Asean News Headlines as at 9pm on Friday (April 22)

A young Buddhist monk arranges a LED light as part of Earth Day celebrations at the Wat Dhammakaya Buddhist temple in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok on April 22, 2022. - AFP

Malaysia:

* Over 3,000 arrested in two-day nationwide drug blitz

* Covid-19: Don't be complacent and repeat mistakes of other countries, Khairy reminds M'sians

* Another Malaysian to be executed in Singapore: Lawyer calls order unlawful

* Depot riot: 432 escapees rearrested so far, 96 still at large

* Nagaenthran's lawyers abused court process, failed to show sufficient evidence, says Singapore Court

* Covid-19: Face masks optional? Wait until next week, says Khairy

* Human rights groups urge that Nagaenthran be allowed to carry out sentence in Malaysia

* Tengku Zafrul discusses strengthening financial industry, regional economic stability with Indonesia, Singapore counterparts

* Three die in Alor Setar karaoke outlet blaze

* Covid-19 self-test kits at RM4

Singapore:

* Singapore eases most Covid-19 rules - no limit on group size, mask not mandatory at workplace

* S'pore-M'sia cross-border public bus and taxi services to resume May 1

* Singapore's next PM Wong meets top US officials in Washington

* 75-year-old in SG lost S$1mil in China officials impersonation scam

* No more Covid-19 tests for vaccinated travellers entering Singapore from April 26

* Cleaner who molested paralysed patient at Singapore hospital jailed

* Singapore doing well in Covid fight with no spike in numbers: Experts

Thailand:

* Thailand set to ease Covid-19 testing rules to lure more tourists

* Rare ‘parade’ of 4 planets visible above Thailand next week

* Thailand cashes in on soft power, but still lags in world rankings

* CP Merchandising picks up two Asian Export Awards

* Prayut seeks closer ties with S.Korea in projecting soft power

* Thailand records 21,808 Covid-19 cases and 128 deaths

Indonesia:

* ‘Mayhem’ ensues as top shipper Indonesia bans edible oil exports

* Singapore's next PM Wong is little known to Asean: Jakarta Post contributor

* Indonesia calls for G20 unity as US, UK snub Russia

* Indonesia's GoTo nearly hit limit in stock stabilisation scheme

* Indonesian prosecutors may name more suspects in palm oil probe

Philippines:

* Robredo supporters insist Google Trends indicate victory despite lagging in surveys

* Richest Philippine tycoon eyes townships, exits low-cost homes

* Sara Duterte appeals for honest, orderly polls on May 9

* All ready - system to help Philippine voters locate polling stations

* Philippines yearns for foreign tourists as entry restrictions ease

Vietnam:

* Vietnam to become major digital economy in South-East Asia in 2025: experts

* Speed up portal for Asean digital vaccination cert: Vietnam

* Vietnam records 11,160 new Covid-19 patients

Myanmar:

* Myanmar targets over US$1.5bil foreign investment in 2022-2023 FY

* Myanmar junta chief calls for peace talks with ethnic rebels

* Myanmar to accelerate energy projects for domestic power supply

Cambodia:

* Spruced up Angkor Wat brings hope for Cambodia tourism recovery

* Hun Sen in Japan for Asia-Pacific Water Summit

Laos:

* Lao PM calls for stronger international cooperation amid pandemic

* Luang Prabang sees 74% surge in visitor numbers

Brunei:

* Working together to bridge digital divide in Brunei

* Brunei tries to strike balance between conservation and growth

Aseanplus:

* Japan says disputed islands 'illegally occupied' by Russia

* Shanghai reinforces lockdown rules amid spike in Covid deaths

* Hong Kong to allow international travellers for first time since 2020

* China probes former president of Merchants Bank for violations

* Kim Jong-un warms up to Moon after blowing up part of his legacy

* Who left the tap on? Japan teacher in hot water over pool bill

* Taiwan details new advanced missile and drone attack capabilities

* HK's economy to see mild growth in 2022 despite pandemic: study

* Taiwan pledges to protect migrant fishermen after abuse claims

* China stocks see-saw near 2-year lows as Shanghai extends lockdown

* Hong Kong to ease Covid-19 flight ban rules 'very soon': SCMP

* Man in China runs half marathon while under quarantine at makeshift Covid-19 facility

* Asian markets tumble after Federal Reserve chief's comments