Inside Story

On Wednesday, Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed by sniper fire in the West Bank city of Jenin while covering Israeli military raids. We discuss the dangers journalists face when they step into conflict zones and how tragedies like this affect press freedom. Then, we get into the importance of having female role models and representation in journalism. Image source: Shireen Abu Akl...

In an earlier than expected move, Bank Negara Malaysia increased the Overnight Policy Rate by 25 basis points to 2%. We delve into the significance of this decision, what the potenial drivers were and what this ultimately means for the man and woman on the street. Image source: Gwoeii, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday's disruption on the Kelana Jaya LRT line frustrated many stranded users who had to seek alternative transport to get to their destination. First, we dissect what really happened, as well as RapidKL's response to this incident. Next, we compare our train system to the best around the world, and how we can get there. Image source: Abdul Razak Latif, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener...

DBKL has announced the Flash Flood Mitigation Action Plan 2022, which is a 10 million ringgit initiative to tackle flash floods in KL. First, we look at the 14 measures that have been set out, and whether they would work to tackle flooding issues. Then, we zone in on the garbage-free initiative zones and what we need to do to ensure it’s effective. Image source: Harrison Haines, Pexels See omnystu...

There have been wide discussions on the issue of bullying culture among doctors, following an incident where a trainee doctor died after falling from his residence building of the Penang Hospital. First, we find out more about what trainee doctors experience, and whether this is common behaviour in our hospitals. Then, we discuss how we can sufficiently address the culture of workplace bullying. I...

The Malaysian Employers Federation has suggested that 3D jobs would need to be rebranded to make them more acceptable for locals. Would this actually work though? We discuss the effectiveness of the proposed rebranding and also the factors that make 3D jobs unappealing. Next, we expand the conversation to cover the importance of job titles and how they affect the way a job a perceived. Image sourc...

In a joint statement, think tanks IDEAS and CME raised concerns over the lack of substantive policy debates, especially when it comes to economic policies. They cited several examples, including EPF withdrawals and the ceiling price on chicken. First, we get into how the lack of meaningful debate affects the rakyat. Then, we speak to an MP about the preparation that goes into a productive policy d...

The Penang state exco has announced plans to ban short-term rentals and homestays, following complaints from residents' groups. First, we look at how short-term rentals impact residents and communities. Then, we explore the value that it adds to the tourism sector and alternatives to implementing a blanket ban. Image source: Tierra Mallorca, Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

Klang Valley was once again hit by flash floods earlier this week. This incident, coupled with the flash floods last month and December last year, has led to increasing calls for mental health support for flood victims. First, we explore the mental health effects of living through a flood, and what needs to be addressed. Then, we get into what it would take for the government to offer more free me...

The Ministry of Health has just announced the relaxation of COVID-19 SOPs, which involves new rules on mask mandates, quarantine protocols, and MySejahtera, among others. First, we delve into these new guidelines, and what they mean for our society and the management of COVID-19. Then, we explore how we compare with other countries in the region in managing this transition to endemicity. Image sou...

Elon Musk has finally succeeded in purchasing twitter for $44 billion after much back and forth with the social media company. First, we unpack what this move would mean for the tech world. Then, we get into how it would affect freedom of speech as well as the way we use social media in the future. Image source: Rokas Tenys, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has reported launching an investigation against Court of Appeal judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali. First, we discuss the allegations against him, and what mechanisms there are to deal with ethics when it comes to our judiciary. Then, we look at the importance of having a judicial system that is independent and trustworthy. Image source: Office of...

It's World Earth Day 2022, and we observed it on our show by first looking at community-based initiatives that aim to get people more involved when it comes to climate and sustainability. Then, we unpack climate literacy, getting into what it means and where we stand at the moment. Image source: Noah Buscher, Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent news surrounding escape attempts from a detainment centre in Kedah has prompted NGO Amnesty International to call for a review of our policy on detaining certain undocumented migrants indefinitely. First, we look into the existing policy, and the impact that its had. Then, we discuss alternative ways we could be doing to care and manage refugees in the country. Image source: RODNAE Producti...

The Johor State Housing Development Corporation has announced they will be using Singapore's Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats as a benchmark for affordable housing in Johor. First, we take a closer look at how the HDB system works. Next, we get into the affordable housing situation in Malaysia, especially when it comes to how it differs in each state. Image source: Singapore Housing &am...

Back in 2017, reports of alleged abuse of a teenager with Down Syndrome named Bella gained wide public attention. The mistreatment was reportedly carried out by the founder of the centre that took care of her, who is now being charged for neglect and abuse. First, we get into this ongoing case and what we know about it so far. Then, we discuss measures that are in place to protect children within...

In the final episode of our employment series, we talk about employment opportunities for PwD. We take a look at the inclusivity of our workplaces for this group, and what's needed to provide for a more conducive work environment. Then, we talk to representatives from the PwD community to get their perspectives. Image source: Kampus Production, Pexels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

Transparency Internation has highlighted concerns over the lack of data and transparency to the approved MRT3 project. We dive into the project as a whole and what's involved. Next, we look into the need for better transparency for the project, and what that might look like. Image source: Tristan Tan, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frustrated students have taken to social media to complain about ePemula, an initiative under Budget 2022 that aims to ease the financial burden of youths. First, we discuss the complaints that have plagued the launch of ePemula, and what could have been done better. Then, since this was meant as a way to offer financial support to young Malaysians, we dissect what this group actually needs right...

Recently, residents of Bangsar have called for stricter law enforcement after experiencing noise pollution and other social issues around their housing area. We speak to a town planner on the changes a neighbourhood can experience over time. Next, we explore the cultural shift that comes from the neighbourhood changing and attracting new crowds, and how we can account for this. Image source: Sira...

It seems like the younger generation has been dealing with a lot in the past couple of years, what with the pandemic taking over most of our lives. We're looking into one of them: Economic fears of Malaysia’s youth, as detailed in a study that finds almost 60% of young people worry that they will never be able to buy a home. First, we look into the findings of the survey, and what the pain points...

Amidst a global pandemic, WHO has declared that this year's focus for World Health Day is on keeping humans and the planet healthy, as well as fostering movements to create societies that emphasize wellbeing. We mark this by looking into our nation's healthcare systems, how it's changed and how it can be improved. Then, we dive into the topic of health literacy and how it contributes to our unders...

Today marks the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, with this year's theme being 'Securing a Sustainable and Peaceful Future for All: The Contribution of Sport'. We discuss the spirit of the day as well as the role of sports in promoting peace and harmony. Then, we talk to the co-founder of the Rohingya FC on how the club has helped bring communities together through their love f...

The long-awaited MoU to hire domestic foreign workers has been signed, and some concerns have been raised. First, we get into the new portal from the HR Ministry, and concerns over data privacy. Then, we explore the suggestion that domestic workers be allowed to work part-time. Image Source: 9nong, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Buy Now, Pay Later' schemes, which provide an easy form of personal loan, have been popping up lately. First, we discuss the increasing accessibility of personal loans and what we should consider before opting for one. Then, we look at the growing popularity of buy-now-pay-later schemes and the concerns surrounding them. Image source: Artem Samokhvalov, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener fo...