Talkback

In these past weeks, we've had a number of news relating to sex education. We've learned that there are about 18,000 teen pregnancies every year in Malaysia. There's an on-going disagreement about how the baby hatch solution is a failure, and today, a report from the US says teens practice safer sex if they were more open to talking to their parents about it. So to parents out there, do you speak to your children about the birds and the bees?

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The Health Ministry announced yesterday that it is considering either a total ban or strict regulations against vaping. The announcement comes as more studies are carried out on the health risks of vaping and its effects on passive vapers. The announcement didn't sit well with people with many asking the obvious: why ban vaping but not cigarettes? On Talkback Thursday today, we're asking: Do you think vaping should be banned in Malaysia? 

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The Education Ministry has given schools the prerogative to run or close classes as they see fit, if the haze persists. And as we breathe in the acrid smell of smoke in the air, our frustration has reached an epic level of anger and hopelessness. On Talkback Thursday today, we're asking: How have you been coping with the haze? As parents, are you worried about the 'lost days' in school education for your children? Our lines will be open.

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There seems to be a shift in content consumption these days, especially among our Gens Y and Z. TV doesn't seem to be the preferred choice of video-watching, and as a result, more and more Malaysian media companies seem to be rolling out on-demand television and movies. But do you still watch TV? How? Where do you watch TV?

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Sweden recently announced a 6-hour work day policy and jumping enthusiastically on the bandwagon echoing similar sentiments was the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC). But will similar hours work here in Malaysia? How productive would Malaysians be in a 6-hour work day?

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It was reported yesterday that City Hall (DBKL) will be looking to impose congestion charges on private vehicles come 2017. These charges will be imposed around high traffic areas in the city, specifically in KL's central business district. So, while we're dependent on our cars to get us around because of our poor public transportation system, we now will be charged for driving it. On Talkback Thursday today, we asked: Will congestion charges help to reduce traffic congestion and drive public transport usage?

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So another Malaysia Day has gone by. Looking at the papers though, you'd never know it. Mafia style murders, red shirts and Petaling Street have pretty much dominated the headlines. There's no doubt that news agencies thrive on it. It's all about readership and big numbers. The sensationalist stories. But we're trying to go beyond that today, move away from news-led conversations and talk about what Malaysians should focus on? Our lines will be open.

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Over the past week or so, Malaysian football has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. There was the 10 - 0 defeat by United Arab Emirates in the 2018 World Cup qualifying second round Asian Zone Group A match. And this week, there was the game against Saudi Arabia that had to be disrupted, no thanks to our unruly Malaysian fans. Is Malaysian football beyond redemption? What needs to be done about the state of Malaysian football? 

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It's been four days since the biggest public demonstration in our history. Now, we ponder whether such public displays are in fact healthy for Malaysia? 

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It was announced yesterday that the English subject will not be made a compulsory pass in 2016, a reversal of the initially announced plan by the Education Ministry. Apparently more time is needed for both teachers and students to prepare. On Talkback today, we're asking: what are your thoughts on the matter? Do we need more time, and if so, how much time do we need? Our lines will be open. 

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