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Japan

Takaichi talks tough on immigration on eve of vote

TOKYO: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged Saturday (Feb 7) to make Japan "more prosperous and safer", including through tougher immigration screening, in a final appeal to voters on the eve of snap elections.

Thailand

Thailand is wracked by floods and quakes. But what’s holding it back is far harder to tackle

Rural voters express frustration, seeking effective policy implementation and technological advancements, while southern Thailand becomes a key election battleground.

Nation

Zamri Vinoth arrested, say cops

PETALING JAYA: Police confirm that controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth has been arrested.

Indonesia

Riau Police probe decapitation of critically endangered Sumatran elephant

JAKARTA: Riau Police have launched an investigation into the death of a Sumatran elephant found decapitated inside a pulp company's forest concession in Riau.

South Korea

Soaring gold prices reshape South Korea’s rituals

SEOUL: Gold has long been woven into the fabric of South Korean life. The precious metal has traditionally marked key rites of passage, from births and marriages to other major milestones.

Nation

Rollout of workers' cross-border protection scheme by end 2026, says Ramanan

PETALING JAYA: The cross-border worker protection scheme is expected to be ready by end-2026, with a feasibility study completed by March, says Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan.

Indonesia

5.9 magnitude earthquake strikes of Indonesia's Tanimbar islands

ISTANBUL: A strong 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Tanimbar Islands in Maluku province early Saturday (Feb 7), according to the US Geological Survey (USGS), Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

Philippines

House to review use of billions in Philippines' travel tax funds

MANILA: The House of Representatives is set to review how travel tax collections averaging about P4 billion to P5 billion annually have been spent, amid questions on whether the funds reached areas most in need of tourism development.

Asia & Oceania

Win a free cruise when you spend using TNG eWallet in Singapore

From now until March 31, stand a chance to win a Royal Caribbean cruise for two.

Nation

India's Unified Payments Interface system to enter Malaysian market, says Modi

SERI KEMBANGAN: India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system is all set to enter the Malaysian market as the two countries strengthen their longstanding economic ties, says Narendra Modi.

Singapore

Huge crowds turn out for Singapore Airshow on first public day

SINGAPORE: Since 2012, aviation enthusiast Rafi Damar has been a visitor to the Singapore Airshow, flying in from Jakarta with his father, who is similarly fascinated by planes.

Nation

National service to expand to 20 public universities in 2027

PEKAN: The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) will be expanded to 20 public universities nationwide next year, said Training Department director-general Datuk Ya'cob Samiran.

Thailand

Anutin pledges to scrap maritime MoU with Cambodia in final election rally push

Bhumjaithai leader confirms legal team has cleared plan to abolish 2001 maritime agreement with Cambodia while keeping land border deals intact to ensure stability.

Nation

View laws as living tapestry shaped by judicial reasoning, says Chief Justice

KUALA LUMPUR: Laws must be viewed as a living tapestry shaped by judicial reasoning, not just as a rigid system of rules and precedents, says Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh.

Nation

Malaysia and India can be voices of reason amidst geopolitical uncertainty, says Anwar

SERI KEMBANGAN: As uncertainty looms amid heightening geopolitical tensions, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia and India can emerge as neutral voices in the region.

South Korea

Double winners - Korean teams rule the grass at the Selangor International Junior Golf Championship

South Korea swept both the boys' and girls' team titles at the fifth Selangor International Junior Golf Championship, which came to an exciting conclusion on Saturday at Seri Selangor Golf Club.

Bangladesh

WHO says one person dead from Nipah virus in Bangladesh

DHAKA: The World Health Organization said on Friday (Feb 6) that a woman had died in northern Bangladesh in January after contracting the deadly Nipah virus infection.

Nation

Modi receives grand Malaysian welcome

SERI KEMBANGAN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome in Malaysia as he began his two-day official visit on Saturday (Feb 7).

China

Silver surfers: How China's ‘granfluencers’ steal spotlight, taking over social media

Some firms managing granfluencers exploit young people's compassion by scheduling late-night live-streams for seniors to encourage tipping.

AseanPlus News

Police identify suspect in disappearance of Australian boy

SYDNEY: The baffling disappearance of a fair-haired, little boy from a remote Australian farm has been declared a major crime, with detectives pointing the finger at a suspect in his home.