Current Affairs

The two-week campaign period for both the Sungai Besar and the Kuala Kangsar by-elections have officially kicked off, with voting for both by-elections set on the 18th of this month. The two are seen largely as a test case or precursor to the next general election. We explore the issues which could affect voter’s choice, including if the fight between contesting parties will split the votes.

This is a report by Sharyl Kaur.

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Today on Current Affairs, we look back on the second day of the World Economic Forum on ASEAN. Matters highlighted include the TPPA, South China Sea, redesigning education and 'Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution'.

This report is by Keith Kam and Tang Wei Lynn.

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We bring you a report on the first day of the World Economic Forum on ASEAN 2016 held in KL.Beyond the official themes - sustainable growth, social inclusion, Industry 4.0, regional integration - we also tap into the unofficial buzz.

This report is by Keith Kam and Tang Wei Lynn.

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With greater economic integration under the Asean Economic Community, the region is coming under increasing threat from major projects like the Don Sahong Hydropower project. The dam is being built by Malaysian company Mega First Corporation Berhad, and will have dire effects on the livelihood of millions of people from four different countries, by severely affecting fish populations in the Mekong River. A complaint has been lodged with Suhakam, which last month concluded that the matter is out of it's jurisdiction.

Today on Current Affairs we discuss the transboundary implications and dealing with the resulting legal challenges of major projects in the region, and how to tackle such a mammoth task.

This is a report by Nadiah Abdul Aziz.

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 The Companies Bill 2015, which will replace the Companies Act 1965, was passed by Parliament on April 4, 2016. We discuss some key amendments, possible areas of improvement, the response from industry players so far, as well as what this new bill will mean for the corporate law landscape in Malaysia.

This is a report by Wei Lynn Tang.

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Malaysia is well-endowed with natural resources in areas such as agriculture, forestry, and minerals. However, with the drastic change in our climate, it has really affected our agriculture sector. In order to maintain sustainability in the sector, farmers and government have to begin implementing methods to adapt to the new climatic conditions.

Today on Current Affairs, we explore ways we can adapt to climate change, by practicing relevant policies and adopting advanced technologies in the agriculture sector.

This report is by Wan Irdina.

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Sabah last month temporarily halted the long-held practice of barter trade with our neighbouring countries, after four Malaysian sailors were kidnapped by Filipino gunmen.

Authorities are of the opinion that barter trade allows opportunities for smugglers and other activities that could jeopardise state security.

BFM explores how the barter trade ban could affect Sabah's economy, amid fears it could cost the state hundreds of millions of ringgit in lost revenue.

Report by Sonia Naidu and Jason Lim

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The Health Ministry has redoubled efforts to combat dengue this year, having launched a two-month enforcement programme that ends this June. This is not the first attempt at promoting an anti-dengue campaign, but it is the largest and the most comprehensive seen so far.

Today we look at the progress that’s been made in combating this health scourge as well as the challenges faced in carrying out this campaign.

This is a report by Keith Kam and Lyn Mak.

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The Selangor Islamic Religious Department and Polis DiRaja Malaysia have commenced their collaboration which involves placing two officers and a sergeant in the religious department. It takes effect this month and is set to operate for one year.

However, there have been concerns raised by various parties, including lobby group G25 Malaysia on whether this pilot project will trigger PDRM to practice moral policing, which will not only divert them from solving real crimes, but also contravenes the Police Act 1967 by implementing Shariah law enforcement.

Today on Current Affairs, we explore the main objective as well as the legal dimensions of the collaboration.

This report is by Wan Irdina.

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Asia has not been spared from the global growth slowdown. Amidst an environment of volatile oil prices, weakening currencies and missed corporate earnings, how is Malaysia's economy faring? BFM explores.

This is a report by Wei Lynn Tang.

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