AseanPlus News

BAT Malaysia hands over new sanitation facilities to Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang Community

BAT Malaysia, in collaboration with the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), recently handed over sanitation facilities benefiting 80 Orang Asli residents.

China

From vlogger to Arctic food ambassador: A Chinese vendor in Finland

HELSINKI: In Helsinki, Finland, February temperatures often dip to minus 15 degrees Celsius. Yet despite the biting cold, the city comes alive each year with celebrations for the Chinese New Year.

Banking

India central bank holds rates as Mideast crisis clouds growth, stokes inflation risks

MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank of India kept its key policy rate unchanged on Wednesday while warning of lower growth and higher inflation as the Middle East crisis reverses a "Goldilocks" phase for the South Asian economy.

AseanPlus News

Local ace singer's 'For You Nourul' concert has been moved from April 17 to May 30 at Zepp KL

Ace singer Noorul's much-anticipated concert at Zepp KL has been postponed to give her more time to ensure a top-class show for her fans.

Thailand

Moon jellyfish wash ashore at Phuket’s Racha Yai, tourists warned

BANGKOK: Authorities have warned beachgoers and tourists to avoid touching moon jellyfish after around 20 to 30 were found floating near the surface and washed ashore along the beach at Siam Bay on Racha Yai in Phuket.

Japan

Mount Fuji heritage site struggles with water quality concern over coins in ponds

KOFU, Japan: The enormous number of coins apparently thrown by tourists into the Oshino Hakkai spring ponds – part of the Mount Fuji Unesco World Cultural Heritage Site in Oshino, Yamanashi Prefecture – has raised concerns over water quality.

Nation

Immigration Dept cracks down on employers hiring illegal workers

PETALING JAYA: The Immigration Department is stepping up enforcement against employers who hire or harbour illegal immigrants, with 347 employers already penalised this year.

Nation

No Navy escort required for Malaysian vessels in Strait of Hormuz, says Adly

MELAKA: There is no need for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to escort Malaysian vessels after Iran cleared them to exit the Strait of Hormuz.

South Korea

South Korea special counsel seeks 23-year sentence for ex-PM in insurrection appeal

SEOUL: South Korean special counsel team on Tuesday (April 7) sought a 23-year prison term for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (pic) in an appeal of his insurrection case stemming from former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Pakistan

How did Pakistan broker a temporary truce between Iran and the US?

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary between Iran and the United States to secure a temporary ceasefire and host negotiations to end the war in the Middle East

Myanmar

Myanmar exports over 2.74mil tonnes of rice in 2025-26 fiscal year

YANGON: Myanmar exported over 2.74 million tonnes of rice and broken rice in the 2025-26 fiscal year (from April 2025 to March 2026), according to the Myanmar Rice Federation on Wednesday (April 8).

Vietnam

Newly elected Prime Minister Le Minh Hung outlines five priorities for Vietnam government

HANOI: Speaking after taking the oath of office on Tuesday (April 7), the newly elected Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stressed that the 14th National Party Congress has clearly defined the vision, objectives, drivers and action programme for a new phase of development.

Entertainment

K-pop stars Hongjoong & Yunho of Ateez discuss KL show, contract renewals and group chemistry

The talented eight-piece band has a packed year ahead, showcasing both collective synergy and individual talent.

Philippines

Children who can't read risk Philippines’ status as call centre hub

MANILA: The Philippine call centre industry is a juggernaut, employing over a million and generating billions in revenue. Its workers' voices are a familiar sound for callers from around the world. The nation's deep pool of English speakers underpins the country's rise into a global hub for customer service outsourcing.

Indonesia

Surabaya blocks public services for 8,000 men failing to pay child support

JAKARTA: The Surabaya administration in East Java has barred more than 8,000 men from accessing public services for failing to pay court-ordered child support following their divorces, an official said.

Markets

Vietnam set for US$6bil inflows after securing long-awaited emerging market status

HANOI: Vietnam's stock market regulator expects FTSE Russell's long-awaited confirmation of the country's emerging market status will help draw foreign capital back to a market that has suffered from steady selling this year.

Nation

Cloud seeding in Kedah, Perlis successful, continues in Perak today, says Zahid

PUTRAJAYA: Cloud seeding operations (OPA) carried out yesterday were deemed successful, with data from observation stations and the Malaysian Meteorological Department's MyRAE system showing significant rainfall distribution in two states, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

Nation

Four remanded, including two lecturers over RM5mil bribery case

IPOH: Four individuals, including two private higher education lecturers in northern Malaysia, have been remanded for four days until Saturday (April 11).

Vietnam

Vietnam names Pham Duc An as central bank governor: State media

HANOI: Vietnam's parliament on Wednesday (April 8) approved career banker Pham Duc An as the new central bank governor for a five-year term, state media said.

VR

Hong Kong hospital uses VR tour to ease children’s fears ahead of operations

Hong Kong Children's Hospital uses VR tour to reduce traumatic memories and maintain young patients' trust in medical staff.