Current Affairs

With the ongoing threat of flooding nationwide, and flash flooding in the Klang Valley, the question of the success of major flood mitigation projects has been raised once again. Today we discuss the issue of the Smart Tunnel, and whether there are alternatives in the form of smart town planning instead, incorporating other measures to prevent flash floods in the city.

This is a report by Nadiah Aziz.

For more on flood mitigation measures, listen to:

High Risk Slopes: Disaster Waiting to Happen? - First aired on the 3oth of November 2015

Flash Flooding: A New Approach? - First aired on the 1st of December 2015

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In Part 2 of this series, we look at government and household debt and if it poses any risks if it remains at elevated levels in the near future. And while Malaysia's current account surplus has been narrowing, do analysts foresee it turning into a deficit in the longer term.


This is a report by Wei Lynn Tang.

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On 12th December, Saudi Arabia held historic elections in which women were both allowed to vote for the first time and elected into office. While these elections marked a turning point in Saudi Arabia, the country still remains one of the most oppressive regimes with regards to how it treats women. Today, we explore the evolution of the way Saudi Arabia treats women, the ongoing progress, and the positive steps taken.


This is a report by Aisyah Tajuddin and Navin Nair.

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With Taiwan’s elections happening in less than two week’s time, BFM explores what’s at stake for the Taiwanese electorate and how the results of the elections will potentially affect famosa’s cross straits relations with China.


This is a report by Wong Yu Han.

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Bauxite mining in Pahang began almost two years ago has turned into a veritible gold rush. But it has left the state covered in red dust as miners flock to the state to capitalise on this mineral ore from which aluminium is extracted. While the miners rejoice in their newfound wealth, the people of Pahang are left seething over the environmental pollution. We unearth the side effects of this activity, along with its long term public health implications.


This is a report by Muhammad Haniff Baharudin and Jason Lim.

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The slide in oil prices is not good for Malaysia. In Part 1 of this series, Esther Lai, Head of Sovereign Ratings at RAM Ratings, says Malaysia's plan to meet its fiscal deficit target is going to come with a lot more containment of spending, instead of relying on increased revenue. She however feels further rationalization of subsidies is likely to be seen, rather than a budget revision.


This is a report by Wei Lynn Tang.

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From the death camps of Wang Kelian to the push-back on transgender rights, Malaysia’s human rights record took a beating in 2015. Along with these controversies, the increased use of the Sedition Act and the framing of new laws like the National Security Council Act have come in for criticism by human rights advocates. A lack of progress on issue of impunity in custodial deaths continues to mar Malaysia’s international reputation. Today we take a critical look at our record.


This is a report by Aisyah Tajuddin and Navin Nair.

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In response to a spate of recent Islamic State attacks, countries throughout the world have tabled tougher anti-terrorism laws, including Malaysia’s own National Security Council Act. Politicians and public opinion in the US, Europe, Russia and many other nations have called for more military action and other drastic measures, but could these policies paradoxically aid IS recruiters, by creating more alienated and disenfranchised Muslim youths?

We reflect how the calls for increased surveillance, restrictions on immigrants and military strategies to counter the Islamic State menace, must be balanced with efforts to tackle the underlying social problems and instability, which had enabled IS to take a foothold in Syria, Libya, Iraq and other countries.

This report is by Jason Lim.

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The National Security Council Bill had raised red flags for many after it was speedily passed in parliament, over concerns the bill could infringe on civil liberties. BFM explores if anti-terror laws can balance the need to protect national security interests, without violating human rights. 

This is a report by Wong Yu Han.

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The COP21 climate talks in Paris were at times characterised by the negotiations between ‘developed’ and ‘developing’ countries.

Traditionally, developed nations like the US and Europe have been the largest carbon emitters. Developing countries therefore argue that developed nations should be responsible for cutting more emissions than developing countries.

BFM explores the role of developing countries in the COP21 climate talks.

This is a report by Navin Nair, Wong Yu Han, May Barani Lwin and Jason Lim.

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