Asean News Headlines at 9pm on Saturday (Feb 3, 2024)

Dancers perform during the election campaign of presidential candidate and former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo and vice presidential candidate Mahfud MD at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Saturday, February 3, 2024. - AFP

Malaysia:

* Malaysia on track to reduce dependency on imported red onions

* Sultan Ibrahim’s resolute nature a catalyst for unity

* Pardons Board tried to appease everyone, but no one is happy, says Najib’s ex-lawyer

* Umno supreme council members huddle to discuss Pardons Board's decision on Najib

* Pardons Board should reveal justification for Najib decision, says reform platform

* Najib's reduced sentence not commensurate with gravity of crime, says Ramkarpal

* Myanmar/Rohingya runaways - Villagers feed hungry escapees while waiting for cops to arrive

* Social media influencer Boss Mario reported missing

* Stranded cargo ship poses oil spill risk for East Coast states

* False hope is worse than despair, says Najib’s daughter

* Ahmad Zahid to meet Umno division leaders in closed-door meeting on Feb 4

* We will not stop fighting to ensure Najib's freedom, says Umno / Umno to continue seeking full pardon for Najib, says Lokman

Singapore's Yvette Ann Chong and Debbie Soh in action during the women's duet technical preliminary round at the Artistic Swimming event in the World Aquatics Championships at Aspire Dome, Doha, Qatar. - Reuters

Singapore:

* ‘It was so scary’: Singapore-KL bus catches fire minutes after passengers alighted

* 18 years old, youngest among 102 suspects, investigated for suspected involvement in vice activities in Singapore

* Wee Cho Yaw, who shaped Singapore's banking industry, passes away at 95

* Asean must seriously address challenges that undermine trust in digital systems, says Singapore

* Oil posts weekly losses as US data dents rate cut hopes

Indonesia:

* Papua separatist rebels appeal to New Zealand pilot's captor to let him go after a year

* Fake news, online hate swell Indonesia anti-Rohingya sentiment

* Indonesian government investigates allegations regarding engineer in KF-21 fighter jet project

* Indonesia's Senior Law Minister resigns ahead of polls / Joko denies Cabinet discord

Presidential candidate and former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo reacts after his speech on the stage during their election campaign at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Saturday, February 3, 2024. - AFP

Thailand:

* It's official: Thailand's famous Songkran festival is now Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity certified by UNESCO

* Tang Jie-Ee Wei smash into Thailand Masters final

* Malaysia to participate in Cobra Gold military exercise together with Thai and US soldiers

* Another blow for MFP lawmakers as activists seek life bans

Philippines:

* Death toll from Philippine landslides, floods rises to 14

* China says Philippine vessel "illegally" landed on disputed atoll

* Marcos-Duterte alliance crumbles in Philippines

Tourists from Thailand pose for photographs next to the lanterns at the Ximen District in Taipei ahead of Lunar New Year of the Dragon on Saturday, February 3, 2024. - AFP

Vietnam:

* Vietnam ready to build green transformation cooperation model with EU

* Vietnamese capital Hanoi's air quality now at "very unhealthy" level; flights are still being delayed

* Worsening air pollution halts Hanoi flights

Myanmar:

* Myanmar revolt: Escaped detainees hungry and searching for food, 10 recaptured so far

* US lawmakers press for humanitarian action on Myanmar

* Myanmar: Suu Kyi in ‘good spirits’ despite ailing health

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (3L) gestures upon his arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on February 3, 2024. Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was welcomed as the guest of honour on Saturday, February 3, on the eve of Sri Lanka's Independence Day celebrations. - AFP

Cambodia:

* Four suspects arrested in Cambodia for ecstasy trafficking; drugs worth RM7mil seized

* Cambodia and Thailand vow to curb rising air pollution issues

* Surge in visitors and revenue at Angkor park

Laos:

* Laos to go big in e-sports and bodybuildings, events now part of Lao National Games

* Lao Airlines adds more domestic, international flights as Visit Laos Year campaign heats up

Brunei:

* Beijing hopes to conclude China-Asean FTA 3.0 negotiations as soon as possible

* It's crucial for Brunei to always remain vigilant to ensure economic success, says economy minister

Japan's Hiroki Ito and his teammates looks dejected after their quarterfinal AFC Asian Cup match against Iran at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on Saturday, February 3, 2024, Japan lost 2-1. - ReutersREUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

AseanPlus:

* Veteran Korean actor Oh Young-soo, of Squid Game fame and Emmy nominee, faces one year jail for allegedly groping, kissing woman

* Meet Poonam Pandey - the Indian model slammed for Instagram death hoax

* MMEA nabs five attempting to leave country illegally near Tanjung Piai

* Too hot to handle? K-pop stars' ‘no pants’ look sparks debate

* US retaliatory strikes hit Iran-linked targets in Syria, Iraq

* Israel pounds Gaza as fears grow of push into Rafah

* Malaysia welcomes EU’s proposal for international conference on Israel-Palestine conflict

* Can Taiwan’s KMT yield to changing voter attitudes without offending Beijing?

* Indian Muslim leaders urge government to end mosque-temple disputes

* Analysis-Vision Pro headset is Apple's next Mac and TV combined

* South Korea summons Russian envoy over criticism of President Yoon's remarks - foreign ministry

* US replacement of Chinese IT equipment will cost billions of dollars more, analysts say

* US deems more Chinese tech companies ‘military’ and a national security risk

* China launches powerful Jielong-3 rocket, paves way for more commercial missions

* Legal experts raise concerns over ‘vague’ intent conditions in Hong Kong’s domestic national security law

* Landmark US-China science deal’s renewal hinges on personal safety, reciprocity concerns, says scholar

* Hong Kong fire service reports surge in job applications following easing of recruitment requirements

* Why Samsung, TSMC are keeping cutting-edge chip production at home despite overseas incentives

* India aims to collect $1.7 billion from online gambling tax in FY25

* Gamble on US commercial property blows up for Japan’s Aozora

* Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan, wife get 7 years for unlawful marriage

* Soccer-Son guides South Korea to Asian Cup semis with extra time winner against Australia

* North Korea fires more cruise missiles in testing spree / North Korea tested firing cruise missiles on Feb 2 -KCNA