Vietnam

Man arrested for alleged online sexual coercion of minors in Vietnam

LAM DONG, (Vietnam): Police in the southern province of Lam Dong have arrested a man for allegedly coercing underage girls into performing sexual acts on video call platforms, authorities said on Friday (May 16).

Cambodia

Cambodian environment minister warns: ‘one tree falls, one official fired’’ at Phnom Khnang Phsar

PHNOM PENH: Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has issued a warning to environmental officials, informing them that any of them found felling trees for use in infrastructure construction in the Phnom Khnang Phsar area will be removed from their positions.

Nation

Penang to increase monthly allowance for KAFA teachers from July

GEORGE TOWN: Quran and Fardhu Ain (KAFA) class teachers in Penang will receive a monthly allowance increase of RM200 from July, bringing their total monthly allowance to RM1,500.

Philippines

‘Filipino voters can forget abuses’: Polls prove political dynasties still rule Philippines

CEBU CITY, (Philippines): The 2025 midterm elections proved that despite scandals, powerful political dynasties remain firmly rooted in Philippine politics, said a Filipino political scientist.

Indonesia

Indonesia arrests 170 foreigners in immigration sweep

JAKARTA: (Bernama-Xinhua) The Indonesian government has arrested 170 foreigners from 27 countries during immigration operations conducted from May 14 to May 16 across Greater Jakarta, covering Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections said on Friday (May 16), reported Xinhua.

Singapore

Two teens in Singapore died of overdoses in January 2025: minister

SINGAPORE: Two teenagers aged 16 and 18 died of suspected drug overdoses in January, as Singapore continues its battle against drug abuse, a growing problem among young people.

China

China urges US to stop tech suppression

BEIJING: China on Friday (May 16) urged the United States to immediately stop its relentless suppression of Chinese technology companies and the AI industry, vowing that it will take resolute measures to safeguard its development rights and the legitimate interests of Chinese enterprises.

Thailand

Thailand to introduce “Salt Tax” with tiered rates, driving health food market boom

BANGKOK: Following the implementation of the "sugar tax," which took full effect on April 1, 2025, Thailand's Excise Department is moving ahead with plans to introduce a "salt tax."

India

India asks IMF to reconsider Pakistan programme over 'terror funding'

SRINAGAR, (India): Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Friday (May 16) the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should reconsider a one billion dollar loan to Pakistan alleging it was "funding terror", a move denounced by Islamabad as proof of New Delhi's desperation.

Bangladesh

Years of TB gains unravel in aid fallout

Health sector suffers as USAID cut cripples vital programmes.

South Korea

S. Korea resumes US tariff talks at Apec

THE government is resuming tariff talks with Washington on the sidelines of a key Apec meeting, an official said, as ministers jostle to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Philippines

Strong backing for Duterte

Key allies of detained former president Rodrigo Duterte and two liberal opposition candidates were among top winners in the May 12 Senate race in the Philippines, according to official results released by the Election Commission.

AseanPlus News

Himalayan glaciers melt focus of climate meet

An environment conference opened in Nepal to discuss global climate change, including the impact on the highest Himalayan peaks where snow and ice are melting.

Vietnam

North-south mega rail project taking shape

The nation's biggest conglomerate, Vingroup, said it had submitted a proposal to build the country's multi-billion-dollar high-speed railway from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with state media reporting the government had welcomed the plan.

Thailand

Monk held over US$9mil missing from temple

Thai police have arrested a Buddhist monk over allegations he embezzled more than US$9mil (RM38.5mil) from the prominent temple he ran which was funded by donations from devotees.

AseanPlus News

Everest season claims first two lives

An Indian climber and another from the Philippines became the first mountaineers to die on Mount Everest in the current March-May climbing season of the world's highest peak, hiking officials said.

Thailand

Scholar freed but not free to go

An American scholar remains in Thailand after prosecutors dropped charges against him of insulting the monarchy, his family said, as his legal jeopardy continues in a case that has raised concern in the US government.

Thailand

17 charged in fatal tower collapse

A construction magnate, builders, designers and engineers surrendered to police on criminal negligence charges for the deadly collapse of a Bangkok high-rise in the March 28 earthquake that hit Myanmar.

Nation

Driver denies fatal accident charges

TELUK INTAN: The driver of a stone-laden lorry pleaded not guilty to nine counts of causing the death of nine members of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) by dangerous driving.

Nation

PKR needs Anwar-Rafizi leadership combo, says Nik Nazmi

PUTRAJAYA: An "Anwar-Rafizi" combination is what PKR needs right now, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.