Inside Story

COVID-19 has complicated migration, with a pause being put on migrant labour flows, and concerns about how this could worsen the problem of human trafficking. First, we find out how the pandemic has affected migration trends in the region. Then, we discuss Malaysia's downgrade to Tier 3 in the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons report, and how this affects businesses. And finally, we hear what it’s like for migrants here in our country.

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The Prime Minister's Office has released a statement, saying that the government will advise the King to call for a five-day parliamentary sitting from July 26 to August 2, with the purpose to present a national recovery plan to MPs and amend necessary laws for a hybrid Parliament to take place. Firstly, we look at what led to this decision and its significance. Next, we look into the process of parliamentary sittings, and what would be achievable in five days. Finally, we discuss the issues that the people want to see prioritized in Parliament.

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The Black Flag campaign was initiated over the weekend on social media, where Malaysians hung black flags outside of their homes and shared those images online as a sign of protest. Firstly, we looked at why it is crucial for people to express their concerns and demands right now. We then explored how online spaces are integral to the movement. Finally, we looked back on past protests that happened in Malaysia.

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Yesterday, the government announced that various parts of the Klang Valley will be put under an Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) and will take effect for two weeks beginning tomorrow. With the repeated lockdowns announced, we first look at how effective have the lockdowns actually been. Then, we speak about how trust in the government affects the fight against the pandemic. And finally - we explore at what the long term repercussions these lockdowns have on us as people.

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Recent reports indicate a worrying increase in the number of suicide cases, with the police revealing that 468 cases were recorded in the first five months this year. We first take a look at the situation on the ground with Befrienders. Next, we explore how recent financial difficulties have been contributing to the situation. Finally, we look into why it's important for us to have a National Suicide Registry.

If you would like to speak to someone, you can contact:

- Befrienders: 03-76272929 (or email them at [email protected]), 24/7 hotline

- Mercy Malaysia's Psychological First Aid (PFA) Hotline: 03-29359935

    - 8.00AM - 5.00PM from Mondays to Fridays

    - 8.00AM - 1.00PM on Saturdays

- Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (MHPSS): 03-29359935 or 014-3223392

- Talian Kasih: 15999, or WhatsApp 019-2615999

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A group of local contract doctors are organising the #HartalDoktorKontrak movement in order to push the government to provide them with fairer compensation and benefits. We find out more by first, hearing directly from the organisers of the strike about what’s happening and what they’re demanding. Then we speak about the medical field's system. Finally, we look at how public health funding fits into the picture.

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Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced PEMULIH, a RM150 billion package aimed to help people and businesses during the pandemic. First, we look at what the package offers for the people. Then, we discuss the initiatives specifically focused on assisting businesses. Finally, we hear from Muar MP Syed Saddiq about additional allocation for food aid.

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With the pandemic and lockdowns stretching on, many people are going hungry. We look at food insecurity among low-income households by first getting an understanding of what it means, and what needs to be done to address it. Then, we’ll look at how the lack of food impacts communities. Finally, we hear from a food bank about the work they’ve been doing the past year.

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Recent headlines around UMNO indicate growing tensions within the party as different factions tussle for leadership. We look into these developments by first hearing an overview of the different conflicts and factions within the party from an interview by the Bigger Picture. Then, we talk about what it means when a heritage party with so much baggage tries to change its direction. And finally, we look at the emerging key figures in the party and what their leadership styles could mean for UMNO.

Image Source: Aisyaqilumaranas, Shutterstock

05:17 - Overview of recent developments within UMNO

18:48 - How does a heritage party like UMNO renew itself

30:03 - Who's leading the three factions within UMNO?

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The Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka plans to make Bahasa Malaysia our official language for business and economy, ultimately to preserve and promote its usage. First, we look at how language intersects with business. Then, we discuss the idea of being a more multilingual Malaysia. Finally, we talk about how to empower and normalise the usage of Bahasa Malaysia.

Image Source: abamjiwa al-hadi, Shutterstock

05:52 - What place does Bahasa Malaysia hold within business and economy

26:40 - Empowering all languages in a multilingual society

34:52 - Normalising the use of Bahasa Malaysia

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