Evening Edition

Child sexual exploitation and abuse online are increasing worldwide, with WeProtect Global Alliance’s 4th Global Threat Assessment Report revealing an 87% increase in reported child sexual abuse cases since 2019. The report also highlights increases in specific sorts of threats, such as financial sexual extortion schemes and AI-generated imagery. We discuss the report's findings with one of the co-authors.Image Credits: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Parliament today, MPs discussed the actions needed to curb the rising number of child abuse cases in Malaysia. Among the proposals were childcare workers having to undergo security screenings and psychometric tests as well as tightening guidelines over CCTV installations at all daycare centres. The MPs also discussed enhancing STEM course enrolments among students and growing the EV market.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" is set for release and will feature a runtime of 3 hours 26 minutes. Defending the film's long runtime, Scorsese said if people can sit in front of a TV to watch something for five hours, they shouldn't complain about this. So we talk about movie runtimes, and how long is too long.Image Credits: 123RFSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Parliament today, MPs discussed the promoting of local products through the Mega Buy Malaysian Products Campaign, which will assist SMEs by providing guidance and advisory services that empower them to be more competitive both locally and internationally. The MPs also discussed assistance given to veterans and JAKIM's role when it comes to LGBT issues.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes has drawn flak online after posting a picture of himself shirtless and receiving a massage during an online meeting, with people calling it unprofessional. We discussed what the lines are when it comes to being "open" in the workplace, and listeners chimed in with their opinions.Image Credits: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Parliament today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assured the Dewan Rakyat that trading using the ringgit with countries under de-dollarisation has shown encouraging development and was well-received by China. The MPs also discussed better support for people with disabilites, specifically children with autism and ADHD.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Duck Group has relaunched their Palestine Duck collection to raise funds for victims of the current crisis in Palestine, which includes items like headscarves, mugs and tote bags. This has opened up a big discussion on social media about the best way to spread awareness and raise funds, and whether this sort of effort risks seeming like the company is benefitting from tragedy. We talk about where the line is.Instagram / @theduckgroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, House Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul announced a ban on MPs doing personal livestreams during Parliament, saying they went against the rules of the Dewan that require MPs to look at the speaker during the session. This didn't go over well with some MPs, so we heard some pushback to this throughout the day. Other topics discussed include how well TVET graduates are doing, workplace discrimination, and what's being done to ensure investments aren't just concentrated in the Klang Valley.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister (and Finance Minister) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has rolled out Budget 2024, with a total allocation of RM393.8 billion (an increase of RM5 billion) from last year. We unpack its key points, and get into how well it addresses the rakyat's concerns, and whether it drives better revenues for our economy.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's parliament session saw MPs showing their solidarity towards Palestine in light of the ongoing crisis with Israel. They also discussed the benefits of Malaysia’s space program, the measures taken to combat cyber threats, and whether racial unity is fairly represented during the National Day celebrations.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's session was a fun one, with the MPs discussing: vocational colleges offering courses on electric vehicles, what the government is doing to curb the issue of Ah Longs, and what's in the works to make our buses more efficient. They also discussed school dropouts (which have seen a decrease in numbers this year).Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Klang Valley mall to officially open its doors is Pavilion Damansara Heights, which sparked conversation online about whether there was a need for more new malls in Malaysia. So we asked our listeners whether they liked having a mall in their neighbourhood, and when it becomes one too many.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took centrestage today during the PM's Question Time. Among the issues that came up: foreign investment commitments, the depreciating ringgit to the US dollar, and the government's focus on the development and economy of Sabah and Sarawak. The MPs also discussed increasing the capacity of TVET programmes for students with disabilities at polytechnics and community colleges, as well as when to expect the implementation of the e-Wages system.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visual artist and activist Shaq Koyok called out the usage of traditional Orang Asli ceremonial objects in a fashion show, in a post on X. We discuss whether this veers into cultural appropriation, and how to navigate taking inspiration from a different culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament is back in session, and today's topics included the adoption of 5G among retail consumers, the Madani Economy Framework to replace the World Bank’s 2030 Shared Prosperity Vision Policy (with an aim to keep local context and values in mind), and updates on measures to separate the powers of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor. The MPs also discussed the revamping of the National Service Training Program to be more focused on army training.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue our Clean Cut series, where we invite comedians to come and perform a set in front of BFMers at the office, which we then record and play for you! The catch though, is that the set should be playable on air, and not get us (or them!) into trouble. For this episode, we're joined by comedian/musician Russell Curtis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Works of art can be transformative; and in some cases, they can literally change lives. A post on X asks, has a piece of art ever moved you so much that you did something drastic? We discuss these works, and what they moved people to do (spoiler alert: breakups seem to feature highly!).Image Credits: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ipoh City Council was called to clean up three tonnes of rubbish from an older woman’s house, after the recyclables she had hoarded resulted in concerns about the stench and pests breeding. We speak with a clinical psychologist about when hoarding becomes a cause for concern, and how to reach out to a loved one who might be struggling with the issue.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A luxury-lifestyle magazine cover featuring MUDA president Syed Saddiq and MUDA member Abe Lim has gone viral on social media, and people have a lot to say about it. So we get into how optics play a role in how a politician is perceived, and whether it is fair to judge their politics based on this.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail recently said that the government had exclusive rights to grant citizenship, and that it cannot be conferred arbitrarily. His statement has been met with massive pushback, with Lawyers For Liberty saying that this was unconstitutional and posed a threat to the citizenship rights of Malaysians. So we discuss what the law says about who gets to dictate the granting of citizenship, as well as the government's plans to table proposed constitutional amendments to citizenship laws.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Special identification cards are being considered by the government to ensure subsidised cooking oil reaches the right people. Some economists shared concerns that the ID cards will create a system of abuse among consumers. We explore if this initiative is reliable and how will it affect consumers in need.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Haze and school closures usually come hand in hand, and now that the API readings of 9 states have reached alarming levels, we're seeing parents waiting for the announcement to drop. So far, the Education Minister has asked schools to comply with existing guidelines that they cannot conduct outdoor activities if the API exceeded 100. So we speak to Daniel Russel, from Arus Academy about the way haze disrupts the learning process for students.Image Credits: 123rfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bad.. That's what everyone is saying about our weather these days. First there was the rain, then there was the heat, and now the haze has arrived. We discuss how the weather has affected people's plans, health and mood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abandoned spaces are back on our radar, following news that assets spent as part of the River of Life project in Brickfields is currently underutilised and rundown. These buildings have never been opened to the public and are showing signs of vandalism and neglect. So we talk about why projects get abandoned, and what can be done about it. Image Credit: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, a user on X asked netizens what their favorite interaction with a celebrity was. The post went viral with countless social media users sharing their stories of celebrity encounters. We join in on the star-watch! Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia won its first ever esports medal at the 19th Asian Games with the Arena of Valour team taking home the silver medal after losing to China in the finals. We discuss the significance of this achievement, particularly when it comes to bringing recognition to esports, and having it taken more seriouly as a competitive sport. Image Credits: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First, Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli made a statement about Malaysians' habit of eating out putting a dent on their household income, which drew many mixed reactions. Then, Rawang ADUN Chua Wei Kiet posted in support of the minister, by talking about how eating Maggi instant noodles at home costs five times less than ordering them in a restaurant - which, to no one's surprise, drew derision from social media users. We discuss whether politicians should just cool it already with trying to create content for social media.Image Credits: PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Court of Appeal has upheld the nine-month prison sentence of independent preacher Ustaz Wan Ji Wan Hussin. This comes after being found guilty in 2018 for a Facebook post he made in 2012, where he was alleged to have insulted the Sultan of Selangor. Wan Ji was charged under the Sedition Act 1948. We speak to N. Surendran from Lawyers of Liberty to get an understanding of this conviction, and why they've continued to push for this act to be repealed.Image Credit: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A user on X posted the question “What would you tell 18-year-old you to stop doing immediately?” Social media users answering the question began reflecting on their youth and sharing their regrets of things done in their teenage years. Our listeners share their own advice to their 18-year-old selves. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More people are turning to the Internet to self-diagnose medical issues, and in some cases even self-medicating based on information online. We discuss whether medical sources online are truly reliable, and the potential risks of self-medicating.Image Credits: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest stats reveal that the majority of road accidents from 2021 to August this year, happened due to driver negligience. So we talk about what these behaviours involve, why we do them even though we KNOW they're wrong, and how we move past that to ensure a better, safer drive for everyone.Image Credit: PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pictures of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim strutting the streets of New York while attending the 78th United Nations General Assembly ha surfaced online, and Malaysians are amused, to say the very least. Some have brought up how refreshing it is to see our PM and his entourage walking (and getting coffee!) like ordinary people - and a larger conversation on VIP treatment has come out of this. We discuss whether our government officers should get less of the "VIP treatment" back home.Image Credit: Anwar Ibrahim / XSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pictures of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim strutting the streets of New York while attending the 78th United Nations General Assembly ha surfaced online, and Malaysians are amused, to say the very least. Some have brought up how refreshing it is to see our PM and his entourage walking (and getting coffee!) like ordinary people - and a larger conversation on VIP treatment has come out of this. We discuss whether our government officers should get less of the "VIP treatment" back home.Image Credit: Anwar Ibrahim / XSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following on from our previous conversation on the economics of eating out in Malaysia, we look at why going out for a meal or buying prepared food has become a large part of Malaysia's food culture - and why this might differ from country to country.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do power naps help combat midday drowsiness? A post on X says yes, while also detailing the "correct" way to take them. We ask our listeners whether they'd snooze or lose on the power nap. Image: PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Personal Data Protection Department (PDPD) recorded 130 cases of data breach up until June this year. This is a fourfold increase from the total cases recorded in 2022. We discuss the factors that led to the number of cases rising rapidly, the measures that need to be taken to protect our personal data, and what the line is between convenience and privacy. Image: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A report from MalaysiaKini has highlighted the issue of baby snatching - more specifically, alleging that the babies of stateless Bajau Laut women in Lahad Datu are being taken away, and given to waiting adoptive parents. The hospital has denied these claims, but an official investigation by the Health Ministry is underway. Meanwhile, we speak to S Vinothaa, the journalist who wrote this report, on these findings.Image Credit: PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is life just more difficult for the current generation? A post on X suggests so, and has sparked debate online, with people bringing up challenges like the rising cost of living and job scarcity. We ask our listeners if they agree. Image: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Perdana Fellow was recently removed from a placement programme after his credentials on his application could not be verified. It later emerged that this wasn't the first time he had been called out for fabricating his achievements. We talk about how common it is for credentials to be faked in professional settings, why this happens, and what employers can do to verify employees' achievements. Image: XSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In response to a viral post on X asking "What’s one thing that smells good but isn’t perfume?", a social media user posted an image of the instantly evocative Rotiboy. This kicked off a heady conversation on our listeners' favourite smells - from the fragrant to the funny.Image Credit: Nurintashaa / XSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has called on teachers to take action if they suspect students are being abused. This comes due to the recent rise in physical, sexual, and emotional abuse cases among children. We look at whether there is currently enough support for teachers to spot and address such cases, and the importance of having counselling teachers who can offer emotional support to students overall.Image Credit: Fadhlina Sidek / FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Guardian recently published an article titled, “‘Yours sincerely’ is dead. So how should you sign off an email?”. Many have denied the passing of "Yours sincerely" while others have responded with alternative suggestions. We discuss the best, worst, and the most passive-aggressive email sign offs.Image: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout the Merdeka and Malaysia Day period, we’ve been imagining what Malaysia might be like in 100 years. We reached out to a number of authors who’ve written works that sit within in the speculative fiction/fantasy genre, and asked them to imagine Malaysia in 100 years.Image: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The iPhone 15 drop has kicked off conversations on X about the right time to get a new phone. Do you make the most of your phone's lifespan? Or are you the first to queue up for the new release because you just HAVE to have it? We get into the hype.Image Credit: PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) Youth recently announced their plans to hold a rally to protest the decision to grant Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi a DNAA on 47 charges. Following that, the deputy inspector-general issued a warning that action would be taken against rally organisers and participants, as they had not received a permit application. So we thought, what better time to get a refresher on the principles of freedom of assembly, and whether this should extend to everyone regardless of political inclination?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 27-year-old woman shared a TikTok of her father accompanying her on her first commute to a new job - which led to an X user calling the practice "infantilising". Others, though, aren't on the same page, saying it's a display of love and care. We discuss both sides of the issue.Image: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 13 September, 2023, a group of farmers from Perak, as well as representatives of the Lawan Lapar Movement, marched to Parliament with a memorandum on food security. The memorandum calls on the government to intervene in plans by the Perak state to turn farms into housing and industrial developments. We speak with Ian Yee and Tharma Pillai, who spearheaded Lawan Lapar, on what this memorandum is pushing for.Image: lawanlapar.my/instagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The opinions on X continue to flow, with today's conversation being about how people prefer their water. That's right. An X user posted a whole list ranking water at different temperatures, in order of preference (cheat sheet: hot water, torture; cold water, best). We dive into the discussion.Image Credit: PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim began tabling the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review in the Dewan Rakyat on Sept 12. The plan includes 17 "Big Bold" measures, with one of which focuses on the re-targeting of all types of subsidies, including petrol, diesel, electricity, and social assistance. So we dive into what this big bold move means for all of us.Image Credit: XSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TasteAtlas' lists of food rankings from around the world have a way of sparking conversation and controversy, though this time around, Malaysians have little cause to complain - the roti canai has landed at the top of the guide's list of best breads in the world. So, we celebrate this most beloved of local breakfast foods, share order preferences and tips, and ask: how do you eat your roti canai?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.