Catholic devotees wave their palm fronds during rites to commemorate Palm Sunday, which marks the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem in Manila, Philippines. More devotees have flocked to churches after Covid restrictions the past couple of years prevented many from joining traditional Palm Sunday (April 9, 2023) rites as this largely Roman Catholic nation enters the observance of Holy Week. - AP
Malaysia:
* Come to Parliament more; PM to Muhyiddin for not understanding South China Sea stand
* Anwar: I will be part of Pardons Board panel to decide on Najib’s fate
* The best markets in Penang to visit for food, shopping and culture
* Puffer fish poisoning: Man dies after a week in a coma
* Dead couple's family urges action over puffer fish poisoning
* Johor cops deny parading underage suspect on the way to court
* No mixing politics with sports as Malaysia won’t boycott Paris Games
* KL man lauds cops for finding his wallet after monkey harassment on North-South Expressway
* Role of MAINPP members, Syariah judges come with great responsibilities, says King
* Over 40% increase in flights for Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year, says Transport Ministry
* Letter only to update Azalina, not to provide 'answers', says MACC panellist
* South China Sea issues must be resolved peacefully as M'sia will not compromise sovereignty, says Wisma Putra
Viwa Naduvalo of Fiji runs for a try during the match Fiji vs Canada of the HSBC Rugby Sevens event in Singapore on Saturday, April 8, 2023. - AFP
Singapore:
* UN report on safety of lab-grown meats cites Singapore, the only country selling them, as case study
* Asian banks are luring investors who think they’re a safer bet; Singapore expected to be major beneficiary
* Singapore terminal operator reconfigures stacking layout in ports after wind blew 15 empty containers into sea in December
* Singapore: Man dies 10 days after he was allegedly pushed down stairs near Orchard mall
* Singapore plans new guidance for banks to vet crypto clients
* Harry Potter’s Weasleys reunite for travel series
* Oil steady, notches third weekly gain after shock OPEC+ cuts
Indonesia:
* Riau Islands among 'hot spots' for smuggling of Indonesian migrant workers
* Indofood pushes limits of fusion cuisine with ice cream topped with instant noodles
* Indonesia to import two million tonnes of rice against impending drought in country
* Indonesia avoids harsh FIFA sanction after Under-20 World Cup debacle
* Datuk Siti Nurhaliza - Happy to be working with Indonesian icon
* Centuries-old Indonesian Easter tradition returns after pandemic hiatus
* Papua rebels holding NZ pilot to drop key demand for his release
Yoga enthusiasts perform a yoga exercise in a Sunrise Wine Yoga class on the Mahanakhon Skywalk rooftop at the King Power Mahanakhon building in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday, April 8, 2023. - Reuters
Thailand:
* Mercury set to hit dangerous levels in Bangkok and Krabi on Sunday (April 9)
* Young, broke South Korean arrested in Thailand after faking own kidnapping
* Northern Thailand's air pollution clouds country's tourism prospects during famous Songkran festival
* Thailand seeks regional cooperation to tackle its major haze problem
* Work-from-home order issued as Thai city Chiang Mai tops world pollution table
* Thais choking on air pollution
Philippines:
* Philippines cops dismiss Quezon City restaurant robberies as ‘fake news’
* Philippines ships first home-made batch of durian fruits to China
* Nailed to a cross, Filipinos prays for Ukraine war to end
* Toy maker creates pet plushies for grieving owners in the Philippines
* Philippines - Nailed to the cross despite church objection
A member of a Catholic organization prays the rosary during a procession on Good Friday, in San Miguel, Bulacan province, Philippines. - Reuters
Vietnam:
* Secretary of the State Blinken to visit Vietnam next week, US senator says
* Vietnam scrutinizes flight prices amid soaring holiday airfares
* Hanoi bans tours of coffee shops along its famous train street
* Vietnam warns TikTok, social media apps over ‘toxic’ content
* Govt to launch probe into TikTok over ‘toxic’ content
Myanmar:
* Intense fighting in Myanmar sends thousands fleeing to Thailand
* India confronts Myanmar about Chinese spy post on remote Coco islands
* On Good Friday, Myanmar jails popular Christian pastor Samson for six years
* Over 5,000 flee Myanmar fighting
A worker prepares decorations for the Sangkanta festival, which will mark the Year of the Rabbit, in Phnom Penh on Saturday, April 8, 2023. - AFP
Cambodia:
* Cambodia's new Ratanakkiri airport to serve as ‘travel hub’ for Northeastern region
* Cambodian government approves renewable energy projects
* Officials, conservationists in Cambodia urge people to stop trading, eating wild meat
Laos:
* Laos capital Vientiane warn vendors to not raise prices during Lao New Year celebrations
* Laos sees increase in road traffic fatalities in March
Brunei:
* Massive smuggling operation busted in Brunei
* Construction begins for Brunei’s first special needs school
Japan's Kenshiro Teraji (centre) celebrates his victory against USA's Anthony Olascuaga during their WBC, WBA world title boxing match at Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Saturday, April 8, 2023. - AFP
AseanPlus:
* MMEA reactivates Ops Pagar Laut to combat cross-border crime during festive season
* Asean should remain a neutral zone, says Anwar
* Cities can be liveable and lovable - KL leads the way
* Donald Trump’s criminal case looms over US 2024 presidential election, as will China
* US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy meets Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in California
* Thousands of Hongkongers chase wanderlust over Easter holiday, with Japan most popular destination
* Hong Kong’s Mandatory Provident Fund rides market rally for best quarter in 4 years, with each member earning HK$9,100
* China’s PLA fleet sails near Taiwan as Tsai-Ing wen and Kevin McCarthy meet, while Beijing voices its displeasure
* Crashed copter parts found as Japan hunts for missing troops
* Marriage, another Covid-19 casualty - The pandemic, financial instability, lack of family values can strain a marriage
* South Korea reports first locally transmitted case of monkeypox
* CPO futures likely to see volatile trading next week
* North Korea tests another nuclear-capable underwater drone
* Japan defeats China to defend Women's Softball Asia Cup title
* China has 18 of world's 59 self-made billionaires under 40
* CEOs are perfect patsies for TikTok politicians
* China’s factories try to manufacture their way out of a shortage of both jobs and hi-tech
* China tech bets unseat ‘reopening trade’ as hottest stock market punt as AI frenzy continues amid weak economic recovery
* Ukrainian deputy foreign minister due to seek Indian aid - report
* The stunning Hong Kong Palace Museum is a trove of Chinese national treasures
* Olympics-Format announced for new race walking team event at Paris 2024
