Evening Edition

A report by Malaysiakini reveals that according to police data, at least 49 migrant workers have died from suicide since the MCO back in March. We speak to Dr Sharuna Verghis about what can be done to provide mental health outreach to migrant workers. Image Source: Eva Blue, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights from the Dewan Rakyat include discussions about compensation for cancelled PR1MA projects, Malaysia's national debt position, the cost of bringing in Covid-19 vaccines, and the passing of budget allocations for three more ministries. Image Source: Macau Photo Agency, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia will be working FINAS to train and upskill talent in digital arts, which includes 3D animation, visual effects for films and the like. We speak to Isazaly Mohamed Isa to understand the state of the industry and the gaps that will have to be addressed. Image Source: Pontus Wellgraf, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perak’s Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, lost a motion of confidence that was tabled at the state legislative assembly. We speak with Dr Bridget Welsh to understand the context that led up to this vote, and what repercussions it might have. Image Source: Hafizan_Fairus, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While we await an announcement on whether the CMCO will be extended in affected states, we speak with Datuk Michael Kang about how SMEs have been affected by the movement restrictions, and what forms of support they need. Image Source: Markus Winkler, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten voters in Gombak have filed a lawsuit against their MP, Dato' Seri Azmin Ali, for his alleged involvement in the Sheraton Move. We speak with lawyer Fahri Azzat to understand what this civil suit will involve. Image Source: Afif Abd. Halim, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government's decision to allow an increase in withdrawals from EPF Account 1 has attracted some criticism for missing out on vulnerable groups, including those working in the informal economy. We speak with Dr. Shankaran Nambiar for his thoughts on this, and explore ways to provide financial assistance to these groups. Image Source: seamind224, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tally is now 11-0, as budget allocations for three more ministries are passed on the committee stage. Could Budget 2021 serve as a no-confidence vote against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim? We speak to Professor James Chin for his thoughts on what the budget votes suggest about the Opposition leader's support in the Dewan Rakyat. Image Source: YuriAbas, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As physical travel remains impossible for many, we take a look at virtual reality tours - a new technology that allows the "tourist" to go on guided tours via digital devices. We speak to Chin Yoon Khen to find out more. Image Source: John Tuesday, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As physical travel remains impossible for many, we take a look at virtual reality tours - a new technology that allows the ""tourist"" to go on guided tours via digital devices. We speak to Chin Yoon Khen to find out more. Image Source: John Tuesday, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights from the Dewan Rakyat today include the expenditure by the Ministry of Health to tackle Covid-19, the rights of Malaysian women to confer their nationality to their children, a heated debate over funds used for the APEC 2020 summit, and the passing of allocations for three ministries. Image Source: Alistair McDonald, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof Edmund Terence Gomez stated in a recent Undi Sarawak webinar that political financing is preventing young blood from advancing through the ranks in political parties. We discuss with him to find out more. Image Source: MaleeEll, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawker stalls in Penang which were once vital attractions are now having difficulty staying afloat due to the pandemic. We speak with Clement Liang for his observations on how hawkers stalls are coping with the economy, and what impact this might have on Penang's food culture. Image Source: Kishor, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights from the Dewan Rakyat today include discussions about reviewing the Official Secrets Act, the recovery of the tourism sector, and the passing of the allocations for the Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry under Budget 2021. Image Source: Vishnu Prasad, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Raja Singham, Managing Director of BAC Education Group for his take on how workers and companies can upskill effectively in this economy, and how BAC is supporting the community in this area through their Project Deep initiative. Brought to you by Veritas University College.  Image Source: Glenn Carstens-Peters, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Association of Social Workers is calling for social work to be recognised as a profession, and for it to be regulated. We speak with Prof Dr Azlinda Azman to understand why this is necessary, and how it will impact social work on the ground. Image Source: You X Ventures, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Works Minister Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof says that the government is still finding ways to reduce toll rates, however he didn’t specify a timeline. We speak with Professor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah to understand how toll rates are calculated, and what the impact would be if the government decides to take over highway concessionaires. Image Source: BARKEH SAID, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sabah state government has asked Putrajaya to consider proposing an emergency declaration in Bugaya to delay a by-election, like in Batu Sapi. Do these emergencies potentially set a negative precedence for future by-elections? Professor Wong Chin Huat gives us his insights. Image Source: Maisei Raman, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights of the Dewan Rakyat today include the government's stance not to debate SUHAKAM's annual report, NADMA's flood management strategies, clarifications on a ""phantom vote"" that happened yesterday, and the passing of three more budget allocations on the committee stage. Image Source: Nazarizal Mohammad, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Life Insurance Association of Malaysia reports that policy purchases rose in the first half of 2020. We speak to Ben Ng, CEO of AIA Berhad to understand where this demand is coming from. Image Source: Rima Kruciene, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tendency to stay up late, to make up for lost free time, has earned a name - "revenge bedtime procrastination". We speak with Dr Anasuya Jegathevi Jegathesan on where this habit comes from, and how people can cultivate healthier habits. Image Source: kittirat roekburi, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is the first day of committee debates for Budget 2021, after it passed the policy stage last week. We look at Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's query on the size of allocations for the Prime Minister's Department; and then review discussions on cigarette taxes and making dashcams compulsory. Image Source: YuriAbas, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has come up with a new system to allocate funds to schools, which will see some schools receiving more funds, while others are facing cuts. We speak with Melissa Gomes for her thought on this revised approach, and how schools will cope with the change. Image Source: Safwan Abd Rahman, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moving on from the policy stage of the Budget vote, we speak to James Chai about the next stage of voting, and what it all means for the passing of Budget 2021. Image Source: YuriAbas, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following Anwar Ibrahim's rationale for approving Budget 2021 at the policy stage, we speak to Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad on why he stood up for the en bloc vote, and the Opposition's plans for Budget moving forward. Image Source: Farhan Abdullah, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Adham Baba stated in the Dewan that doulas will not be recognized as midwives, adding that action will be taken against those who have not undergone authorized training. We speak to lawyer Sharon Palani to understand the legalities surrounding the doula industry. Image Source: Alex Pasarelu, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amendments to Budget 2021 include expanding i-Sinar withdrawals to RM10k for 8 million contributors, as well as making loan moratoriums automatic for the B40 and SMEs. We speak to Tricia Yeoh for her thoughts on the amendments. Image Source: Hadayeva Sviatlana, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Budget 2021 passed on the policy stage, we speak to Dr. Bridget Welsh for her thoughts on changes made to the Budget, and the outcome of the vote. Image Source: Adny, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cancellations of in-store black friday sales and online pre-black friday deals are part and parcel of a year marred by Covid-19. Sabrina Magdalene gives us the details to a checklist by The Guardian and the New York Times on how to shop amidst a pandemic. Image Source: Brooke LarkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two weeks of intense debates, Budget 2021 was passed on the policy stage today when only 13 stood for an en bloc vote. Amendments to the Budget includes expansion to the current i-Sinar program, as well as one off allocations of RM300 to other frontliners, like policemen and the army. Image Source: shaifulzamri, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a World Bank report, 14% of Malaysians will be older than 65 by the year of 2044. What can we do to prepare for an ageing society, and to ensure that older people will receive the protection they need? We speak to Emeritus Professor Norma Mansor to find out. Image Source: Mark Hang Fung So, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A study by The Centre found that 87% of respondents in West Malaysia think that hate speech has reached moderate or serious levels. We speak to Research Director Nell Omar on the study's findings, and policy recommendations for combating hate speech. Image Source: Mateusz Kropiwnicki, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's highlights from the Dewan Rakyat include the announcement that JASA will now be rebranded into JKOM, discussions about the property glut, and an explanation on why the government plans to vaccinate 70% of the population. Image Source: Afif Abd. Halim, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong recently revoked the cabotage exemption for foreign ships that fix our undersea marine cables. This prompted tech companies like Google to appeal to the government to reconsider the move, saying it could cause internet disruption. We speak with Dr. Lau Cher Han to get a deeper understanding of the issue. Image Source: Matt Hardy, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

De facto law minister Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said that greed and a desire to live beyond one's means are key reasons for corruption, according to data from MACC. We speak with Cynthia Gabriel for her thoughts on whether behavioural traits are linked to corruption, and what this means for prevention and enforcement. Image Source: Syariff Hidayatullah, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fake news, speculations, public distrust - how do you battle these in a pandemic? What are the consequences when there's a trust deficit among the people? We speak to Dr. Mahaletchumy to find out. Image Source: McLittle Stock,ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behavorial economics state that too many Covid-19 vaccine candidates may be a bad thing, as it forces one to doubt, becloud judgement, and ultimately choose none. We speak to Sabrina to better understand this phenomena. Image Source: NCI, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's highlights from the Dewan Rakyat include discussions on whether to declare a state of emergency in Gerik and Bugaya, talks on reviving the National Service Training Programme, and some ruckus over claims of yet another MP breaking quarantine SOPs. Image Source: Aisyaqilumaranas, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does better living conditions look like for foreign workers? How do we ensure these solutions will solve long term problems? We speak to Joseph Paul for his thoughts, following the government's consideration to build housing for foreign workers in light of recent Covid-19 surges due to poor living conditions. Image Source: Aisyaqilumaranas, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak with Ishak Hasnan about his proposal to use groundwater as an alternative water source, and discuss the factors that will determine its viability. Image Source: Tony Wan, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's updates from the Dewan Rakyat include the government's plans with highway concessions, raising palm oil prices, travel among green bubbles, and disagreements over time limits for the budget debate. Image Source: Nagy Szabi, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Home Ministry stated recently that 756 children are currently held in immigration detention centres. We speak with Heidy Quah about how this affects children and their families, and talk about the ongoing efforts to improve the situation. Image Source: SingjaiStocker, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching recently criticised TV Pendidikan in Parliament, stating that the programmes are insufficient for assisting students' learning at home. We talk to her for her thoughts on improving remote learning across the country. Image Source: zahimmohd, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we celebrate World Children's Day, it is difficult to ignore that this year has been a challenging year for learning. We speak with Tan Cheng Yi on how prolonged periods out of school affect children, and how parents can help them to cope. Image Source: Kelly Sikkema, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we celebrate World Children's Day, it is difficult to ignore that this year has been a challenging year for learning. We speak with Tan Cheng Yi on how prolonged periods out of school affect children, and how parents can help them to cope. Image Source: Kelly Sikkema, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Zoo Negara announcing they only have the funds to last for another three months, we speak with Dr Kevin Lazarus on what adjustments zoos have made in terms of operating costs, and how important public donations are to their operations. And then, we talk to Shawn Tanis, BFM's resident animal advocate, for his thoughts on the issue. Image Source: Jan Rey Gaitera, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Communications and Multimedia Ministry revealed that more than 1.3 million prepaid phone lines have dubious registration details. We speak with Suaran Singh to find out more. Image Source: Jim Reardan, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2021 allocates RM15 million for the arts and culture industry, providing much needed assistance to artists and cultural workers. However this is not likely to be enough for the struggling industry. Shawn Tanis tells us more. Image Source: Claire P, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Syed Saddiq has suggested implementing higher tax rates for companies who have made large profits during the pandemic. We speak with Laurence Todd on what a windfall tax is, and whether it would be viable. Image Source: Lens Hitam, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With MetMalaysia's reports that the peninsula should expect heavy thunderstorms and flooding for the rest of the year, we speak with Hafiz Amirrol about emergency preparedness, and building community resilience towards natural disasters. Image Source: RustyR, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.