Singapore

Singapore's scam offenders may face caning from Dec 30, 2025

SINGAPORE: Offenders convicted of scams or scam-related offenses in Singapore may face caning starting Tuesday (Dec 30), under the Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2025, passed in November, the Singapore Police Force said Monday.

Philippines

Philippine animal welfare group shares how to make ‘anti-anxiety wrap’ for pets during New Year’s Eve

MANILA: As the country prepares for the celebration of New Year's Day, the Animal Kingdom Foundation on Monday (Dec 29) reminded pet owners to keep their furry friends secured and free from distress caused by the loud noise the occasion will bring.

Telcos

Maxis fully restores services affected by tower fire in Kuala Kangsar

KUALA LUMPUR: Maxis Bhd has fully restored services for customers affected by the fire incident at its telecommunications tower site in Kampung Kelebor, Kuala Kangsar, two days ago.

Thailand

Thai army to raise landmine incident at global forums, citing Ottawa Treaty breach

BANGKOK: The Thai Army is gathering evidence after a soldier was seriously injured by a landmine in Si Sa Ket, saying it clearly violates the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines.

SEARCH Scholar Series

Bridging the digital divide through Malaysia-China collaboration

WE live in the digital age, where access to technology and connectivity is essential in nearly all aspects of our modern lives.

Technology

South Korea's L&F slashes value of battery material supply deal with Tesla

SEOUL, Dec ‌29 (Reuters) - South Korean battery material maker L&F said on Monday the value of its 2023 supply ‌deal with Tesla has shrunk to $7,386 from an earlier projection of $2.9 billion, without providing reasons for ‌the sharp cut.

Nation

Taufiq to tour states, assess need to strengthen youth and sports development

ALOR SETAR: Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari will tour all states in the country to monitor and assess the need to strengthen grassroots youth and sports development.

Laos

Road accidents kill 782 in Laos in 11 months

VIENTIANE: A total of 5,740 traffic accidents were recorded across Laos from January to November, resulting in 782 deaths and 8,873 serious injuries.

North Korea

North Korea says it tested long-range cruise missiles

SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen the test of two long-range cruise missiles, state news agency KCNA reported on Monday (Dec 29).

Nation

No secret society or ah long links in JB restaurant brawl, say cops

JOHOR BARU: Police have dismissed claims linking a violent restaurant brawl in Taman Mount Austin here with secret societies or illegal moneylending activities.

China

China teacher turns tardy boys into ‘wrongdoers boy band’; dance video garners million likes

BEIJING: A teacher in eastern China has turned her tardy students into an online sensation after transforming their punishment into a viral dance performance.

Brunei

Brunei community gathers for year-end market, games, activities

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Residents from across Kampong Merangking and beyond spent their final week of the year participating in various games and activities as the Village Consultative Council of Kampong Merangking hosted their 'Santai Tamu Jati Kampong Merangking' on Sunday (Dec 28)

Entertainment

Snapshots of Erra Fazira and Ezwan Zain's dreamy wedding reception

The reception was attended by some 500 guests.

Social media

TikTok challenge of violently kicking doors unnerves residents, puts US police on alert

The challenge invites participants to bang on or kick doors in an effort to startle the residents, and then post a video online.

Indonesia

Indonesian rescuers find a body while searching for Valencia soccer coach and three children

JAKARTA: Indonesian rescuers recovered the body of a female victim believed to be part of the family of a Spanish soccer coach and his three children who went missing after a tour boat sank three days ago.

Nation

Man missing after fall from Second Link bridge

ISKANDAR PUTERI: A 32-year-old man has gone missing after reportedly falling from the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link near the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex.

Vietnam

Vietnam govt focuses on training for ethnic communities

HANOI: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính has issued a decision on training skilled workers from ethnic communities for certain key sectors and fields in the period 2026-2035.

Nation

Gleneagles Hospital Johor launches International Lounge

JOHOR BARU: Gleneagles Hospital Johor (GHJ) has officially launched its International Lounge for patients coming from abroad.

Sabah & Sarawak

Roger Chin to head Invest Sabah, Madius takes charge of palm oil agency

KOTA KINABALU: Nominated Sabah assemblyman Datuk Roger Chin and former federal minister Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau have been appointed to head two state government agencies.

Nation

Notice of vacancies in three Perlis state seats submitted to EC

KANGAR: The official notification of the casual vacancies for the Chuping, Bintong and Guar Sanji seats in the Perlis State Legislative Assembly was submitted to the Election Commission (EC) on Monday (Dec 29).