are complacent to allowing applications and online services to access their microphones and webcams, making them susceptible to danger. We speak with C F Fong to better understand why we need to be more careful when it comes to online privacy. Image Source: Waldemar Brandt, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit that runs Wikipedia, is looking to charge companies for publishing its content. This comes after Australia introduced media laws that require tech giants like Facebook and Google to pay local news outlets to link their content in news feeds or search results. We speak with Dr Ross Tapsell about the impact of this move. Image Source: Benjamin Dada, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.