Inside Story

The anti party-hopping bill was passed in parliament yesterday. We unpack the specifics of the bill and look at what further improvements are needed in the long run. Image Source: Lens Hitam, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tobacco Generational Endgame Bill was just tabled in Parliament. We look at the proposed bill - what it covers, and what it aims to achieve. Then, we unpack some of the criticisms that have been focused on the harshness of the punishments within it. Image Source: Basil MK, Pexels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Housewives’ Social Security Bill was passed in parliament recently, and it offers voluntary insurance protection to close to three million Malaysian housewives. First, we unpack what the bill entails. And then, we get into the larger conversation of the value of the care economy. Image Source: Kamaji Ogino, Pexels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local live music venue, Angkasa, announced they were closing for good, following DBKL's seizure of their venue for failing to renew their entertainment license. First, we look at the entertainment license itself - how it works, and what the costs are. Then, what is the value of independent performing arts spaces for our arts and culture? We explore. Image Source: Wendy Wei, Pexels See omnystudio.c...

The government recently approved the adoption of the Tracking Refugees Information System (TRIS), which will require all UNHCR card holders to submit personal and biometric information that then allows them to be tracked and surveilled by the Home Ministry. We try to understand the mechanics of this system and what impact it will have on the refugee community. Then we take a look at what is ultima...

Malaysia's first Happiness Index was just launched, with rather surprising results. We first take a look at the study, and how it was conducted. Then, we look into challenges of staying happy as the world goes through the pandemic as well as the falling economy. Image Source: Tim Mossholder, Pexels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long-awaited Anti Sexual Harassment Bill, which was first tabled in 2018, has finally been approved by the Dewan Rakyat. So we break down the bill itself, and how it’s changed over the years. Then, we get into the special tribunal that's going to be set up to file claims against perpetrators, and why it's important to have representation. Image Source: Andrey_Popov, Shutterstock See omnystudio...

We delve into the issue of unemployment in Malaysia, following conversations on social media about how graduates are finding it increasingly difficult to get the jobs they studied for. First, we look at whether there’s a gap between courses in university, and what the job market is actually looking for. Then, we look at what policies we need to implement in order to tackle this issue. Image Source...

Last Thursday, a report titled “How Do Malaysians Really Feel About Drugs?” was launched. It was conducted by The Centre, and covered a lot of ground in terms of how Malaysians feel about drug use, private and public perceptions of drug addiction, and what punishments are appropriate for drug-related offences. At the launch, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin also announced the decision to register...

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) launched the i-Lindung initiative under the members protection plan, which aims to provide affordable and accessible protection coverage for Malaysians. First, we discuss whether i-Lindung helps bridge the gap for B40 communities when it comes to getting insurance. Then, we speak with a financial planner about how to afford insurance. Image source: Andrea Piacqua...

World Youth Skills Day aims to highlight the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship - issues that take on particular significance as we continue our socioeconomic recovery from the pandemic. To mark this year, we look at how to make technical and vocational education and training (TVET) inclusive and accessible to young women and people wi...

Abandoned properties of high value are becoming an increasing concern in densely populated spaces like Penang. We discuss this issue by first looking at why this has become such an issue. Then, we speak with the folks behind RexKL, to get their thoughts on how old buildings can be reused meaningfully. Image Source: Penang Heritage Trust See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul recently highlighted the ongoing issues around providing subsidies, even as costs go up. And this, of course, relates to our debt levels, which is currently at RM1.3 billion. The Minister also said that the enacted Prosperity Tax would help to offer some financial buffer. So, in this episode of Inside Story, we look firstly at our debt levels, and what it...

We mark this year's World Population Day with a discussion on what the statistics mean, now that we're reaching the 8 billion mark by the end of this year. Then, we look at how different countries are trying to boost or control their population numbers, and the effects that policies can have like this on a personal and societal level. Image Source: Thomas La Mela, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/l...

Sources from the Prime Minister's Office have revealed to Malaysiakini that GE15 is likely to be held either in November this year, or March next year. First, we look at the political factors that inform this move, and how it may affect the parties involved. Then, we explore how this could affect our economy, in a time of uncertainty. Image Source: Gwoeii, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener...

The villagers in Baling are blaming durian plantations for the floods. We look into the impact these plantations have had on our environment and the issues behind the way forest land is parcelled out. Image Source: fuadstephan, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was recently reported that students in higher education have been struggling with rising prices, with some even skipping meals. We look at the possibility of providing free, or affordable meals to college and university students and how to address the specific impacts of poverty that affect them. Image Source: Lano Lan, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, a UPM expert said that going cashless can improve the country’s standing in the Corruption Perceptions Index. We look into that idea and how it would work, and what the takeup has been like when it comes to cashless payments in Malaysia. Image Source: YnetteT, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Dato Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has said that the reduced chicken subsidy was to enable the money to be channelled directly as cash aid to Malaysians, since previously the reduced price was benefitting not just Malaysians, but also foreign workers and refugees. First, we discuss whether 'Malaysian-only' policies might end up pushing away foreign workers, and whether Malaysia can survi...

Digi and Celcom has been given the greenlight by MCMC to proceed with their proposed merger, which has come with pushback from several parties. We take a hard look at how this move will impact both the industry and consumers. And then, we discuss how issues like competitiveness, pricing and monopolies can be managed fairly when we talk about large mergers. Image Source: Sallehudin Ahmad, Shutterst...

The IPCC has been called names such as 'toothless tiger' and 'paper tiger' due to it being seen as a watered down version of the IPCMC. Some of the main issues include not having the power to take action against errant police officers, the lack in ability to review complaints against officers who do not comply with rules or SOP and lack of transparency for commisioner appointments. We look into th...

Kebun-Kebun Bangsar was recently served with an eviction notice for allegedly violating the conditions of their Temporary Occupancy License (TOL). This comes just weeks after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob praised the initiative on Twitter. First, we dive into the laws governing community gardens and how it can be done legally. Next, we discuss the benefits of community gardens and...

Recently, a high profile case was reported involving Emilia Hanafi, the ex-wife of businessman Datuk SM Faisal SM Nasimuddin Kamal, who was sentenced to seven days in prison for contempt of court after disobeying an order by unilaterally rescheduling the visitation dates of her three children. This has brought on conversations about the complexity of divorce proceedings within the Syariah legal sy...

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob expressed concern with the number of bankruptcy among youths and has proposed raising the insolvency threshold to address the issue. Based on statistics from the Insolvency Department, an average of 18 people each day was declared bankrupt from January to May this year with the total amount being 2,694 cases. We discuss the issue of bankruptcy among yo...

Johor assemblyperson Nor Rashidah Ismail has proposed that the state government adopt a three-day weekend citing several cities such as Belgium, Iceland, Scotland, Spain, Japan and the UAE already having some form of a 4 day work week. First, we discuss the pros and cons of doing this from both the employer and employee's perspective. Next, we get into the reasons behind different rest days in Mal...