A massive fire tore through Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court, one of the city’s public housing towers, killing at least 128 people and leaving 279 missing. Many residents were elderly, and authorities have arrested three men linked to maintenance work for gross negligence. Civil engineering expert Dr Anwar Orabi explains how unsafe building practices may have contributed and what lessons high-rises can learn.

• Storm Senyar slows, but are we safe?: Though the cyclone has weakened, heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas continue across the peninsula. We hear a safety PSA from METMalaysia, followed by practical advice from Dr Chong Kai Lin, senior lecturer in the Environmental and Disaster Management faculty at University Utara Malaysia on staying safe at home and on the road.

• Six new school subjects coming in 2027: From hands-on science to Bahasa Isyarat and Alam dan Manusia, Malaysia’s updated syllabus aims to build character and critical thinking. We discuss whether this is a good idea.

• Quick guide to suicide intervention coming soon: A new guide will help families, teachers, employers, and caregivers spot early warning signs of self-harm and intervene effectively. With over 5,800 suicide cases reported in Malaysia this year alone, Fuad Abdullah from AWAS Suicide Loss Survivors' Support Group, outlines how communities can support at-risk individuals and prevent tragedy.*

• US stops commemorating World AIDS Day: For the first time since 1988, the US government will not officially mark World AIDS Day. We explore whether awareness days still make a meaningful impact.

*If you are in need of mental or emotional help, look for local support within your community, you can call the following helplines:

• Talian HEAL (15555)

• MIASA (1800 180 066)

• Befrienders KL (603-76272929)

Image Credit: EPA Pictures

Produced by: Sneha Harikannan, Sudais Ferhard, Lee Chwi Lynn, Tee Shiao Eek

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Dashran Yohan

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Categories:  politics,  government,  international,  education,  controversies

Tags:  tai po fire,  hong kong fire,  tropical storm,  new subjects,  suicide intervention,  awareness days,  architecture,  malaysian weather,  education,  suicide helpline,  world aids day,