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 : The Selector: Covering all styles of music from indie, dubstep, folk, soul,...

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

Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer, The Macro Butler Newsletter 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

Adam Mohamed Rahim, Equity Research Analyst from RHB Research, discusses Perak could be the next investment destination.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Lau Zhe Wei of IIUM weighs in on the latest shake-up in Perikatan Nasional.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Best of Breakfast Grille 2025 recaps curated conversations in 2025 on the state of Malaysian healthcare system.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Amy Wong Siew Fong, Executive Director of Research & Consultancy at Knight Frank Malaysia discusses the property sector's performance in 2025 and shares her outlook for 2026.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer, The Macro Butler Newsletter tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

Peter Kong, Head of Research from Kenanga Investment Bank, discusses the outlook for FBMKLCI in 2026 and shares his top buy ideas.

9:35 AM

What's The Focus

We wrap up the week’s biggest conversations to keep you in the know.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

(REPEAT) Terry Goh, CEO, KyoChon Malaysia

11:00 AM

Mattsplained

Matt Armitage, Founder, Kulturpop

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

(REPEAT) Thomas Mathew, Group CEO, TalentCorp

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Best of Breakfast Grille 2025 recaps curated conversations in 2025 on the state of Malaysian healthcare system

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

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

3:05 PM

Front Row

Replay - We find out about Classical For Kids: The Magic Flute with The klpac Orchestra, a family-friendly concert for everyone from Music Director YiLing Chaing, and Concertmaster Lee Hai Lin.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

In this ‘Best of 2025’ replay, we dive into the age-old debate of whether generic drugs are less effective.

5:00 PM

Evening Edition

We look ahead at the biggest potential domestic and international stories of 2026

6:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

It's a busy week of football, with Enzo Maresca leaving Chelsea grabbing the headlines as we usher in the new year. Our pundits react to this news, as well as look ahead to the weekend's matches.

8:00 PM

Bar None

(REPEAT) Jeremy Ho, Founder of BHub Bouldering joins us to talk about the appeal of rock climbing and what's the community like here in Malaysia.

9:00 PM

The Selector

Covering all styles of music from indie, dubstep, folk, soul, electro and everything in between from some of the most exciting artists in the UK.