BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Bigger Picture  >  Live & Learn  >  What if Malaysia… Legalises Sex Work? #5

What if Malaysia… Legalises Sex Work? #5

Janarthani Arumugam, Researcher & Women’s Rights Activist

03-Mar-21 15:00

What if Malaysia… Legalises Sex Work? #5

What If Malaysia is an 8 episode miniseries where we explore what Malaysia could look like with certain progressive ideas, concepts and policies. Prostitution in Malaysia is restricted in all states. Interestingly, many legal experts have argued that there’s no actual law in our Penal Code that explicitly states that prostitution is technically illegal (only acts connected with prostitution). One thing is certain though, prostitution isn’t legal nor regulated. On this episode of What if Malaysia, we ask the question what if Malaysia legalises sex work? Janarthani Arumugam joins us on the show to explore this through the lens of culture, economy and health.

Other episodes of the miniseries:

What if Malaysia… Has a Woman Prime Minister #1

What if Malaysia... Decriminalised All Drugs For Personal Use #2

What if Malaysia... Has Freedom of Speech Like the US #3

What if Malaysia… Legalises Abortion (On-Demand)? #4

What if Malaysia… Abolishes the Death Penalty? #6

What if Malaysia… Ratified the UN Refugee Convention? #7

What if Malaysia… Has a Non-Malay Prime Minister #8

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons (SG ZA)

Produced by: Dashran Yohan, Teo Xing Yu

Presented by: Dashran Yohan


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

Categories:  PoliticsSocial Issueslaw & legal mattersEducationHealth PolicyDiseases & ConditionsMental HealthHealthy LivingFitnessMedical Innovation and TechnologyScience

Tags:  The Bigger PictureLive & LearnWhat if MalaysiaProstitutionSex WorkDecriminalise Sex WorkLegalise Sex WorkSex Work in Malaysia





Play / Pause

Listen now : Top 5 at 5: A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of...

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

Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank gives us an outlook for Singapore's economy in 2026.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Geoffrey Williams, Economist, discusses the cost of living situation and whether government schemes such as Sara and Budi95 have helped alleviate the burden.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Edward Koh, Executive Director, Polymer Link Bhd discusses the company's listing on Bursa's ACE Market, plans for expansion, its niche in the market, and more.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Donal Crotty, Chairman of Eurocham Malaysia discusses the outlook for Malaysia-EU trade.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) Dr. Geoffrey Williams, Economist, discusses the cost of living situation and whether government schemes such as Sara and Budi95 have helped alleviate the burden.

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

(REPEAT) Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank gives us an outlook for Singapore's economy in 2026.

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

Paul Dass, Managing Director of Green Street Farms, on what it means to grow food with care in the heart of a city.

11:00 AM

Mattsplained

Matt Armitage, Founder, Kulturpop

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

MVCA’s Ng Sai Kit reviews a turbulent 2025, from the eFishery fraud shock to the rollout of Jelawang Capital. He explains the association’s rebrand and whether the VC model remains viable in a market struggling for exits.

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Edward Koh, Executive Director, Polymer Link Bhd discusses the company's listing on Bursa's ACE Market, plans for expansion, its niche in the market, and more.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

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

3:05 PM

Front Row

Set after a devastating flood, Lorong Cermin explores family, memory, and rebuilding. We speak to Elysa Lee and Ong Xiao Wen about bringing this original musical to life.

3:25 PM

Front Row

Tali Tukang Gantung brings real stories from Malaysia’s death penalty system to the stage. We speak with performer Deena Dakshini and producer Janice Ananthan from ADPAN.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Earlier this week, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was hospitalised after a fall. Why are falls dangerous for our seniors and how can we prevent them from happening in the home?

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

6:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

Bar None

9:00 PM

The Selector