Download  The Straits of Malacca is one the most important shipping routes world.

The Portuguese came to Malacca in the early 16th century in an attempt to control the lucrative spice trade.
 

Almost five hundred years later, the Portuguese community or also known as Kristang continues to thrive in Malaysia.

As Malacca celebrates its second anniversary as a UNESCO Heritage Site our reporter Clarence Chua takes a closer look at the Portuguese community in Malaysia after 500 years.

Download  Malaysia's government says it's considering amending civil and shariah law to ban underage marriages, which are considered a common way to lower the number of children born out of wedlock and those which are abandoned.

This comes in response to public opposition to comments made by the Chief Minister of the State of Malacca, encouraging underage marriages.

Datuk Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, the Federal Minister for Women, Family and Community Development, says child marriages are morally and socially unacceptable.

She says the government wants to bring laws in line with United Nations human rights treaties which Malaysia has ratified.

Claudette Werden of Radio Australia reports.

Download  In Malaysia, reality TV has taken a new twist in this Muslim majority country.

Last week a young Muslim student won the right to be an imam or cleric after coming out tops in a reality show.

Imam Muda or Young Cleric has generated plenty of interest in Malaysia and there are talks of a franchise in other Muslim countries.

Clarence Chua in Kuala Lumpur has the story.

Download  Take a drive around any residential enclave that surrounds the capital Kuala Lumpur and one thing becomes clear.

The men in florescent green vests outnumber the men in blue.

Private security is booming in urban Malaysia and it is not a good sign.

Our correspondent in Malaysia finds out why.