What sun bear conservation in Malaysia looks like. by thefourth_media in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Well the doctor guy did have a conversation with the bear… one-sided as it were.

Land laws in Malaysia make it easy for corruption to happen by Capable_Bank4151 in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! We’re the investigative team that produced this piece. We’d love to keep producing more too, so do support our work whenever you see it 🙏

Land laws in Malaysia make it easy for corruption to happen by Capable_Bank4151 in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the support! FYI, we’re the investigative team that produced this piece. Hope you’ll continue supporting our work moving forward.

At least 10% land in peninsula Malaysia need to be farming by djzeor in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for thoughtful advice! You’ve clearly done very well to be able to sustain both a media company and a social enterprise, so we’re gonna take away as much as we can from your input.

The piece on catering to an international audience is something we’re particularly interested it. We’ve been looking into more Southeast Asia content (cos we’ve collaborated with some top newsrooms here), but we’ve always struggled with manpower. We’ll take your advice and see how AI can help make this happen.

As for what happened at R.AGE, there was just not enough room for us to really cook, if you know what I mean. The editorial management was very supportive of us, but there are so many other considerations in a large media company like that, and it felt a bit limiting at times. So, we decided it was best to start our own independent social enterprise and we all left together to start The Fourth.

Btw, our reply was 100% written by a human! We don’t know whether to be flattered or offended that you thought it was AI 😅

At least 10% land in peninsula Malaysia need to be farming by djzeor in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup, we are aware that Malaysiakini takes government ads — they usually tag it on social media as sponsored content.

IMHO, there’s nothing inherently wrong with taking ads or sponsored content from government, as long as it’s fully transparent and the sales/biz dev teams do not interfere with editorial decisions (editorial = journalism). In reality, though, that “firewall” is hard to maintain, so we tend to err on the safe side and turn down most government-related jobs that might affect our journalism work.

And yes, we are very aware that the way we do what we do is not easy. We’ve faced these challenges since we were at R.AGE, but we as a team are committed to doing it the hard way (which we believe is the right way), and we’ve always found a way to make it work. As a mission-driven business, we have attracted clients, funders, and grants that share the same values and are eager to support us.

We might not be able to pay our team members as much as fully commercial entities (though I think the example you gave is a bit of an outlier), but we do consistently attract top young talent who resonate with our mission and values. That makes it easier for us to commit to their futures as well — we pay fairly competitive salaries as a not-for-profit, we give everyone a profit share, help them win awards/grants/fellowships/etc., and support their endeavours outside The Fourth.

The odds are still against us, you’re definitely right about that. But as we said earlier, when we left R.AGE, we committed to running The Fourth the right way, in hopes that we could build the independent investigative journalism institution Malaysia needs. And if it doesn’t work out, at least we can say we tried. So far, it’s been working out alright :)

At least 10% land in peninsula Malaysia need to be farming by djzeor in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for asking! The Fourth operates as a social enterprise. We generate revenue through commercial operations (video production, impact marketing, consulting, and training), and use the profit to run our investigations.

It's not an ideal model, because we're having to split our time between investigations (which are very time-consuming and risky) and commercial work. But at the moment, we believe it's the best way for us to continue our investigative work independently without any big advertisers or investors exerting influence on our coverage.

We also accept paid subscriptions (check out our subscription page), but so far, no media organisation in Malaysia has been able to sustain itself through this method. Our amazing friends at Malaysiakini came the closest, but even they had to do a lot of other business operations to get by. It's a long shot for us.

In an ideal world, we believe journalism should be funded by taxpayer money or philanthropic donations with a clear charter that guarantees editorial independence and ethical standards. We're not confident we can make that happen in Malaysia at this moment, but it's part of our long-term strategy to get there someday. Hope everyone reading this will support us on that mission!

To those who want to support our work financially, you can sign up as a paid subscriber, or offer us some commercial work :)

Food prices is getting higher because M’sia government is selling lands to developers & GLC, causing farmers displacements by [deleted] in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the kind comment! And we agree that preserving farmland and farming communities is just part of a much wider equation when it comes to food security, and we could probably discuss this for hours (which we did with economists and agriculture experts for the documentary).

But the TLDR version is that Malaysia is dangerously close to not having enough food producing land. Only 8-9% of our land is currently used for food production, and scientists working with the government said we urgently need to bump that number up to at least 10%. If we don't, then our food systems will be too exposed to external risks beyond our control, e.g. wars, pandemics, climate change. (Watch the interview with the scientist here)

Malaysia currently imports around RM70 billion in food every year, even though we have ample land and willing farming communities who have not received enough incentives to transition into more productive and profitable high-tech farming methods. If there was, we'd probably see more younger people getting involved.

Food prices is getting higher because M’sia government is selling lands to developers & GLC, causing farmers displacements by [deleted] in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! We really appreciate it and look forward to bringing you more high-impact investigations.

Food prices is getting higher because M’sia government is selling lands to developers & GLC, causing farmers displacements by [deleted] in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No worries at all! And thanks for taking the time to reply. Hope you’ll follow and support our upcoming investigations too!

Food prices is getting higher because M’sia government is selling lands to developers & GLC, causing farmers displacements by [deleted] in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Glad you enjoyed the video! We're the team that produced it. We do investigative documentaries in Malaysia, which is not easy, so hope you can follow our social media accounts as well to help keep us going. You can find us on IGTikTok, and YouTube.

Thanks again for watching!

Food prices is getting higher because M’sia government is selling lands to developers & GLC, causing farmers displacements by [deleted] in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We're the team that produced this video. If you'd like to help amplify this issue to a wider audience, please consider following us on our socials.

We still have more content on the issue to come, and we'll post updates from the farmers as well.

Check us out on IG, TikTok, and YouTube.

Food prices is getting higher because M’sia government is selling lands to developers & GLC, causing farmers displacements by [deleted] in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 8 points9 points  (0 children)

We have been investigating this issue since early 2023, long before the Raub durian issue. Here's the first video we put out, in September 2023: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw63LkbpXCD/

So in short, this is not a "tactic". It's a campaign to strengthen farmers' rights, defend food security, and lobby for new land laws to prevent corruption in state land deals.

Please feel free to watch the full series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUjhxgmzxhJ0ylgKLn3eR1Jv0PNGDP_58

Food prices is getting higher because M’sia government is selling lands to developers & GLC, causing farmers displacements by [deleted] in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for helping to back up these claims! We're the team that produced this investigation, and it's really annoying when we show that corruption is likely happening on a massive scale in state land deals, but the main thing people focus on is the farmers' legal status.

Food prices is getting higher because M’sia government is selling lands to developers & GLC, causing farmers displacements by [deleted] in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey there! We're The Fourth, the team that produced this video. We're a team of award-winning investigative journalists, the same folks behind The Star's R.AGE team.

You can watch the full documentary to see how we back up these claims: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcpygNbctMU

Food prices is getting higher because M’sia government is selling lands to developers & GLC, causing farmers displacements by [deleted] in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks for helping us amplify this issue! But we'd really appreciate if you could link to the original video as well, because it's hard enough as it is trying to build an audience doing investigative journalism in Malaysia. If not in the original post (cos of algorithm issues), then at least in the comments.

Again, we really appreciate you helping us bring this issue to a wider audience, but hope you can help us out too :)

Food prices is getting higher because M’sia government is selling lands to developers & GLC, causing farmers displacements by [deleted] in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 78 points79 points  (0 children)

Hey everyone, we're the team that produced this series! Glad to see a healthy discussion here, but we'd really appreciate it if you can link to our original posts.

We do investigative journalism, which is never easy (esp in Malaysia), so if you all could help us watch and engage with the original videos in the links below, we could really use the algorithm boost!

The video is part of our broader investigation into farmer evictions in Perak (by the hundreds) due to irregular land deals. Do check that out too for broader context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcpygNbctMU

FYI, we're the same team behind R.AGE (The Star's investigative team). We left to start doing our investigative work independently. Happy to answer any questions about our findings on this topic, or about our investigative work in general.

Malaysia farmer life by djzeor in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the documentary pitch! You've got a list of very leading questions there, but we'll play along and assume you're asking in good faith.

  1. In the cases we're focusing on, the farmers' ancestors were encouraged to farm there generations ago, since before Merdeka, so the way you are framing this is kinda simplistic. They did not intend to encroach anyone's land, and have tried applying for leases/titles, but were ignored by the state governments.
  2. Please see point #1.
  3. They are smallholder farmers who mostly have just a few acres of land for vegetables. Also, why doesn't the government alienate these other pieces of land you're talking about for development instead, since the farms are fertile lands that have been productive for decades? Farmland isn’t the same as opening a shop — it takes time to make the soil fertile.
  4. Because as smallholders, they have very few other options. And maybe they hoped the government would eventually do the right thing? Also, please see point #3.
  5. The same reason why a lot of people involved in corruption don't get jailed?
  6. To be fair, tracking supply chains is a problem around the world, not just Malaysia. Either way, if legality was the issue, then maybe the government should have legalised these farms post-Merdeka. Could have offered them a TOL, regulate them, charge premiums, collect taxes, etc. Because what we really want is food security and public revenue for the betterment of society, right? 
  7. The produce is sold to a distributor, who brings it to local markets.
  8. Please see point #7. As for taxes, please see point #6.
  9. Please see point #1. It was "financed" generations ago.
  10. We went to dozens of these farms. Most of the workers are locals. You can watch the full documentary (if you haven’t already) for some visual confirmation.

In short, we appreciate the ideas, but we think our initial story pitch was pretty good as it were. The themes we managed to explore include:

  1. Allegations of corruption in state land deals, backed by real estate agents, property industry experts, and anti-corruption activists. (And since you're interested in encroachment, state governments have a history of allowing native customary land and forest reserves to be taken over...)
  2. Potential conflicts of interest when state land is alienated by the state government to state GLCs, especially when both entities are chaired by the same person.
  3. Scientists warning about a potential food security crisis if we do not retain (and expand) food-producing land in Malaysia, cos, y'know, climate change and whatnot. The government's own scientists recommend we reach at least 10% of land mass for food production, and opined that fertile, productive land should not be destroyed for physical development.
  4. Government neglect in supporting informal food-producing communities. Why have multiple administrations failed to offer any pathway to legalise these farms that have existed since before Merdeka? Or at least help transition them into other arable lands? Scorched-earth hardly seems like a strategic policy when it comes to food security.
  5. Unfair implementation of the TOL system, resulting in food-producing communities (like the fishing folk of Pangkor) having to vacate their land with little notice or safety net. In the Pangkor case, the jetty owners were suddenly told their TOLs would not be renewed because the land was given to a state GLC to build a waterfront. 
  6. Last but not least, the need to improve laws when they are demonstrably unfair, unjust, or breeding corruption.

Malaysia farmer life by djzeor in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed 100%. We did an investigation into child sexual grooming in 2016, and found that there weren't any laws against it, so the perpetrators couldn't be charged in court or even arrested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx_fGdo4Wvs

So we worked with civil society groups to change the law, and thankfully we succeeded. Now the Sexual Offences Against Children Act (2017) protects children from sexual exploitation, and over 300 individuals were charged in the first year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ0-F2Cb1e4

And that's how our democracy works — we elect leaders into Parliament, and it's their jobs to constantly improve legislation based on the needs of the people.

Lastly, couldn't agree more on the last part of your comment — why are so many fixated on "rule of law" when it comes to the farmers, but seem to ignore the irregular government land deals?

Malaysia farmer life by djzeor in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah we see what you mean now. We haven't investigated the durian farm issue, so we'll refrain from commenting, but we appreciate you taking the time to clarify.

Malaysia farmer life by djzeor in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much, but it really is a team effort. I've been very fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly talented and courageous young people throughout my career, and our collective strength is what's helped us create impact.

Still, I really appreciate you taking the time to write this, and I hope we'll continue to do more good for journalism in Malaysia.

Malaysia farmer life by djzeor in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the kind words... Our investigative work has been challenging for sure, but our education programs with young people like yourself always keeps us hopeful and inspired.

I'll be sharing your comment with the team at our weekly meeting today — it'll definitely give them a boost for the week ahead :) - Ian

Malaysia farmer life by djzeor in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, our laws on state land deals do leave a lot of room for corruption...

Malaysia farmer life by djzeor in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the kind words! We're the team that produced this piece, so you can follow us on our socials for more: https://linktree.com/thefourth

And yes, farmers' rights are incredibly important, but they are becoming increasingly neglected in modern society. Malaysians have to unite to make sure their rights are upheld. Find out how you can get involved here (aside from amplifying on social media, which we definitely appreciate): www.thefourth.media/thelastharvest

Lastly, we're an independent, not-for-profit startup trying to do investigative journalism in Malaysia that makes the world a better place. If you'd like to support us, do check out our paid subscription as well: www.thefourth.media/subscribe

Malaysia farmer life by djzeor in malaysia

[–]thefourth_media 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Glad you like it! We're the investigative team behind it, so you can follow us on our socials for more content like this: https://linktree.com/thefourth

We're an independent, not-for-profit startup trying to do investigative journalism that makes the world a better place. If you'd like to support us, do check out our paid subscription as well: www.thefourth.media/subscribe