BBC covers kangkung issue on popular World Service radio show

The kangkung issue took another leap beyond Malaysian shores tonight with it being covered on BBC’s World Service radio show. The broadcast highlighted the fact that social media in Malaysia, including blogs, Twitter and Facebook were flooded with various kangkung stories and satire this week.

In the 7.30pm show, presenter Mukul Devichand said Malaysians have been talking and avidly joking about kangkung the past week and it was impossible to get away from the topic.

He was referring to the widespread anger of Malaysians who mocked and made fun of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for attempting to use kangkung to garner praise from the rakyat.

The radio show - entitled #BBCtrending: Be careful what you say about spinach - looked back at the events of the past week in Malaysia following Najib's ill-judged example.

Devichand also noted that the BBC report which was posted on the website on Tuesday was reportedly difficult for Malaysians to access.

"On Wednesday, many Malaysians reported difficulty in accessing the report although they did not have problems going to BBC's homepage," he said.

"There were conspiracy theories swirling about government censorship. Telekom Malaysia said any questions on blocking should be referred to the authorities.

"However, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said they had not blocked any pages nor had they received any such instructions," Devichand added.

He also noted that at the time the MCMC responded, many Malaysians had managed to access the BBC report.

"It was a small story about vegetables but showed a lot of the issues at play, including cost of living, prices of goods and services, freedom of speech and politicians," Devichand said. – January 18, 2014.