Johor aims to end its reliance on Singapore for treated water by 2030 through the RM5 billion Zero Dependency Plan. However, critics question whether the timeline is feasible given the scale of construction needed. Charles Santiago, Chairman of the National Water Services Commission, joins us to discuss the challenges, benefits, and viability of Johor’s water independence plans.

Other stories we covered:

• Putin open to ceasefire—but on his terms: Putin has signaled openness to a US-backed ceasefire in Ukraine but insists on restrictions on Ukraine’s military activity and foreign aid. Zelenskyy has dismissed this as a stalling tactic, while Trump has called Putin’s response “promising but incomplete.” We speak to Benjamin Barton, Head of School of Politics and International Relations at University of Nottingham Malaysia about Putin's terms and how these discussions will affect Ukraine's position.
• MP proposes island shelter for stray dogs: Langkawi MP Suhaimi Abdullah has suggested turning a nearby island into a shelter for stray dogs after a recent attack on a young boy. While some, like the Global Human Rights Federation, support the idea, animal welfare groups argue that relocation isn’t a sustainable solution and call for better funding for shelters. We speak to SPCA Selangor’s General Manager, Kelvin Cheah on the feasibility of this plan and alternative solutions for managing strays.
• Car hijacked with sleeping child inside: A man stole a car in Setia Alam with a six-year-old girl asleep inside, abandoning it 45 minutes later when she woke up crying. A similar case in 2017 saw a woman’s car hijacked in Johor while she retrieved an umbrella, with her children still inside. We speak to the Chairman of Suriani Welfare Society, James Nayagam on public safety in Malaysia and safeguarding children from such threats.
• Travel ban for PTPTN defaulters: The government is considering reinstating a travel ban as PTPTN loan arrears hit RM11 billion. While supporters argue it could boost repayments, critics say it burdens struggling graduates and contradicts past election promises. We break down both sides of the debate.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

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

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Dashran Yohan

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Categories:  technology,  economy,  managing,  politics,  government,  international,  environment,  corruption,  Law/Activism,  controversies,  culture,  Family/Parenting,  investments,  financial wellness

Tags:  zero dependency plan,  johor water independence,  singapore water agreement,  reservoirs,  ukraine military,  island for dogs,  car hijacking,  sleeping child in car,  loan defaulter,  johor-singapore,  data centres,  water infrastructure,  water treatment plants,  Russia-Ukraine,  putin,  ceasefire,  zelenskyy,  trump,  foreign aid,  langkawi,  stray dogs,  animal welfare,  travel ban,  ptptn,  loan repayment,  graduates,