Malaysia’s childhood stunting rate has risen to around 24 per cent in 2024, placing it behind several poorer neighbouring countries and signalling a serious public health concern. We discuss what led to this alarming trajectory and how to reverse this long-standing problem with consultant paediatrician Dr Amar-Singh HSS. (Starts at 21:45)

• China-Malaysia tech push: China plans to deepen cooperation with Malaysia’s northern states in tech, energy, and industrial development. We reached out to Peter TC Chang, former Deputy Director of the Institute of China Studies at the University of Malaya, for his insight on the broader impact this partnership will bring. (Starts at 17:10)

• Spain’s social media ban for under-16s: Spain is following Australia’s footsteps as it moves towards banning social media for children, proposing laws that include stricter age verification, tougher rules on algorithms, and personal liability for executives over hate speech. The plan has drawn sharp backlash from Elon Musk. (Starts at 11:48)

• Court weighs legality of unilateral child conversions: Federal counsel argues that unilateral conversion of minors by one parent is constitutional in an ongoing case linked to Indira Gandhi’s 18-year legal battle. As the High Court makes its decision, we speak to constitutional lawyer Abraham Au on whether the federal counsel’s argument holds any weight. (Starts at 05:44)

• A&W PJ’s return to drive-in: A&W’s Petaling Jaya New Town outlet, open for over 60 years, is reviving its original drive-in service. (Starts at 00:12)

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Dashran Yohan, Sudais Ferhard, Sneha Harikannan, Alia Zefri, Lee Chwi Lynn

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan

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Categories:  technology,  Law/Activism,  food,  health policy,  economy,  Family/Parenting,  international

Tags:  childhood stunting,  technology,  social media ban,  conversion,  A&W restaurants,