Inside Story

The pandemic has exposed faultlines in our social protection and welfare programmes, with pockets of society being left out of the government's aid responses. We discuss the gaps that need to be addressed, and what it would take to build a stronger and more comprehensive system. Image Source: Irfan Hakim, Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a major report on Monday, highlighting the urgency to act against climate change. Firstly, we look into the role of industries in implementing environmental policies, and whether Malaysia is prepared to face climate change. Next, we discuss whether individual efforts are helpful in addressing the problem. Lastly, we look into climate anxiety,...

Eateries in Phase 2 states are now allowed to open for dine-ins; however, many owners aren't yet sure if they want to. We discuss this by first hearing from a restaurant owner in Penang about his experience. Then, we catch up with a doctor to find out what the best practices should be. Finally - how will Covid-19 change the future of food culture? Image Source: harith irfan wahid, Unsplash See omn...

Over the weekend, the Prime Minister announced relaxed rules for those who are fully vaccinated, as well as for states in Phase 2 under the National Recovery Plan. First, we discuss whether we’re ready for these loosened restrictions. Then, we look at the benchmarks for the recovery phases. Finally, we ask - do we risk creating an unfair vaccine divide? Image Source: Galen Crout, Unsplash Se...

The pandemic has highlighted the need for human-focused design in our lived environment. So today we discuss - how can we rethink our buildings to accommodate this? Then, we talk about how we can spread out safely and sustainably in our cities. Finally - the great outdoors and why it matters. Image Source: Gabriela Clare Marino, Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent weeks, dozens of activists have faced charges, fines, and investigations for their advocacy - the latest being Form 5 student Ain Husniza who received a letter of demand from her teacher, demanding RM1 million in compensation for alleged defamation. We discuss why it's so difficult to push for change, by first looking at the existing barriers. Then, we talk about what it takes to inch to...

A long-awaited vote of confidence in Dewan Rakyat is set to take place in September after news that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin may have lost majority support. We dissect what this announcement entails by first understanding what a confidence vote is. Next, we look at party hopping and how it influences our politics. Finally, we talk about how it might affect the upcoming Budget 2022....

With reports of Covid-19 patients facing delayed or inadequate care, we look at the real-world impact of strained hospitals. Firstly, we hear from Subang Jaya assemblyperson Michelle Ng about her struggle to help a patient simply get to a hospital. Then, Selangor lawmakers are calling for more transparency from the federal government about how our hospitals are actually coping. Finally - what&rsqu...

Notice of Parliament's postponement due to Covid-19 cases led to anger over the weekend, from critics who called it a political ploy by Muhyiddin and the Perikatan Nasional government to remain in power. We explore the developments by first looking back at the events that unfolded in the past week. Then, we hear from an Opposition MP who was among those gathered outside Parliament, and then at Dat...

Several protests have been held under the #Lawan movement over the past few weeks, a lead up to a larger protest planned for tomorrow. An in just the last week, 39 activists have been called in for questioning. We begin our discussion by talking about the importance of protests and the freedom to speak up. Next, we looked into reports of the 39 activists investigated. Finally, we explored how prot...

Today's parliamentary sitting was nothing short of a commotion, after the Palace released a statement that the Agong was "very disappointed" and expected the annulment of the Emergency Ordinances to be debated in Parliament. Firstly, we look at what this means and its repercussions. We then dive into the political implications of this development. Image Source: hairul_nizam, Shutterstock See omnys...

Fresh graduates have been struggling in the job market since the pandemic hit, whether it be with trying to make ends meet or securing a permanent position. We check in with them by first talking about what it is like being a graduate looking for a job during the pandemic. Then, we speak about how the last year changed hiring culture. And finally, we hear from a psychologist to get tips on staying...

Activist Heidy Quah was charged today for her Facebook post that was made last year, which highlighted conditions at immigration centres. Many netizens have since criticised the charge on the basis that it silences activists. We first look into the details of the case with Amnesty Malaysia. Then, we discuss the culture of whistleblowing in Malaysia. Finally, we look into laws on the protection of...

In an unexpected development in today's special Parliament sitting, de facto Law Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan announced that the Emergency Ordinances have been cancelled for the last five days. We find out the ramifications of this by first understanding what this actually means and its impact. Then, we explore the political fallout from this. And lastly, we explore how this might change...

The long-awaited special Parliamentary sitting is set to be held beginning next week, for a duration of five days from July 26 to August 2. First up, we dive into a recap of the events leading up to this session, and what political possibilities it holds. Next, with emergency ordinances being one of the main items on the agenda, we look into the ordinances that have been issued this year. Finally,...

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 is due to begin tomorrow despite the majority of Japan's citizens opposing it. As sponsors and athletes withdraw due to the pandemic, we look at whether going ahead with the games is a good idea. First, we hear from a sports journalist about the lead-up to the Tokyo Games and how they’ve been perceived. Then, we discuss if the Olympics are worth having in the first pl...

With the pandemic continuing to impact our daily lives, we look at the role of the media and the challenges reporters have faced in the past year. First off, we look at how the media has had to adapt to the flood of information on Covid-19. Next, we discuss the role that social media plays in the dissemination of news. Finally, we speak to a journalist on what it's been like covering the pandemic...

The Health Ministry has announced that Covid-19 home self-test kits will be made available for purchase in pharmacies and health facilities. We expand on that and look at our testing strategy by understanding why it matters, and how it helps in the fight against COVID-19. Then we look at what the states, specifically Selangor, have been doing on this front. Finally, we speak about how these home s...

The government says that the whole country can be expected to progress to Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan in early August, particularly for people who have been fully vaccinated. We begin the discussion on what this means with a recap of what Phase 2 is, and how it would impact businesses and the economy. Then, we look at what determines whether we get to Phase 2. Finally, the PM has said fu...

With vaccinations ramping up, a full-time return to the office seems imminent. We look at what employers need to do to prepare for this, by first discussing the government's new ventilation guidelines. Then, we discuss whether organisations can make vaccinations mandatory. Finally, we discuss how companies will adapt to new work trends in the long run. Image Source: Lycs Architecture, Unsplash See...

ReGov Technologies has implemented an online voting system that Bersih 2.0 hopes will be adopted in future elections. Firstly, we take a look at how the online system works and how it tackles current concerns tied to e-voting. Next, we explore the possibility of it being implemented nationwide. Lastly, we tackle issues surrounding the implementation of e-voting, such as accessibility and security....

Recent headlines have indicated troubles in the management of Covid-19 in our country, as the number of cases continues to surge. We talk to experts about what needs to done differently, by first discussing reports that over 200 workers at a vaccination centre have tested positive. Next, we talk about the crowds of patients at Covid-19 Assessment Centres, and why this needs to be prevented. And fi...

Under the National Recovery Plan, a six-month loan moratorium has been granted for all borrowers, regardless of income group. However, Bank Negara has reminded the public that opting in for the moratorium will increase the overall cost of borrowing. We first look at why this is the case. Then we talk about the pros and cons of opting in, and what you need to know before deciding. Finally, we talk...

The KL Performing Arts Centre (klpac) released a letter yesterday, calling for urgent attention from the government towards the arts industry. First, Ian Chow from klpac outlines their specific appeals and why they need to happen quickly. Then we hear from Mak Yong dancer Zamzuriah Zahari about how she’s been affected. And finally, Pauline Fan from PUSAKA explains how folk performers are imp...

Health DG Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said yesterday that hospitals in four states have surpassed their limits in treating Covid-19 patients, even as cases continue to rise. We look at the issue of overcapacity by first understanding how this is playing out on the ground level. Then, we find out how private hospitals can assist in this situation. Finally, we explore how else we can mobilise ou...