Asean News Headlines at 9pm on Sunday (Jan 1, 2023)

Fireworks explode over Wat Arun of the temple of dawn during the New Year celebrations, in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday, January 1, 2023. - Reuters

Malaysia:

* Police determining authenticity of daredevil duo's Merdeka 118 video

* Race car crashes, kills spectator in Pasir Salak circuit

* Paradigm shift for M’sia

* Stay united so Sabah will continue to prosper, Sabah CM reminds state's residents

* Covid-19: Another 513 cases recorded for 5,026,677 total

* What’s in store for M’sians in 2023 - New Act, cost of living tops list

* Perak awaiting full report from race organiser on spectator's death

* Bursa Malaysia to begin 2023 within the 1,90-1,510 range, may end year at 1,800 mark

* Ringgit to continue its uptrend against the US dollar inn first week of January 2023

* Jakel estimates RM100mil in losses after Shah Alam branch goes up in flames

* Fire destroys Wisma Jakel in Shah Alam

* Gaming outlets close doors in Kedah as state directive comes into effect on Jan 1

Fireworks are set off at the New Year countdown at Marina Bay, Singapore, on Sunday, January 1, 2023. - Reuters

Singapore:

* Over 586,000 people have taken a bivalent Covid-19 jab, says Singapore's Ministry of Health

* Higher GST, lower pre-school fees and CPF tweaks: eight policy changes from Jan 1 in Singapore

* Singapore's New Year celebration: Thousands gather at Marina Bay to welcome 2023

* Singapore: Six people charged with murder in 2022; four of the alleged killers were related to victims

* Lee warns of uncertainties in 2023

Indonesia:

* Indonesia looking back at 2022: A terrible year, but with silver linings

* After lifting all Covid-19 curbs, Indonesia now shifts to endemic approach

* Protect Komodo dragons and punish the slayers

* Indonesia scraps indoor mask requirement

* Emergency regulation to replace jobs law

This photograph taken on December 31, 2022 shows a headpiece with 2023 sign during New Year celebrations in Jakarta. - AFP

Thailand:

* Thai economy recovers, tourism to see upside from China's reopening, says its central bank

* Thailand long awaits return of Chinese tourists, says Thai tourism minister

* Bangkok welcomes 2023 with fantastic fireworks over the Chao Phraya

* Think hard about plastic and take Thailand’s efforts further

* ‘RCEP a turning point in economic recovery’

Philippines:

* Philippines forced to close airspace due to technical issues; more than 56,000 passengers affected

* Philippines to tighten Covid-19 monitoring for travellers from China

* Power failure delays flights into Manila airport

* Death toll from Christmas floods and landslides in Philippines hits 49

* Fewer traffic jams, trolls and price hikes

People walk along side of Rizal Park in Manila as they celebrate the New Year on Sunday, January 1, 2023. - AFP

Vietnam:

* Vietnam aims for a better 2023 after strong economic growth of 8 per cent in 2022

* Vietnam capital Hanoi enters New Year with fresh optimism

* Vietnam and Russia hold huge potential for stronger economic cooperation

* Top spenders Russia skip Vietnam as tourism struggles in 2022

Myanmar:

* A challenging year for international relations throughout 2022 and Myanmar was in the forefront

* Myanmar central bank announce no plans to change currency rate and issue new notes

* Suu Kyi's party condemns latest Myanmar jail sentence

* Myanmar extends ceasefire period until end of 2023

Fireworks explode over Wat Arun of the temple of dawn during the New Year celebrations, in Bangkok, Thailand, January 1, 2023. - Reuters

Cambodia:

* Malaysian woman among Cambodia casino fire casualties

* Cambodia records spike in drug arrests, seizures in 2022

* 2022 marks another fruitful year of Cambodia-China cooperation

* Deadly casino fire caused by electrical fault

Laos:

* Development of our nation is utmost importance, says Laos new PM Sonexay Siphandone

* Laos speeds up Covid-19 vaccination to meet target in 2022

Brunei:

* Brunei holiday travellers look forward to normal ferry service to Labuan

* Brunei records 13.5 per cent trade growth in September

Indian Christians release balloons to celebrate the New Year after offering prayers at a Church in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. - AP

AseanPlus:

* Chinese state media seek to reassure public over Covid-19

* Hong Kong eyeing Jan 8 to resume cross-border travel with mainland China

* China's top diplomat calls for 'dialogue', cooperation with US

* Nations around the world ring in 2023 with bells and fireworks

* China accuses US of distorting facts after aircraft clash

* Australia to require negative Covid tests for travellers from China

* Asean at the crossroads

* N. Korea's Kim orders 'exponential' expansion of nuke arsenal

* From Scotland to Sabah: Getting healthcare to remote areas

* YearStarter 2023: Tech – 3 technologies that will impact our 2023

* Married to the job: Hong Kong civil servants become hot dating choice as love-seeking mainlanders opt for ‘iron rice bowl’

* China reopening comes too late for mutual fund industry with retail investors scarred by market losses

* Coronavirus: US screening policy for travellers from China sparks anger, questions on effectiveness

* China appoints ‘wolf warrior’ as new foreign minister

* North Korea fires missiles capping record year of tests

* WHO to China: Share real-time data

* Japan’s policy requiring declaration from Hong Kong arrivals will be reduced to simply a ‘gesture’, tour agents say

* Defiant Ukrainians cheer New Year as drones blasted from skies