Many Malaysians have high expectations of Budget 2025, especially in regards to public transportation, considering the heavy traffic congestion that plagues the country. There does seem to be a growing interest in public transit, with My50 pass sign-ups being on the rise. Will this interest benefit our roads? And what about public safety, how much of that was taken into account in Budget 2025? Datuk Professor Ahmad Farhan Sadullah, Vice Chancellor and Professor of Transport at Universiti Putra Malaysia weighs in on the conversation.

Other stories we covered today:

· Justice for deaf e-hailing driver: Muhammad Taufik Ismail, the police officer responsible for a viral assault on deaf e-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong, pled guilty and received a RM1,000 fine. Dr. Anthony Chong from the Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation (DAWN) discusses community dissatisfaction, while Yu Ying Ying, Campaign Coordinator for Lawyers for Liberty, highlights how justice access for disabled individuals can be improved.

· Southeast Asia fights greenwashing: The Zero Greenwashing Alliance has introduced the “Green Claims Guidance,” the region’s first framework to combat misleading eco-friendly claims by companies. Adam Farhan, co-founder and director of RimbaWatch, explains the guide’s purpose, showcases past examples of greenwashing, and shares his vision for the tool.

· FashionValet's losses raise eyebrows: Khazanah Nasional and PNB lost RM43.9 million after selling a stake in FashionValet, which triggered an MACC probe. The founders have resigned, taking accountability as authorities investigate, sparking debate on investment criteria and the effects on Malaysia’s venture capital scene.

· Popek Popek Parlimen: In Parliament, officials discussed plans to expand Bukit Jalil National Stadium, noting concert revenue surpasses sports by fourfold. Additional updates included a slight drop in student vaping rates and Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s willingness to resume the MH370 search if credible evidence arises, citing a “no find, no fee” offer from Ocean Infinity.

Image Credit: GingChen, Shutterstock

Produced by: Alia Zefri, Lim Sue Ann, Sudais Ferhard, Alena Nadia

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan

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Categories:  politics,  government,  international,  Law/Activism,  environment,  controversies,  education

Tags:  road expansion,  My50 pass,  motorcycle safety,  Datuk Professor Ahmad Farhan Sadullah,  deaf e-hailing driver assault,  police officer assault,  Ong Ing Keong,  justice for disabled,  Zero Greenwashing Alliance,  youth smoking rates,  vaping rates,  MH370 search,  electric buses,  green transport,  Kuala Lumpur bus lanes,  public transit,  dawn,  lawyers for liberty,  greenwashing,  RimbaWatch,  khazanah nasional,  pnb,  fashion valet,  macc,  venture capital,  ocean infinity,  popek popek parlimen,  dewan rakyat,