S2 03 | Kuala Lumpur — would you like rubber with that?

The story of the Malaysian capital is a story of resources, from tin, petrol, and palm oil. But if there's one resource to understand the metropolis that is Kuala Lumpur today it's rubber.

It's responsible for the city's art deco architecture, modern multiculturalism, and a roaring global trade. It's no wonder Malaysia still supplies half of the world's natural rubber.

Editor's note 18/11/22: This episode has been revised to include an important reference to Malaysia’s ethnic tensions.