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Japan

Congestion at Narita Airport's electronic customs frustrates travellers

CHIBA (Japan): (Bernama-Kyodo) Narita International Airport, a major hub serving Tokyo and its vicinity, has been struggling to cope with massive lines formed by travellers opting to use the electronic customs system upon arrival, with those submitting the conventional paper declarations often getting through quicker.

Indonesia

Rehabilitated orangutan gave birth to seventh child in Indonesia's Mt. Leuser national park

JAKARTA: A 38-year-old female Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) named Pesek gave birth to her seventh child in Mount Leuser National Park (TNGL) in North Sumatra on Tuesday (March 24), marking a major milestone for orangutan conservation in the wild.

China

From great escape to great reunion: Plot twists of China viral video of seven dogs’ homecoming

BEIJING: The tale of seven dogs from China allegedly fleeing captivity from a dog meat restaurant won hearts globally, but the reality has recently come to light, taking an unexpected turn.

Business

SC sees no necessity to set up Bursa Malaysia RegSub following strengthened COI framework

KUALA LUMPUR: The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has decided there is no necessity at present to proceed with the proposed legislation to establish a Bursa Malaysia Bhd subsidiary (Bursa Malaysia RegSub) to assume the regulatory functions currently undertaken by the exchange holding company.

Philippines

Filipinos still happy, but with fewer highs

MANILA: In the latest Social Weather Stations survey, Filipinos continued to describe their lives in positive terms.

Nation

Perak Mufti Dept urges ‘Tidur Lambak’ organisers to consult religious authorities

IPOH: The Perak State Mufti Department has advised organisers of the "Tidur Lambak" mass sleep event to refine its implementation and consult religious authorities before proceeding.

Myanmar

Myanmar marks 81st anniversary of Armed Forces Day

YANGON: Myanmar celebrated its 81st anniversary of Armed Forces Day with a military parade in the capital Naypyidaw on Friday (March 27) in commemoration of the start of its anti-fascist movement during World War II.

AseanPlus News

Australia orders emergency fuel from US for first time in decades

ISTANBUL: (Bernama-Anadolu) Australia has ordered emergency fuel reserves from the US for the first time in decades, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing local media on Friday (March 27).

Nation

Government issues firm warning on subsidy abuse amid global conflict

PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has issued a stern warning that any attempt by individuals or syndicates to take advantage of the current global conflict will not be tolerated.

China

China urges thorough probe into postdoctoral scholar's suicide after US interrogation

BEIJING: (Bernama-Xinhua) A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Friday (March 27) urged the United States to thoroughly investigate the incident concerning a Chinese postdoctoral scholar, who took own life a day after being subjected to hostile questioning by US law enforcement personnel, reported Xinhua.

Vietnam

Rules tightened on foreign-only prize-winning electronic games

HANOI: Vietnam has tightened oversight of prize-winning electronic games reserved for foreign players, introducing stricter requirements for managers and clearer licensing procedures under a revised government decree that will take effect in mid-May.

Nation

Unemployed man arrested for slapping teen at Pasar Seni LRT station

KUALA LUMPUR: A man has been arrested for allegedly slapping a teenager at a food outlet at the Pasar Seni LRT station on Tuesday (March 24).

Philippines

No price freeze amid declaration of national energy emergency - Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

MANILA: (Bernama-PNA) The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Friday (March 27) clarified that no price freeze is currently in effect despite Malacañang's declaration of a national energy emergency, Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.

Nation

Post-Raya travel surge slows traffic on major highways

KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic flow on several major highways nationwide has begun to build up and slow as of 11am on Saturday (March 28), as travellers make their way back after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday.

World

Thailand will have new government next week, PM says

BANGKOK, March 28 (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister ⁠Anutin Charnvirakul said on Saturday that he expected the country to have a new ⁠government next week, with a list of new cabinet members to be submitted ‌for royal endorsement on Monday.

Nation

Traveller PERKESO scheme planned for 400,000 Malaysians working in Singapore

KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry is in the final stages of submitting a proposal to the Cabinet to introduce a Traveller Scheme under the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), aimed at protecting more than 400,000 Malaysians who commute daily to work in Singapore.PERKESO

Thailand

Anutin's pick of 35 cabinet nominees passes vetting, set for royal submission on March 30

A Bhumjaithai source says background and qualification checks for the 'Anutin 2' cabinet have been completed. Pheu Thai has replaced Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol with Nikorn Soemklang for the Social Development portfolio, with 35 names due for final review and submission on March 30.

Japan

Japan’s population decline an ‘urgent’ issue for 70% of those 50 and older, survey finds

TOKYO: Over 70% of respondents aged 50 and older feel a sense of urgency regarding population decline, with the sentiment becoming stronger among older age groups, according to a survey by a private-sector expert panel.

Nation

Malaysia to send diplomatic note to Philippines rejecting its claim on Sabah

REMBAU: Malaysia will send a diplomatic note to the Philippines Govt to reject any claims on Sabah, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

India

Sexual assault alleged against Congress councillor in India's Palakkad, probe underway

NEW DELHI: A woman has filed a complaint of sexual assault against Prashob C. Valsan, a Congress councillor from the 24th division of Palakkad Municipality. The complaint has been lodged with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Palakkad District Police Chief.