Talkback

Episoder

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  How Can We Make Online Gaming Safer? 15.09.2026 51min

  The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia has opened a 45-day nationwide public consultation on its proposed gaming sub-code in order to set industry wide standards that developers can use to make their games safer. We speak to Mediha Mahmood and Syamil Abdul Samad from Content Forum Malaysia about why these guidelines are necessary and how they would look practically. We also ask our listeners: Do you or your kids play online games? How can we make online gaming safer?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What Jobs Deserve More Pay? 10.09.2026 1t 4min

  Singapore's Prime Minister will see his benchmark annual salary rise from S$2.2 million (US$1.7 million) to S$3.6 million, a jump of more than 60%, announced by PM Lawrence Wong himself in parliament. Even before the raise, the Singaporean prime minister’s paycheck was considered one of the highest among other country leaders. But this got us thinking about other jobs that might benefit from this pay bump. So we ask our listeners: With news that the Singaporean PM is up for a million dollar increment, what other professions could use a huge pay raise?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What Can We Do To Stop The Haze? 08.09.2026 1t 20min

  The haze has worsened, with Sarawak's condition not improving and schools forced to shut down. We revisit a conversation we had with Dr Teckwyn Lim, environmental researcher, about why our haze problem has been going on for three decades. We also hear clips on the health side of things, from an interview with consultant respiratory physician, Dr Helmy Haja Mydin. Throughout, we ask our listeners: How is the haze affecting you? What can be done to stop transboundary haze - from us, as citizens, and from the government?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Do You Think Censorship is Necessary? 03.09.2026 1t 3min

  The controversy surrounding Madu Atau Racun, a Malay-language series alleged to involve same-sex relationships, has drawn reactions ranging from the Religious Affairs Minister to the public, with calls for the series to be pulled for going against religious teachings. With discussions about censorship in the air, we ask you: is censorship necessary?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Imagining Your Ideal "Malaysian" Day 01.09.2026 50min

  From a good ol' breakfast at the kopitiam before a trip to Genting Highlands to a late-night supper at the mamak after a local football game, everyone has their own definition of a perfect day as a Malaysian. So for today's Talkback Tuesday, we ask our listeners: If you could plan your ideal, quintessentially Malaysian day, what would it look like?Image Credit: Pexels, Suria KLCC (Website), Central Market (Website)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What's Your Favourite Thing About Malaysia? 27.08.2026 1t 21min

  With Merdeka just around the corner, it is the time of year when we reflect on what brings us together as a nation, from our food and culture to our shared warmth and unity. So, as we prepare to celebrate another year of independence, we ask our listeners: What is your favourite thing about Malaysia, and what is your wish for the country?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Would You Like to See the Return of GST? 20.08.2026 50min

  As the government considers whether elements of GST could be integrated into the existing SST framework, questions remain over how a hybrid system would affect consumers and businesses. So for today’s Talkback Thursday, we speak with Thenesh Khanna, Executive Director of TraTax, on the differences between GST and SST, the impact on the cost of living, and what an ideal tax system could look like.Then, we ask our listeners: Would You Like to See the Return of GST?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Would You Hire a Creative Over Using AI? 18.08.2026 1t 3min

  As generative AI tools become the go-to shortcut for logos, taglines, and marketing campaigns, creatives warn that algorithm-driven branding harms artistic integrity and originality. But with businesses prioritising speed and cost-cutting, does the average consumer actually care if a design is AI-generated? So for today's Talkback Tuesday, we speak with Alexdrina Chong, artist, illustrator and creative director, on protecting the human soul and emotional resonance in art, as well as Brandon Lee, Co-Founder of Pandan Social, on commercial efficiency and how businesses can use AI without sacrificing brand authenticity.Then, we ask you: Would you hire a designer or copywriter over just using AI?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Are You Saving Enough for Retirement? 13.08.2026 1t 22min

  Think RM1 million sets you up for life? Think again. The Star recently published an article highlighting that with double-digit medical inflation and longer lifespans, RM1 million today only feels like RM700,000 in past terms, and financial experts are pushing the target up to RM1.5 million.So for today's Talkback Thursday, we ask our listeners: Do you think you have enough to retire? How are you preparing for retirement? We also speak with Idham Idris, Chief Marketing Officer of Wealth Vantage, on the average Malaysian's retirement plans and what can be done to catch up to the benchmark.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Is Your Workplace Male or Female Dominated? 11.08.2026 50min

  It’s been 50 years since a woman last raced in the Formula One world championship, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali saying in 2024 that he didn’t expect to see a female driver on the grid within the next five years. This raises broader questions about gender representation in traditionally single-gender-dominated workplaces and how the gender makeup of a workplace can shape its culture.So for today's Talkback Tuesday, we ask our listeners: Is your workplace male or female dominated and how does it affect your work culture?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What's Your Online or Texting Culture Pet Peeve? 06.08.2026 1t 3min

  Whether it's ghosting, being left on 'read', or passive-aggressive punctuation, digital communication comes with plenty of unwritten rules. In fact, there is even research that shows Gen Z often views a simple period at the end of a text as harsh or angry, while Gen Xers just see it as proper grammar. This got us thinking about other digital pet peeves people might have.So for today's Talkback Thursday, we ask our listeners: What is one thing about online or texting culture that you would get rid of?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What Will Decide Your Vote in GE16? 04.08.2026 1t 24min

  Recent state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan have rewritten the local political playbook. From long-held urban strongholds changing hands to high-profile leadership shifts (including Anthony Loke stepping down as state chief), voters are proving that no seat is safe.So for today's Talkback, we ask our listeners: What's going to determine your vote in the next election?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Do You Believe in Personality Tests? 30.07.2026 1t 8min

  A recent study conducted by researchers from Claremont Graduate University in California and Wuhan University in China identified four broad thinking styles, from worriers and practical planners to bodily thinkers and those balancing work and leisure. They reached this conclusion by examining what occupies our minds in everyday life by analysing more than 23,000 real-time thoughts from 258 people over two weeks. We are joined by Dr Chua Sook Ning, clinical psychologist, to examine what these thinking patterns reveal about our minds, how much control we have over our thoughts, and how greater awareness of our thought patterns can shape our wellbeing.Then, we ask our listeners: Do you believe in personality tests, and are they helpful to you?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What's the Best Way to Pay at Tollbooths? 28.07.2026 1t 20min

  Touch 'n Go has launched a new Enhanced RFID lane at the AKLEH Dato Keramat Toll Plaza. The lane is powered by homegrown Titan Flow technology using AI, license plate recognition, and dual antennas to boast a 99.98% detection rate, with plans for 10 more lanes nationwide by the end of the year.While it moves Malaysia closer to gateless (Multi-Lane Free Flow) tolling, a full transition remains stalled until overall RFID adoption picks up. So, we ask our listeners: How do you pay at the tollbooth? What's working for you, and what isn't?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Punishment or Rehabilitation for Malaysia’s Drug Problem? 23.07.2026 1t 23min

  To tackle increasing abuse rates, Kelantan police have introduced a new daily KPI requiring station chiefs to make at least one drug-related arrest every single day. But with state prisons already operating at double their capacity and recent reports of police extortion emerging, many are questioning whether a quota-driven, arrest-first model actually makes communities safer.We are joined by Dr Sangeeth Kaur, Co-Chair of the Expert Advisory Group on Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation in East and Southeast Asia at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to examine what the global evidence says about punishment versus health-based interventions, the reality of relapse rates, and why solutions like decriminalisation remain a hard sell to the public.Then, we ask our listeners: Do you believe Malaysia's drug problem needs stricter punishment and enforcement or support and rehabilitation?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why Do People Litter? 21.07.2026 1t 18min

  Following the backlash over the rubbish left behind at Dataran Merdeka after the 2026 World Cup final screening, DBKL has reminded the public about the importance of basic civic responsibility, while some have also questioned whether better event planning and waste management could help prevent such scenes. We ask our listeners: Why do you think people litter, and what do you think is the best deterrent?Image Credit: DBKL (Facebook)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What's Your Latest Hobby? 16.07.2026 1t 11min

  According to an article by The Atlantic, Gen Z's have decided that birding is the ultimate cool new hobby, with young people going to extreme lengths just to spot rare birds. This got us wondering what other unique things people do in their free time. So for today's Talkback, we ask our listeners: What's your latest hobby, and what's a hobby you've been wanting to get into?Image Credit: PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What Matters Most When You Vote? 14.07.2026 1t

  With the Johor state election now over, attention is turning from campaign promises to what actually drives people at the ballot box. Some voters prioritise the candidate, others stay loyal to a political party, while many are swayed by local issues concerning the country. So for today's Talkback Tuesday, we ask our listeners: When you vote, what matters most to you: the candidate, the party, local issues, or a broader vision for Malaysia?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Can Someone of Another Race Look Out for Your Interests? 09.07.2026 1t 9min

  With the Johor state elections underway, questions around identity and representation are once again taking centre stage. While some political parties emphasise the importance of voters choosing leaders who share their ethnic background and understand their community, others argue that good representation should not be limited by race, and that leaders can advocate for everyone regardless of their own identity. So we ask our listeners: Do you believe someone of a different race can look out for your interests?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Do You Believe In Big Weddings? 07.07.2026 1t 2min

  Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's recent lavish wedding at Madison Square Garden dominated headlines on social media and reportedly cost an estimate upwards of $20 million USD. It got everyone talking about grand celebrations, extravagant guest lists, and dream venues. So for today's Talkback Tuesday, we ask our listeners: Did you have or do you believe in having big weddings? Image Credit: PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.