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Sabah & Sarawak

Death of key witness leads to acquittal in RM50,000 gold scam trial

KOTA KINABALU: A 34-year-old man was acquitted and discharged by a Lahad Datu Magistrate's Court in a cheating case involving a RM50,000 gold investment.

Technology

Geely's Caocao to deploy thousands of fully customised robotaxis in 2027

BEIJING, April 24 (Reuters) - Caocao Inc, ⁠the ride-hailing arm of Chinese automaker Geely Holding Group, plans to deploy thousands ⁠of robotaxis globally next year, its CEO said on Friday, setting up a ‌potential rivalry with Tesla's Cybercab.

Economy

Thai March exports rise 18.7% on year, above forecast

BANGKOK: Thailand's customs-cleared exports rose 18.7% in March from a year earlier, the commerce ministry said on Friday, higher than analysts' expectations.

Myanmar

Asean chair urges Myanmar to free more prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi

MANILA: The Philippines, chair of the regional bloc Asean, on Friday encouraged more prisoner releases in Myanmar, including ousted former leader Aung San Suu Kyi and said a recent amnesty was a positive step towards inclusive national dialogue.

Indonesia

Indonesian government braces for shorter trips as airfare hike bites tourism

JAKARTA: The Tourism Ministry says the recent increase in the aviation fuel surcharge could prompt price-sensitive domestic travelers to rethink their plans and opt for closer destinations that do not require flying.

Nation

Azam: Pilfered NGO funds used to buy personal assets

PETALING JAYA: Investigations found significant indications that those who misappropriated RM230mil of non-governmental organisation (NGO) funds used the money to buy personal assets, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.

Nation

Penang govt not involved in Mutiara Line LRT contractor selection, says CM

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is not involved in the selection of the company to be awarded the contract for Package 2 of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, as it falls under the authority of the project owner, Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp).

Singapore

Rahasya is first Singapore fragrance brand to launch in Britain’s Selfridges

SINGAPORE: Singapore-founded fragrance brand Rahasya, which draws on contemporary Indian scent narratives, will launch in Selfridges on April 28 – becoming the first home-grown and Indian niche perfume house to be stocked in the British department store chain's Beauty Hall

World

Dozens of Thai opposition figures to go on trial over bid to amend royal insult law

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Nation

Penang Zakat denies connection to alleged fund misappropriation

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang State Religious Council Zakat institution has dismissed allegations linking it to the alleged misappropriation of zakat funds, describing the claim as baseless and misleading.

Markets

Japan's Nikkei closes at record high as tech earnings overshadow Mideast concerns

TOKYO: Japan's Nikkei set a closing record high on Friday, capping a third consecutive weekly gain, as enthusiasm over technology sector earnings offset uncertainty over a potential peace deal in the Middle East.

Vietnam

Vietnam's National Assembly passes revised Capital Law, granting Hanoi expanded powers and stronger oversight

HANOI: The National Assembly (NA) on Thursday (April 23) afternoon passed the revised Capital Law, granting Hanoi 199 special and outstanding powers while strengthening mechanisms for oversight, control and accountability

AseanPlus News

Enjoy a night of nostalgia in 'Gegar Warisan' showcase at Teluk Panglima Garang this July 18

Punisher, FOR, Sniperz unite in "Gegaran Warisan" showcase, Amir SYJ also makes a special appearance for the night of golden hits at Warisan Hall Studio, Sijangkang, Telok Panglima Garang on July 18 from 8pm onwards.

India

‘Dawn of new era of good governance’: India's Home Minister hails record turnout in first phase of Bengal polls

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday (April 24) congratulated voters for the record-high turnout in Phase I of the West Bengal Assembly Elections and praised the Election Commission of India (ECI) and security forces for ensuring a peaceful polling process.

Sabah & Sarawak

Sabah tourism players raise fuel supply, operational concerns to govt

KOTA KINABALU: Tourism operators running island resorts, boat transfer services and inland eco-tourism operations are among those most affected by ongoing fuel supply and subsidy constraints, says the Sabah Tourism Board (STB).

Nation

South Korean kidnapping victim turns out to be wanted fugitive

KUALA LUMPUR: A recent kidnapping case involving a South Korean man has taken a dramatic turn after police discovered that the victim is a wanted individual in his home country.

Cricket

Cricket-Clear mind does the trick for Chennai's red-hot Samson

NEW DELHI, April 24 (Reuters) - While ⁠some batters arrive at away grounds determined to play a ⁠certain way regardless of the pitch, Chennai Super Kings' Sanju Samson ‌says his red-hot form in the Indian Premier League is a product of adaptability and an open mind.

Property

Homebuying shows signs of recovery

A wave of renewed activity is sweeping through China's property market, led by a recent surge in secondhand home sales in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai — a sign that homebuyer confidence is gradually returning after a multiyear downturn, analysts said.

South Korea

Honda to end South Korea car sales as demand slumps

TOKYO: Honda Motor Co. will end automobile sales in South Korea by the end of this year, the firm announced Thursday (April 23).

Nation

MACC chief commissioner candidate list presented to King, says Anwar

PASIR GUDANG: The list of candidates for the post of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner was presented to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on Friday (April 24), says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.