BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Evening Edition  >  Top 5 At 5  >  Top 5 at 5: Malaysia-Bangladesh Migrant Worker Dispute

Top 5 at 5: Malaysia-Bangladesh Migrant Worker Dispute

Charles Santiago, co-chair, Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights

04-Jul-25 17:00

Top 5 at 5: Malaysia-Bangladesh Migrant Worker Dispute

Malaysia's 2021 recruitment deal with Bangladesh, which restricts hiring to limited approved agencies, faces mounting pressure after Dhaka's new government seeks reform. Critics say the deal has fueled rising costs, alleged corruption and the exclusion of 1,600 agencies. Bangladesh warns it may halt worker deplyment if Malaysia does not amend the agreement. Charles Santiago, who has been vocal about this issue, tells us more about this situation.

Other stories we covered:

• One woman, two jobs: Following the retirement of Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Hashim has stepped in to temporarily carry out the duties of the Chief Justice. With other top judicial positions also vacant or nearing transition, we speak to former Bar Council President Salim Bashir and lawyer Lim Wei Jiet about the implications for Malaysia’s judiciary and the concerns surrounding institutional continuity.

• MACC’s new obesity policy: Starting next year, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission will implement a new policy disqualifying personnel with a Body Mass Index above 27 from promotions, while requiring regular health screenings. We speak to endocrinologist Dr Lim Quan Hziung, a council member of the Malaysian Obesity Society, about the implications of this directive and broader strategies for cultivating a healthier public workforce.

• Thailand political crisis deepens: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended following a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, sparking public backlash and coalition instability. As dissatisfaction mounts and speculation grows over the possibility of military intervention, we speak to Gregory Raymond, senior lecturer at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australia National University, for insight into the unfolding crisis and its implications.

• AI at Wimbledon: Wimbledon ushers in a new era with the full adoption of AI-powered electronic line calling, replacing human line judges for the first time in its 148-year history. While some players praise the new system's precision, others have lamented the loss of tradition and drama. We get into it.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Sudais Ferhard, Lim Sue Ann, Tee Shiao Eek, Alia Zefri, Sneha Harikannan

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Dashran Yohan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  technologycontroversiesLaw/Activismpoliticsgovernmentinternationalcorruptionsportshealth policymanaging disease

Tags:  electronic line calling systemobesity policyaiwimbledonelcthailand economythailand prime minister paetongtarn shinawatracoupcambodiamaccchief justiceChief Justice Tengku MaimunChief Judge of Malayabangladeshi migrant workerbangladesh





Play / Pause

Listen now : Enterprise Explores: Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO, Center for Market Education

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Matt Ingram, Senior Industry Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us an outlook on Australian equities.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Professor Alexis Dudden of the University of Connecticut and Visiting Professor of Japanese Studies at the National University of Singapore explains the diplomatic spat between China and Japan.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, President of Warisan discusses the party’s strategy as the only one contesting all 73 seats in Sabah’s 17th state election.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr Azmil Tayeb, Political Scientist, Universiti Sains Malaysia discusses the future of MIC should the party leave BN.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Ng Tzu Hann, CEO of Tradeview Capital walks us through EPF's strong 2025 performance so far.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

We take a look at the FBM KLCI as well as regional capital markets.

9:35 AM

People, Planet, Profit

Avtandil Mekudishvili, of PlanRadar discusses how digital tools and smart planning can help Malaysia build climate and disaster resilient infrastructure.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Emily Chin, Co-Founder, Medalized Concept

11:00 AM

Marketing Mojo

Nizwani Shahar, CEO, Havas Malaysia, discusses why consumers expect activism, not advertising.

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO, Center for Market Education

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Our flagship show, we feature both game-changers and groundbreakers in the hot seat.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Beyond the Ballot Box

Over the past week, Kampung Papan has seen a series of arrests and confrontations as residents resist demolition works tied to decades-old promises of resettlement that were never fulfilled. We unpack what went down with activists on the ground.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Is it normal to have excessively heavy menstrual flow? We ask an expert if this is something women should endure.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Talkback Tuesday

8:00 PM

BBC World Service