Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Talkback

Conversations have ignited on social media about the lack of government land available for hospitals and other forms of public infrastructure while more space is being made available for commercial developments like shopping malls. This got us thinking about the things we would add and remove in the Klang Valley. So we ask our listeners: If you could fix, remove or build one thing in the Klang Valley, what would it be?

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We’re talking about this because of a online discussions spurred by a user on threads @ashekperodua, who shared that their son, currently in their third semester at university, started talking about marriage even though they still had five semesters left. So we ask you: When's the right time to get married?

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Things have been buzzing after Pandan MP and former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, along with Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad recently announced their departure from PKR to take over Parti Bersama Malaysia. There has been a lot of speculation of snap elections. So we asked our listeners: If GE16 happened tomorrow, which party would you vote for?

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We recently spoke to Nurhisham Hussein, Economic Advisor in the Prime Minister's Office and the head of the Secretariat of the Crisis Management Taskforce team of the National Economic Action Council. He said that if the conflict in the Gulf continues on its current trajectory, Malaysia could start seeing critical disruptions in supply and its not just of fuel. So we ask our listeners the ultimate question: If we are hit by a supply-side crisis, are you ready? And in general, are you good in a crisis?

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Agoda's 2026 Travel Outlook shows Gen Z Malaysians are turning away from solo trips, with most choosing family or partners to travel with instead. So we open up the floor to our listeners and ask: Do you like traveling solo or with company? And more broadly, what kind of traveller are you?

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The 118 Mall is set to open in Kuala Lumpur this August, featuring more than 300 stores, cinemas, and large event spaces, positioning it as more than just a shopping centre but a full lifestyle hub. But the more important question is, what do KL-ites feel? So we discuss this, and open the floor up for our listeners and ask them: Where's your go-to hangout or lepak spot and why? What kind of hangout spot do you want to see more of?

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Uncertainty over Malaysia’s broadcast rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 appears to be easing, with Telekom Malaysia reportedly close to securing a deal estimated at around RM200 million. We speak to sports journalist Haresh Deol on the cost pressures, past broadcast models, and what it means if Malaysians miss out on free-to-air coverage. Then we ask you: Does the World Cup matter to you? Is it worth broadcasters paying RM200 million so you can watch it locally? Would you be willing to foot that bill?

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The Badminton World Federation has announced that it will reintroduce the 3×15 scoring system across all official badminton and Para badminton tournaments. So tonight, we ask you: What sports do you enjoy watching? And do you prefer sports that are fast and exciting, or ones that are slower but showcase skill, endurance, and resilience?

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It's World Book Day, a day to celebrate the joy and pleasure of reading. So we thought we'd open the floor to our bookworm listeners and ask: What’s something great you’ve read recently? And bonus points: what’s your favourite book?

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Rose Rouse, a social activist from the UK who advocates for positive media representation around ageing, recently wrote an article in The Guardian explaining her stance against the idea of bucket lists which she believes are reductive. We ask our listeners if they have a bucket list, and if they've checked any items off the list.

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An article from SAYS recently highlighted mixed views among Malaysians on double parking. Some see it as inconsiderate, while others consider it acceptable in certain situations. We put the question to you: is double parking ever okay, and why or why not?

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In an interview we had with Lee Hwok-Aun, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, he suggested Malaysians split fuel subsidies evenly with the government. This was in response to the World Bank warning that our current subsidy model could become unsustainable amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. So we put the idea to our listeners: Should subsidies be shared 50‑50? Would you pay more?

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The tourism industry has been significantly impacted globally due to the Middle East conflict, with widespread airspace closures, flight cancellations, and heightened travel advisories. In our conversation with Nigel Wong recently, he advised Malaysians to travel locally. So we asked our listeners: What is your favourite ever Cuti Cuti Malaysia experience?

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NASA’s Artemis II mission marks humanity’s return to the Moon, with four astronauts set to orbit our nearest celestial neighbor. It’s a step toward building a permanent presence beyond Earth, raising questions about whether space could become our next home. So we ask our listeners: Would you like to live in space? Do you think the future of humanity lies away from Earth?

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SPM results for this year are out. So we ask our listeners: Do you remember the day you received your SPM results, and how did you score? Did it affect your life?

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Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal has urged the government to consider the death penalty for drunk drivers who cause fatal accidents. This comes after a fatal accident happened in Klang recently, that caused the death of a man. The driver later tested positive for both alcohol and drugs. So we ask our listeners: Would you support the death penalty in fatal DUI cases? How else can we deter drunk driving?

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A new Museum of Youth Culture in London is set to open in May this year with a collection of over 100,000 items, highlighting everyday objects that reflect youth identity across generations. This got us thinking about items from our youth that shaped our own generations. So we asked our listeners: What is an item that best represents your youth?

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With Hari Raya and Chinese New happening back to back this year, we've experienced consistent weeks of celebrations and fireworks. But with these fireworks come accidents, noise complaints and the like. So we ask our listeners: how do they really feel about fireworks, are they fun or are they a nuisance? We also discuss if there is a safer way to enjoy them.

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Since Raya is just around the corner, and many are already on their balik kampung journeys thinking about family, we thought we’d take a more festive approach to this Talkback episode. Tonight, instead of our usual discussion, we’re turning the spotlight on music - with song requests from friends of the station, including M Nasir, Sharifah Amani, Marina Mahathir, Bront Palarae, Zainah Anwar, and Shahril Hamdan. And of course, we opened the floor our listeners, to share their own requests too.

Songs we played:

• Balik Kampung by Sudirman

• Suara Takbir by P. Ramlee

• Dendang Perantau by P. Ramlee

• Jodoh Lebaran by Aisha Retno

• Hari Mulia by Sheila Majid

• Hujan by Adibah Noor

• Galok Raya by The Impatient Sisters

• Madu Tiga by P. Ramlee

• Esok Hari Raya by Dr Sam & Musafir

• Selamat Pengantin Baru by Wann

• Halal Bihalal by Norainiza Idris

• Setahun Sekali by 3P

• Eon Proton Raya Ad (1988) by Jamal Abdillah & Raja Ema

• Raya Oh Yeah by Yuna

• Original Sabahan by Atmosfera

• Lagu Zaman by SM Salim

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As the Middle East conflict disrupts oil supplies, countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines have turned to remote work and shorter weeks to cut fuel demand. Malaysia is weighing a similar Work-From-Home policy after Hari Raya, aiming to keep subsidized fuel at RM1.99 per litre, though employers warn it may not suit sectors like manufacturing and logistics. Malaysians also see working from home as a way to ease rising living costs, so we ask our listeners: Would you prefer working from home if given the choice? Should everyone be allowed to work from home?

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The “Heard the News?” project, launched today in Shah Alam as part of New Straits Times’ 180th anniversary, will bring newspapers into classrooms across the country, aiming to get students engaging with current affairs from a young age. We take this opportunity to ask you: When did you first become aware of the news or current affairs? What did it?

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The typical discourse on artificial intelligence (AI) has long focused on whether our minds will weaken as we lean more on machines. But now AI has crossed into our most human spaces: friendship, intimacy, and emotional support. This has sparked a new debate: Can technology truly fulfill, or even replace, our need for companionship? We get into it, and ask our listeners: Do you have an AI friend... and would you ever want one?

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Drawing from the recent controversy surrounding the MACC's search notice for ex-political aide James Chai, we hear your take on the role of public servants, and whether or not you'd join the public service or be a politician.

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The United States and Israel’s joint military campaign - including “Operation Epic Fury” that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and “Operation Absolute Resolve” that saw Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro captured - has thrust questions of global power and intervention back into the spotlight. We debate whether the U.S. should continue acting as the world’s policeman, and if the ends justify the means?

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In our conversation with former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, he argued that his generation of leaders is still seen as “next-gen” rather than serious contenders, and stressed the importance of decisiveness in handling internal party crises and coalition tensions. So we ask our listeners: Who would make a good Malaysian PM? What qualities should they have?

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Every family has a different formula they follow; and if you're traditional, there are a couple of dos and don't you practice when giving ang pows out to family members during Chinese New Year. So we want to hear from our listeners and ask them: How do you decide how much to give and for who? What are your angpow expectations?

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Appliances shape our routines and feel like necessities, yet research shows many regret buying them, whether from upgrading too soon, chasing trends, or rarely using what they bought. So, we ask our listeners: What home appliances can't you live without? And what have you come to regret buying?

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With Valentine's Day around the corner, love is in the air - so we ask you: Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Why, or why not?

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A proposed Water Music Festival in Bukit Bintang, part of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, has sparked debate among Malaysians over whether it truly reflects local culture. So tonight, we want to hear from you: Which aspects of local culture, beyond your own, are you most curious to explore?

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Japan sends sumo wrestlers abroad as cultural ambassadors, showcasing tradition and soft power on the global stage. Which got us thinking about our own soft power. So we discuss and ask our listeners: What should Malaysia’s mascot be, on the international stage?

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Hong Kong has introduced a new policy that will allow up to 1,000 restaurants to welcome pet dogs. This is part of their efforts to create a more pet-friendly society. But is Malaysia ready for the same initiative? Tonight, we discuss this and ask our listeners: Should pets be allowed in public spaces? Is Malaysia pet-friendly enough?

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This week, the transport ministry launched the Matching Grant to Replace Old Vehicles Programme to encourage Malaysians to replace their old vehicles – especially those 20 years or older. But we understand that parting ways with an old car can be difficult for sentimental folks. So we ask our listeners: are you emotionally attached to your car?

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Calls are mounting for European teams to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid political tensions linked to the US as host. While some politicians push for a stand, football authorities argue sport should stay separate from politics. We want to hear from you: Do you support boycotts in sports? Would you boycott watching or attending the World Cup?

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A Facebook post recently made headlines as it detailed a Grab driver soliciting tips from his customers, a practice which is not allowed under the e-hailing platform's code of conduct. This brought up conversations about tipping culture in Malaysia so we ask our listeners: do you tip, when do you tip, and how much?

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The Ministry of Education has unveiled the National Education Development Plan 2026-2035, creating a new 10-year roadmap for schools and higher education institutions. In light of the new changes announced, we ask you: what is one thing you would change about our education system?

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According to the Malaysian Employers Federation, who reviewed data regarding employment, young workers change jobs within 18 months, or a year and half into starting a new role. So we discuss with our listeners and ask them: Is staying in a job for long periods a good thing, or is job-hopping the way to go?

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With the Education Ministry announcing that the UPSR and PT3 exams might be reinstated, we ask you: Do you want the UPSR and PT3 exams to come back? Did you, or your children, benefit from taking exams?

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A New York Times article looked at research on favouritism within families and its impact. One of the largest studies found that nearly two-thirds of parents admit to having a favourite child. That brings us to our questions for you: Did it ever feel like your parents had a favourite? How did that shape you growing up? And if you’re a parent yourself, do you have a favourite?

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In the wake of the US military action in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, we want to zoom out to ask you: Do you like or loath Trump's leadership style? And more broadly, do you think the world is better when led by strongmen?

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It's our final Talkback installation of the year, and its the time to look back on the epic highs and lows of 2025. We ask our listeners how their year went and if they're sad to see the year end.

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As we're fully in the swing of the holidays, tis the season for Christmas parties, Secret Santas, White Elephants and the like. With that comes great gifts, and some questionable ones too. So we ask our listeners: What's the worst gift you've received, and do you believe in re-gifting?

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Malaysia’s first “youth retirement home” has opened in Gopeng, Perak, offering a month-long RM2,000 retreat for young adults who feel the pressures of high living costs, housing stress and work burnout. So we ask our listeners if they've ever experienced burnout, and how did they overcome it?

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Tonight, we invite you to wander through the sweep of human history, choose the era that calls to you most if time travel were possible — and tell us why.

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Digital payments surge in Malaysia, with e-wallets leading the charge. Nearly three in five Malaysians tapped cashless options in the past three months, driven by meals, retail, and everyday convenience. So we ask you: Do you prefer E-wallets or cash, and why? If you rely on either have you ever been caught out?

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A TikTok video with over 8 million views shows user es.tellita preparing to propose to her boyfriend of 14 years, the father of her child. The reactions were split: some called it empowering, others said it was demeaning for a woman to 'beg' a man to marry her.: Should it always be the man who proposes marriage? Does it still matter?

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Monsoon season is here, and with it come the puddles, the traffic jams, the sudden cool breezes, and those unexpected shifts in how we feel. Some say the rain slows them down, others find it comforting. So we ask our listeners: How do these grey skies change your day?

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Malaysia’s migration story is shifting from brain drain to brain circulation, as talent leaves, learns, and reconnects with home. Government programmes like MyHeart and the Returning Expert Programme are opening pathways for Malaysians abroad to contribute or return. So we ask our listeners: What would make you leave, what would bring you back, and right now, what’s keeping you here?

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International Men’s Day aims to highlight challenges men face, from mental health and violence to homelessness and social expectations. So tonight, we ask you: What is the biggest challenge or pressure men face today, from your point of view?

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In a recent CBC interview with acclaimed author Margaret Atwood, she reflects on the role of grudges in her life. So tonight, we're asking: Do you hold grudges, or do you forgive and forget? How has that shaped you?

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Malaysia’s unemployment rate may have dipped to 3% in September, but the numbers don’t tell the whole story. For many graduates, breaking into the job market means taking positions far removed from their fields of study, often temporary and paying less than RM2000. As the labour force grows to 17.5 million, the question of career readiness looms large. So we dive into this question with our listeners: What did you study, and is it relevant to your current job? Was it hard to break into your industry?

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