Evening Edition

The flood situation is improving in some states, and residents are progressively returning to their homes. But aid is still needed by those who are affected. We speak with Dr Ahmad Yusuf bin Yahaya to find out more about the ground situation. Image Source: Jonathan Ford, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just announced their departure from social media sites like Instagram and Facebook. Will they stay relevant without social media? We speak to Gabey Goh to understand the role of social media in building prominence for public figures and businesses. Image Source: Dole777, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Human Resources Minister has disclosed that some businesses are "hiding" positive cases for fear that they will not be allowed to operate. We speak to Kevin Crow to understand the best steps businesses should take after discovering a positive Covid-19 case amongst employees. Image Source: Anton Khmelnitsky, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you become a more democratically engaged citizen? Has the past year negatively impacted your view of democracy in the country? Join us as Danesh Prakash Chacko breaks down several ways we can become better engaged citizens this year. Image Source: Parker Johnson, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you an active contributor to Wikipedia? Shawn Tanis brings us through an interesting story of Awang Abdul Muizz, who corrected a Wikipedia page on the local legend of Puteri Gunung Ledang, when it was modified to reflect Malaysian's frustrations when applying for i-Sinar. Image Source: Luke Chesser, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talks of implementing targeted MCOs have surfaced, as new Covid-19 infections soar to an all-time high. We speak with Dr Khor Swee Kheng for his thoughts on whether this is a good idea, and what it would achieve. Image Source: Charles Deluvio, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bitcoin is now valued at an all time high of USD40,000 - with JP Morgan writing that it could trade at USD142,000 if it becomes a safe haven asset. We speak to Aaron Tang for some insights. Image Source: Dmitry Demidko, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several MPs and medical experts are urging the government to embark on mass testing, to help slow the transmission of the virus and prevent more economic losses. We speak with Dr Lee Boon Chye and Dato' Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman for their thoughts. Image Source: Mufid Majnun, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New year, new us? Kavin Jay and Dr Chua Sook Ning kick off the year by sharing their New Year's resolutions with BFM. Throughout the next few weeks, we will be cheering them on and checking in on their progress. Image Source: Tim Mossholder, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk is now the richest person on earth due to Tesla's rise in shares. Sabrina Magdalene shares with us the details of his wealth, including Musk's plans to send millions of people to Mars. Image Source: Bram Van Oost, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did music help you cope with the pandemic? We speak to Ali Johan to understand the music listening trends of 2020 amidst reports of music streaming hitting a new high last year. After that, we speak to Bhizhu about whether the rise in music streaming helped her as an artist. Image Source: Zarak Khan, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Capitol was under siege yesterday, when supporters of Donald Trump stormed the building in an attempt to disrupt the electoral count that will confirm Joe Biden's presidency. We speak to Adrian Ang to make sense of this saga. Image Source: Charles Deluvio, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following an interview yesterday with a form 5 student who expressed her worries about sitting for the SPM next month, we speak to Ida Thien for her views on whether the government should indeed consider an alternative method to examine students, and the difficulties in doing so. Image Source: MChe Lee, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The flooding continues across the country, with states in the east coast particularly hard-hit. We check in with Dr Michael Wong about the situation in Temerloh, and then speak with Dato' Hussein bin Omar Khan about the relief efforts in affected areas. Image Source: Mika Baumeister, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The flooding continues across the country, with states in the east coast particularly hard-hit. We check in with Dr Michael Wong about the situation in Temerloh, and then speak with Dato' Hussein bin Omar Khan about the relief efforts in affected areas. Image Source: Mika Baumeister, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports have highlighted the social stigma towards Covid-19 patients, whether they have recovered or are still undergoing treatment. We speak to Anas Amdan of Sabah Bangkit about the group's efforts to raise awareness on the issue. After that, we speak to Ashley, a Covid-19 patient, about her experience. Image Source: theskaman306, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of Form Fivers started a petition, appealing to the MOE to look into alternatives or other forms of qualifications to replace the deferred SPM examination. We speak with Win Chi, a Form 5 student for her thoughts on this proposed idea. Image Source: Lano Lan, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the latest updates in the strife between Umno and Bersatu - rumours of Umno partnering with PKR and DAP, and reports of PAS trying to mediate the relationship between the two. Shazwan Mustafa Kamal shares his thoughts. Image Source: Aisyaqilumaranas, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A petition from the Young Lawyers Movement is highlighting the need to implement a minimum pay or allowance for trainee lawyers, as many of them reportedly earn below the minimum wage. We speak with Goh Cia Yee to find out more. Image Source: Scott Graham, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two deaths resulting from potholes have been reported in the new year, after much focus on the issue last week when Khairy Jamaluddin fell while cycling after hitting a pothole. We discuss why potholes keep reoccurring on the same roads, and what can be done to compensate the families of victims. Image Source: Matt Hoffman, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Singapore government confirmed on 1st January that the High-Speed Rail bilateral agreement with Malaysia has been terminated. We speak with Dr Timothy Wong about the bilateral discussions that led to this decision, and what impact it will have. Image source: Abdul Razak LatifSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Sri Annuar Musa has been removed from the Secretary-General position for Barisan Nasional, after reports of dissatisfaction within Umno of his support for Bersatu. We speak with Dr Oh Ei Sun for his thoughts on the significance of this move, and what he expects to see next for the rivalling parties. Image Source: Khairur Rijal Pauzi, Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past few weeks, at least nine gyms and fitness centres in the Klang Valley have reported cases in their establishments. We speak with Noel Chelliah to understand the SOPs for the industry, and then get Prof Dr Sanjay Rampal's thoughts on the risk factors at these centres.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent study from Australia finds that nomophobia - the fear of being without your mobile phone - can have serious health consequences. Sabrina Magdalene tells us more. Image Source: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of 750 consumers, led by Wangsa Maju MP Tan Yee Kew, will be suing the Selangor state government, the federal government, and several other bodies over repeated episodes of water cuts in the Klang Valley. We speak with Vivian Kuan for her thoughts on the laws surrounding this issue, and group's chances of winning the suit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soup kitchens help the urban poor gain access to food, water and basic necessities. But despite higher demand in the past year, they have faced hurdles in their operations including a shortage of volunteers. We speak with Datuk Munirah Abdul Hamid how PERTIWI has been coping, and what people can do to help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britain has eliminated its 'tampon tax', which previously saw a 5% cost added to the price of sanitary towels and tampons. Sabrina Magdalene tells us more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The north-east monsoon has brought a cooler weather that's welcomed by many; but at the same time it has also created floods, landslides and road damage. We speak with Muhammad Helmi Abdullah about the annual phenomenon and what people can do to stay safe. Image Source: Gabriele Diwald, Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our listeners tell us about the good that has happened to them in 2020. Image Source: Annie Spratt, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We close off the year by remembering #KitaJagaKita, a movement that has brought Malaysians together throughout this pandemic. We look back at how it all started, a citizen's quest to help a Penang prison under lockdown, food banks for the rakyat, and cheaper Covid-19 tests for all. Image Source: Sincerely Media, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As 2020 comes to an end, we speak to three different individuals about how their year has been - both the good and the bad, and ask about their hopes for 2021. Image Source: Immo Wegmann, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the delay and cancellation of many major sporting events this year, we speak with Haresh Deol on how these cancellations have affected athletes and sports industries, and perhaps changed the way we view sports. Image Source: Michal Sanca, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a year it has been for Malaysian politics! From the infamous Sheraton Move to a new Prime Minister, the politics of this year mirrors what 2020 has been: unprecedented. We take a look at these events with added insight from Dr. Bridget Welsh. Image Source: Abdul Razak Latif, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah's oldest publication will be shutting down after their final edition tomorrow due to drops in circulation and ad revenue. We speak with Nadira Ilana for her reflections on the paper's role for Sabahans. Image Source: Ozan Safak, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the arrival of Covid-19 vaccines, is the general public ready to work in offices again? We speak with Derek Toh and Ang Weina on how their organisations will adapt in their work arrangements come 2021. Image Source: Major Tim Agency, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The live performing sector has been among the hardest-hit this year, with bans on live performances leading to vastly reduced revenue for artists and others who work in the industry. We speak with Mak Wai Hoo to find out how Live Fact KL has adapted to the challenges as a venue provider. Image Source: Sean Lee, UnsplashedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The year 2020 has not only fast-tracked the need for online education, it has also shown the cracks within our education system that ultimately leaves vulnerable students behind. From Veveonah Mosibin's struggles with internet coverage, to confusion among university students during the lockdown, we take a look at the biggest headlines affecting students, parents and teachers this year. Image Source: Jamie Taylor, UnsplashedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Medical Association has found that 66.9% of doctors have experienced bullying while serving in the public sector. We speak with Dr. Sean Thum on the mechanisms of reporting and addressing bullying in the workplace. Image Source: Pawel Chu, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As 2020 draws to a close, many are looking forward to the new year - but the government has announced that celebrations must be limited to small gatherings. We speak with Dr. George Lee for his best party practices, to safely welcome 2021. Image Source: Marc Schulte, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a look at the biggest international headlines this year with Thomas Daniel - revisiting the global impact of Covid-19, Joe Biden's presidential win in the US, the Hong Kong protests, and China's global standing; and discuss how these events will affect Malaysia come 2021.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health DG Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah is advising people who have tested positive for Covid-19 without symptoms to self-isolate at home, saying that they might not be sent to the hospital, given the high number of patients. Has the surge in cases exceeded the capacity of our healthcare system? We speak with Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood for her insights. Image Source: Mujid Majnun, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Public Works Department (JKR) has issued an apology to MOSTI Minister YB Khairy Jamaluddin, who suffered injuries after running into a pothole during his cycling trip to Banting. We speak with YB Khairy to find out more about the incident, and discuss the longstanding issue of potholes with Azlan Sani Zawawi.Image Source: Matt Hoffman, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From refugees to migrants, foreign workers to press freedom - the spotlight on human rights has never been stronger than in 2020, when the pandemic brought into focus the lack of protection for vulnerable groups. Join us as we take a look at the biggest human rights issues of the year. Image Source: Guilherme Cunha, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've been to the night markets recently, you may have noticed Iqbal Ameer holding a lone protest, highlighting the plight of workers in the live events industry. We speak with him to find out more about those challenges, and what they've been doing to cope. Image Source: Jorge Gordo, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a recent forum on racial discrimination in the rental market, lawyer Syahredzan Johan noted that our laws on racial discrimination do not apply between citizens and within the private sector. We speak with him to find out more. Image Source: Dylan Mullins, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue our wrap-up of the year's biggest headlines, with a look at how Malaysia's businesses and economy fared throughout 2020. Tricia Yeoh joins us to evaluate the government's efforts to assist businesses, discuss the signing of the RCEP, and look at projections for the coming year. Image Source: haireena, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grocers like Mydin have had to reassure customers, after an exposé by NST revealed a long-running operation that led to the distribution of non-certified meats packaged as Halal products. We speak to Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin to understand the steps taken by Mydin to ensure their products are safe and Halal certified. Image Source: boris-misevic, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An NSP report alleged a long-running collusion between a meat cartel and corrupt government officials, that led to the distribution of non-certified meats packaged as Halal products. We speak to lawyer Adlin Abdul Majid to understand the laws that were supposed prevent these situations. Image Source: onemorebox, shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a look at the biggest headlines in Malaysia throughout this year with Jahabar Sadiq, editor of The Malaysian Insight. The newsman shares with us his take on issues such as Langkah Sheraton, high-profile court cases, Covid-19's impact, the plight of migrants, press freedom, and more. Image Source: Tim Mossholder, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With snappy videos ranging from dance moves to policy explainers, TikTok has seen a surge in popularity among Gen Zers. But as with all online platforms, the safety of its users remains a concern. We speak with Arjun Narayan and Dr Yuhyun Park about TikTok's initiative to set up its Safety Advisory Council for Asia Pacific, and what the council aims to do. Image Source: Oliver Bergeron, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.