Quenching a thirsty continent

Water is a resource likely to have more impact on the world#8217;s future than even the Iraq war, said activists at the just concluded World Water Council#8217;s third World Water Forum in Kyoto. Half the world#8217;s population may not have enough of it by 2025. Small wonder then that the bottled water business is so attractive. Nowhere more so than in dry Australia, writes ILSA SHARP from Perth.

Power qigong

By Dr Amir Farid Isahak

Autism in the family

SAMANTHA Peters always assumed her father#8217;s obsessive rituals were normal. But when her own two boys were diagnosed as autistic, the truth came out. OLGA CRAIG reports.

Maid captured on camera abusing baby

HIDDEN cameras in the kitchen and living room of a Bishan flat captured a 24-year-old maid abusing her employers' four-month-old daughter.

The hidden hand

SOLVING a crime like murder, rape and even robbery used to be a tedious task for the Royal Malaysia Police but not any more -- thanks to the setting up of a forensic laboratory.

Where women buy attention

While the rest of Japan faces a gloomy downturn, its gigolo bars are still popular with women looking for fun, sex and even little courtesies, writes FRANCOISE KADRI.

Ah, sweet, sweet wine!

By Ed Soon

From depth to extract

City of bygone charm

Unlike the United States#8217; war on Iraq 11 years ago, the US invasion that looms is aimed at capturing Baghdad #8211; this city of Arabian nights, with its winding river and long boulevards, its packed bazaars and astonishing modern palaces.

Proposed liquor sale curb in KL

ENTERTAINMENT joints in Kuala Lumpur will be barred from selling liquor to youths below 21 years under an amendment to the Entertainment (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) (Amendment) Bill which is expected to be debated this meeting.