BFM: The Business Station – Podcast Top 5 at 5: Investigating Malaysia’s role in cross-border crime

The US Institute of Peace report highlights a sharp increase in transnational crime in Southeast Asia, mainly from China, with $64 billion stolen annually. Raymon Ram, a certified fraud investigator, explains how Malaysia plays a major role, with citizens both victimized and involved in running scam networks.

Other stories we covered today:

· Declining teenage pregnancy rates in ASEAN: The number of teenage pregnancies in Southeast Asia has fallen slightly but significantly, with the birth rate falling from 41 to 35 per 1,000 girls over the past decade. Srividhya Ganapathy, co-chair of the CRIB Foundation, discusses the data limitations of similar reports.

· Former Singapore Minister S. Iswaran sentenced: The court sentenced Iswaran to twelve months in prison; a decision that is stricter than the six to seven months demanded by the prosecutor. We delve into the reasons behind the court’s decision to extend his prison sentence and the mystery of whether political figures and businesspeople should be expected to forgo friendships and connections.

· MBJB launches ‘humane’ sterilization program for stray dogs: This initiative involves neutering, vaccinating and rehoming 1,000 stray dogs in Johor Bahru, following public complaints and previous criticism over their handling of stray dogs. Kavindran Ganasen, co-founder of the Lost Animal Souls Shelter shares his thoughts on the program.

· Mount Kinabalu Climbathon Returns: After a seven-year hiatus, the Mount Kinabalu Climbathon is making a comeback, reviving the tradition of promoting Sabah tourism. Consultant emergency physician, Dr. Ahmad Suhailan Mohamed, discusses the risks of physical activity at high altitude and what participants should be aware of during the challenging event.

Image credits: Image Flow, Shutterstock

Produced by: Sudais Ferhard, Alia Zefri, Juliet Jacobs, Lim Sue Ann

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan

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Sudais Ferhard, Alia Zefri, Juliet Jacobs, Lim Sue Ann, Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan

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

Tags: Crime Networks in Southeast Asia, Transnational Crime Report, US Institute of Peace, Online Scams Southeast Asia, Raymon Ram Fraud Expert, Malaysia Scam Operations, Teen Pregnancy in Southeast Asia, ASEAN Gender Outlook 2024, Declining Teen Birth Rates, Access to Contraceptives , Srividhya Ganapathy CRIB Foundation, Singapore corruption scandals, Singapore public trust, Soh Kee Hean anti-corruption, Johor Bahru stray animal program, MBJB neutering initiative, animal welfare Malaysia, Kavindran Ganasen Lost Animal Souls Shelter, Mount Kinabalu Climbathon 2024, tourism events in Sabah, major level of risks, Dr. Ahmad Suhailan, corruption case in S-Iswaran,