KUALA LUMPUR: In the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines, we look at the government's much-discussed fuel subsidy rationalisation plan, starting with the withdrawal of blanket diesel subsidies.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that this policy aims to save the country approximately RM4 billion annually.
Anwar, however, said Sabah and Sarawak will be exempted due to their reliance on diesel-powered vehicles and poorer road conditions.
Economist Professor Dr Geoffrey joined us on set to discuss the rationale behind this plan and the possibilities of ensuring that subsidies benefit the target income groups who genuinely need them.
In our second segment, we turn our attention to the heart-wrenching case of Mala Vello, a 58-year-old Malaysian who has endured over a decade of domestic abuse and servitude. She is currently serving a prison sentence in Nepal for overstaying her visa after escaping her captor.
Project Liber8 programme officer Melissa Chin and Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) commissioner Ragunath Kesavanjoined us on set to provide insights into the ongoing efforts to bring Mala home, the challenges faced in such cases and the broader issue of human trafficking.
More in the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines.
This episode was recorded on May 23