KUALA LUMPUR: In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, we dive into Malaysia's rising costs of drug-related crimes, which have reached a staggering RM2.3 billion annually.
This figure includes not only prison and rehabilitation costs but also the broader economic and social impacts.
Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation's senior vice-chairman, Datuk Seri Ayub Yaakob, joins us on set to discuss the internal drug issues plaguing the police force, with over 600 officers caught using drugs in the last decade.
We also address the impact of poor living conditions in police quarters, which has taken a toll on officer morale, particularly in high-rent cities like Kuching, where 20 per cent of police housing is unlivable.
Later, Business Times' Presenna Nambiar provides insights into the ringgit's recent rally, largely driven by China's economic stimulus and a US Federal Reserve rate cut.
However, she cautions that the ringgit's future performance remains uncertain due to escalating geopolitical risks and fluctuating global conditions.
The episode also features a thought-provoking interview with renowned broadcaster Mehdi Hasan, who discusses the challenges of supporting the Palestinian cause in mainstream media after the cancellation of his MSNBC show.
Hasan shared his views on the growing difficulties journalists face in addressing divisive issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Watch the full episode on NST Online's YouTube! #NSTTV