Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (March 21, 2026)

Muslim devotees attend Eid al-Fitr (Hari Raya Aidilfitri) prayers, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, in Jakarta on Saturday, March 21, 2026. -- Photo by BAY ISMOYO / AFP

Malaysia

* Families flock to revamped Sultan Abdul Samad Building to celebrate first day of Aidilfitri

* Eradicate all elements that threaten national harmony, says King

* King hosts Aidilfitri reception at Istana Negara

* Melaka cops bust online sex scam syndicate, arrest 15

* Visit Malaysia 2026 mascot role a 'lifeline' for our sun bears

* Loke to convene meeting to resolve Penang quit rent dispute

* Arrival of Syawal observed with Aidilfitri prayers across the country

* Numerous complaints received over Penang land tax hike, says MCA

* Police urge Sungai Golok residents to use legal routes for Aidilfitri travel

* Terengganu's Sultan Mizan calls for Aidilfitri to serve as a bridge to strengthen unity

* Dr M, Siti Hasmah tour refurbished Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad on eve of Aidilfitri

Fans watch the comeback concert of K-pop boy group BTS on a screen at the venue in Seoul on March 21, 2026. South Korean megastars BTS reunited on Saturday, March 21, for their first show in nearly four years, blowing away enormous crowds in Seoul for a K-pop extravaganza livestreamed to millions more worldwide. -- Photo by Roland DE COURSON / AFP

Singapore

* Germany's Pistorius begins Asia trip with Singapore stop and aims to deepen defence ties with Asean nation

* 'What needs to be done, must be done' -  Singapore ready to implement more measures if Mideast situation worsens 

* Two including a Malaysian held at Singapore checkpoint, over S$2mil worth of drugs seized

* Muslim community in Singapore grateful for peace of mind and heart during Ramadan: Minister

* A ‘Garden Raya’ blooms outside Beach Road flat in Singapore

* Mystery meal: Singapore eateries jump on blind box trend to reduce waste and entice new customers

* German defence minister visits partners in Japan, Singapore and Australia

* Oil jumps to highest settlement since July 2022 as more Mideast supply disrupted

* No haven - Gold falls 1.8% after report of US sending more troops to Middle East

Indonesia

* Asia turns to coal in desperation as Iran war rapidly shrinks supplies of gas

* Muslims in Bali hold Idul Fitri prayers after Nyepi or day of silence

* Indonesia seeks US$5bil budget savings to face Iran conflict impact

* Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta Airport maintains global top 10 immigration ranking

* Over 200,000 in Indonesia throng Masjid Istiqlal for Aidilfitri prayers

* Iran conflict hits Indians as thosais disappear amid cooking gas shortage

* Indonesia - ‘Acid attack on activist won’t go unpunished’

Thailand's newly elected Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul attends a press conference at the Bhumjaithai party headquarters after a royal endorsement ceremony, in Bangkok, Thailand. -- Photo: REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa

Thailand

* British reality TV star found dead in Phuket canal after suspected accidental fall

* Japanese tourist seriously injured in suspected rider gang attack in Pattaya

* Thai tourism body unveils highlights of Travel Fair 2026

* Thai King endorses Anutin Charnvirakul as PM after re-election

* Thailand weather alert: North set for 40 deg C heat as storms, hail hit 51 provinces

* JPJ denies viral allegations over fatal Tanah Merah crash

* Finland tops world happiness rankings again as Thailand slips to 52nd

Philippines

* China warns the Philippines to cease infringement and provocations in South China Sea

* US and allies, including the Philippines, move to build missiles and drones closer to Asia's flashpoints

* Transport strike erupts in Philippines to protest surging fuel costs

* Over 100 Filipinos repatriated from Israel amid war

* Philippines' Kanlaon Volcano ashfall alerts raised

* Philippine Coast Guard rescues 32 as boat partially sinks off Batangas

Fans react as they watch the comeback concert of K-pop boy group BTS on a screen at the venue in Seoul on Saturday, March 21, 2026. South Korean megastars BTS reunited on March 21 for their first show in nearly four years, blowing away enormous crowds in Seoul for a K-pop extravaganza livestreamed to millions more worldwide. -- Photo by Roland DE COURSON / AFP

Vietnam

* 18 non-Communist Party MPs elected to Vietnam's 500-seat parliament

* Vietnamese PM gives green light to advance from state budget for fuel price stabilisation fund

* Vietnam puppetry theatre turns 70

* Vietnam party chief hosts Lao public security minister

* Hanoi begins construction on new sections of Ring Road 2.5

* Vietnam cuts most-favoured nation oil import tariff to 0% to tackle energy crisis

Myanmar

* Weakened WTO set for high-level meet under cloud of Mideast war

* Myanmar parliament says to start process to select new president on March 30

* Myanmar Investment Commission to accept Chinese yuan alongside US dollar for foreign investments

* Some airlines in Myanmar suspend domestic flights due to jet fuel shortage

* Myanmar arrests 85 Chinese nationals in Muse over online gambling scams, equipment seized

Japan's coach Nils Nielsen (centre) celebrates with the players after winning the final of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 football tournament between Australia and Japan at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday, March 21, 2026. -- Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP

Cambodia

* Cambodia announces tax relief to cushion rising energy costs

* Cambodia's Culture Minister ‘distraught, shocked’ after witnessing Preah Vihear damage first hand

* Cambodia reduces fuel import duties, VAT to stabilise retail prices

* Cambodian Muslims celebrate Aidil Fitri in multicultural spirit

* Locally trained teachers move Cambodia closer to introducing Korean language in schools

Laos

* Laos celebrates Hin Nam No National Park gaining world heritage status

* Laos appeals for united push to achieve nationwide immunisation of children

* Laos reduces school days amid ongoing fuel cost pressure

* An unfair 'punishment' for travellers

Brunei

* Support extended to Brunei fire victims, needy families

* Brunei’s forests drive sustainable growth, green economy: Minister

* No haven - Gold falls 1.8% after report of US sending more troops to Middle East

Tourists from Singapore read special edition of The Korea Herald newspaper reporting about BTS near a stage for the comeback concert of K-pop band BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, March 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Aseanplus

* Malaysia - Picture perfect for Hari Raya

* Tai Chi takes world stage as China marks first international Taijiquan Day

* Himalayan glaciers melting twice as fast, threatening billions: report

* Once the heartbeat of Nepali democracy, now a ghostly shell

* Sojourn living big hit among Chinese

* Australian unemployment rate rises to 4.3%

* K-pop kings BTS stun Seoul in '2.0' comeback concert

* Iran ready to let Japanese vessels transit Hormuz, Kyodo reports

* Illegal hunting of argali in Mongolia could result in MNT44mil fine

* Seoul: 10 killed, 59 injured in South Korea's auto parts factory fire

* Afghan Red Crescent provides financial aid to displaced families

* South Korea -- Netflix bets on live shows with BTS comeback stream

* Chongqing mayor under investigation by China's anti-graft watchdog

* Iran fires missiles at joint US-UK base 4,000km away in Indian Ocean

* Iran fires missiles toward US-UK base in Indian ocean, Iran's Mehr says

* Japan Imperial Palace grounds open to public for cherry blossom season

* North Korea - Kim and daughter try out new tank at Pyongyang training base

* Bangladesh eyes more than US$2bil in fresh funds to mitigate fuel, LNG crisis

* Injured buffalo euthanised after causing rush-hour jam on Hong Kong highway

* Scammers impersonate Hong Kong lawmaker to defraud woman of HK$38,000

* BTS are back: Central Seoul locks down for Kpop supergroup's first show in years

* Former abbot of China’s Shaolin Temple charged with bribery and embezzlement

* Refiners in India, elsewhere in Asia look to buy Iranian oil after US waives sanctions

* Controversy haunts likely death of China’s hypersonic weapons expert Fang Daining

* Booming return for BTS - K-pop supergroup sets new first-day sales record with 'Arirang' 

* Wedding plans in limbo in Pakistan as Sindh government restricts guest numbers to 200

* Tickets to toothbrushes: BTS money-making machine seen topping Taylor Swift’s record

* Drivers are watching YouTube and TikTok behind the wheel. Experts say it’s getting worse

* Trump allows foreign ships between domestic ports to stabilise petrol costs amid Iran war 

* BTS fans stream to Seoul cafe, restaurant that once served as bases for the K-pop superstars

* Surprise, embarrassment, and unease in Japan after Trump uses Pearl Harbor to defend Iran war

* ‘Fat for beef’: China local drive rewards residents with 0.5kg of meat for same amount of weight lost

* Chuck Norris was also an Internet legend: Here are the best ‘facts’ about him

* It's Nippon power' - Japan beat Australia 1-0 to win the Women's Asian Cup

* Golf -- M'sian golfer Natasha continues strong showing in second round of LPGA Tour tourney

* Tennis -- Japan's Sakamoto claims maiden ATP win as teenage talent shines in Miami