Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Monday (March 16, 2026)


Drivers queue in traffic as they wait to refuel their vehicles outside a fuel station, before Thailand's diesel price freeze expires on Monday, amid concerns about rising fuel prices linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran, in Nakhon Pathom province, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, March 16, 2026. - Photo: Reuters

Malaysia

* Zaharudin: Ahmad Samsuri better choice than Hamzah as Opposition Leader

* Umno's doors open to all wanting to return, including Hamzah, says Zambry

* 11 men, woman held over vandalism, threats against ‘Cikgu Chandra’

* Ad hoc public holidays place undue strain on companies, says SME group

* It worked for Leo: Catch me if you can, Tamim dares detractors

* Wife's request for ayam gepuk triggers violent domestic dispute

* Rosmah's appeal hearing in solar hybrid project case to begin July 1

* Zahid receives KJ's request to return to Umno

* US Navy littoral combat ships spotted at Butterworth container terminal

* Malaysia urges restraint to prevent wider West Asia conflict

* Robbery attempt at PJ jewellery store ends in fatal shooting

* Transport Ministry proposes harsher penalties for MRT cable thieves

* Claims of Bersatu making overtures to PH are malicious disinformation, says Muhyiddin

* Duo charged with trafficking over 3 tonnes of drugs

* SRC board couldn't defy resolution that reflected the PM's decision, witness tells court

* Authorities probing RM183 parking charge claim at Melaka wholesale market

* Ministry to allow more workshops to install speed limiters for heavy vehicles

* Sarawak aims for five million tourists in 2026, after falling short by 20,000 in 2025

* Zamri Vinoth, activist Arun Dorasamy to be charged March 17

* I am not involved in any kind of 'corporate mafia' tactics, says Victor Chin

* Three men electrocuted in attempted cable theft in Ipoh

* Penang LRT project on track despite Package 2 tender delay, says Chow

* Zamri Vinoth among four to be charged over statement on 3R issues, says IGP

* Saifuddin Nasution obtains default judgment against social media user in defamation case

* 'Corporate Mafia' claims: Police inspected several premises linked to businessman, says IGP

* Terengganu declares March 19 a public holiday for Aidilfitri

* No PdPR for now, school sessions to continue as usual, says Education Ministry

* Clear skies for most states throughout Aidilfitri, says MetMalaysia

* Selangor cops to mobilise 542 personnel to ensure smooth traffic ahead of Hari Raya

 

 

Singapore

* Singtel down for thousands of users, Downdetector shows

* Singtel services being progressively restored after thousands of users report service outage

* More warm days expected in second fortnight of March in Singapore: Weatherman

* Indian national to be charged in Singapore over molesting, harassing cabin crew member on flight

* Over five months’ jail for Swedish man who molested two women in a day while drunk in Singapore

* Jail, caning for man who sexually assaulted friend who came over to his flat in Singapore

* Singtel mobile services restored after eight-hour disruption; payments, ride hailing affected

 

 

Indonesia

* Indonesia firms in palm oil fraud probe supplied fuel majors

* Indonesian activists defiant following acid attack on rights defender

* Probe into acid attack on Indonesian activist underway as condemnation grows

 

 

Thailand

* Twenty Thai sailors return home after vessel attacked in Gulf

* Thailand warns of heatstroke risk amid hot season after 21 deaths recorded in 2025

* Thai parliament to vote on new PM on Thursday, house speaker says

* Middle East conflict threatens to thwart Thailand’s tourism recovery

* Bangkok to restrict mobile phone use in 437 BMA schools from May 18

 

 

Philippines

* Transport strikes planned in Philippines, beginning March 19

* Filipinas seek abortions online in largely Catholic nation

* Philippines probes sudden closure of gas stations amid price hikes

* Philippines questions authenticity of China-circulated letter on Scarborough Shoal claim

 

 

Vietnam

* Chinese FM meets with Vietnamese counterpart

* Vietnam taps trail tourism potential

* Vietnam election results announcement no later than March 25

 

 

Myanmar

* Myanmar's post-coup parliament sits packed with junta allies

* Myanmar parliament convenes as army prepares for new era of rule

* Yangon Region Chief Minister calls for round-the-clock inspections of unlicensed vehicles

* Myanmar’s junta chief expected to hand over top military post to long-time protege

 

 

Cambodia

* Cambodia planning border school bunkers

* Cambodia's Ratanakiri governor assures public province ‘free of online scam operations’

 

 

Laos

* Innovative project breathes new life into Lao musical traditions

* Traffic police, HEINEKEN Laos partner to encourage safe driving

 

 

Brunei

* FDI companies create about 4,000 jobs in Brunei

* Brunei Minister addresses prolonged acting appointments

* Brunei Legislative Council member stresses economic diversification in support of Supply Bill

 

 

Aseanplus

* International law must apply equally to all nations, says Anwar

* Govt monitoring West Asia crisis, NEAC holding weekly discussions, says Anwar

* No plans to repatriate Category 3 M'sians from West Asia as commercial flights have reopened, says Tok Mat

* What are Asian countries doing to offset the oil-price rise

* Govt yet to receive official notice from US on ART status, says Johari

* Asia shares wary, oil volatile as war drags on

* Hong Kong actress Sisley Choi leaves TVB after 13 years

* AI agent 'lobster fever' grips China despite risks

* ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ wins Oscar for best animated film

* Negative open on Bursa Malaysia as oil prices continue to rise

* Oil slips as Trump presses other countries to help secure Strait of Hormuz

* Japan not planning Hormuz escort mission, PM Takaichi says

* Micron plans second chip facility at newly acquired Taiwan site

* 'Golden' from 'KPop Demon Hunters' wins Oscar for best original song

* Foreign investors records US$16.8bil outflow across eight Asian markets last week

* Japan to release oil stocks as US says buy American

* China approves first brain implant for commercial use

* South Korea may need foreign workers to fill 110,000 elderly care jobs by 2028

* China urges US to 'immediately correct erroneous' trade practices

* Australia says won't send navy ship to Strait of Hormuz after Trump request

* At least 10 patients killed in hospital fire in India's Odisha

* TVET: A skills partnership between China and Malaysia

* FBM KLCI pares losses as traders stay hopeful for oil disruption to ease

* Syed Saddiq celebrates Bella Astillah’s birthday, treats her and her children to meal: ‘Happy birthday, Iron Lady’

* Seoul’s subway ticket kiosks to accept overseas cards from March 17

* Chinese firms seek to loosen West's grip on lucrative snow business

* Tea brands push fresh brews toward stronger global presence

* Indian foreign minister hails talks with Iran to open Strait of Hormuz, FT reports

* IJM plans India exit to unlock shareholder value

* Asian stocks waver on Mideast tensions; Indonesia tumbles to eight-month low

* South Koreans bask in Oscars triumph for 'KPop Demon Hunters'

* Taiwan's Foxconn books 2% fall in fourth-quarter profit, lags forecasts

* Oil rises as focus returns to threats on Middle East export facilities

* South Korea on highest alert as three major livestock diseases spread nationwide

* Australians feel petrol pinch as panic buying drives shortages

* Afghan govt says four civilians killed by Pakistan shelling

* Malaysia’s AI push must deliver digital livelihoods, says MDEC CEO

* Two dead, including teenager, after boats capsize off Japan's Okinawa

* FBM KLCI slips on cautious sentiment amid mixed regional markets

* China in contact with US on summit, Rubio sanctions may not apply, Beijing says

* Ringgit ends higher against US dollar, other major currencies amid stable regional sentiment

* Alibaba CEO takes helm of new AI-focused business group

* Tragedy at Cuttack Hospital, India: 10 dead, several injured in ICU fire, CM orders judicial probe

* ECRL project has achieved 92.62% construction progress as of February 2026

* HK actor Moses Chan’s wife Aimee Chan debuts new hairstyle, wows in figure-hugging dress

* Hong Kong warns govt departments not to install AI tool OpenClaw

* As India seeks Hormuz safe passage, Tehran asks for return of seized tankers, sources say

* Indian airlines cancel all Dubai flights after drone strike

* West Asia conflict: Ports must be ready to handle extra containers, says Loke

 

 

 

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