The World Happiness Report for 2025 was released earlier this year with Malaysia ranking 64th out of 143 countries. This marks a decline from 59th place in 2024. Eugene Tee, an associate professor of psychology from HELP University joins us to discuss the state of happiness amongst Malaysians.

Other stories we covered:

• Malaysia reports surge in hand, foot and mouth diesease: Over 99,000 cases of HFMD have been reported this year so far. Across Malaysian states, higher case numbers have been reported compared to this same time last year. We talk about the seriousness of the disease, and what parents can do, with family medicine specialist Dr Emma Fazilah Zulkifli.
• Indigenous Iban community facing eviction: An Indigenous Iban community in Rumah Jeffrey, Sarawak faces eviction after authorities deemed their longhouse settlement illegal. Residents claim the move follows their protest against a timber plantation that overlaps with their land, sparking a three-year standoff. Human Rights Watch argues the eviction violates Sarawak’s land laws, which require compensation and community consent. We speak with Matek Geram from the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association to unpack the ongoing dispute.
• The Marcos-Duterte power struggle: The feud between President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte reaches a critical point as the latest Senate elections shape the battle over Duterte’s impeachment. With her allies securing seats, could this shift the odds in her favor? We break down the political stakes with Matthew Ordonez, assistant professorial lecturer at De La Salle University in Philippines.
• Government revitalising the local entertainment industry: The Concerts and Events in Malaysia Incentive, announced by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, aims to boost the local music industry while attracting international acts. Will this rebate programme succeed in drawing both local and global talent? We break it down.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

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

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan

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Categories:  technology,  economy,  politics,  government,  international,  environment,  corruption,  Law/Activism,  education,  controversies,  managing,  culture,  History/Heritage,  performing arts,  film,  music,  managing disease,  Family/Parenting

Tags:  hands foot mouth disease,  rumah jeffrey,  marcos-duterte,  malaysian entertainment industry,  concerts and events in malaysia initiative,  world happiness report,  hfmd,  indigenous people,  iban,  eviction,  sarawak,  Philippines politics,  assassination,  fahmi fadzil,