Business, markets and economy news from Malaysia.
Vietnam has charged four people including three jewellery shop directors in an expanding investigation into a diamond smuggling operation allegedly run from Hong Kong by Indian nationals and involving multiple airports.
A 23-year-old man was arrested at Jahangirnagar University in Dhaka after allegedly filming inside a women's washroom at the campus's Teachers-Students Centre. Police filed charges under the Pornography Control Act.
Singapore's police joined a coordinated Interpol operation spanning 97 countries that arrested 5,811 people and recovered US$293 million. The initiative targeted social engineering scams affecting over 142,000 victims worldwide between January and April.
A Singapore bus driver has been sentenced to eight weeks in jail after driving off while an elderly passenger was exiting, causing her fatal fall. The case highlights passenger safety concerns in public transport.
An Indian national faces trial in Ho Chi Minh City for allegedly smuggling 1,477 diamonds into Vietnam between August 2023 and October 2024. The case also involves Vietnamese nationals accused of bribery and fraud in connection with the illegal trade.
Singapore's Workers Party has decisively backed Pritam Singh's continued leadership, with 82 of 106 cadres voting to retain him despite his parliamentary conviction. The outcome raises questions about the party's political direction.
Southeast Asian governments are accelerating digital infrastructure expansion, tackling security threats, and pushing economic reforms. Indonesia targets 100 Mbps internet speeds while supporting rural farmers, as the region integrates cross-border services and modernises defence capabilities.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin has convened emergency talks with narcotics and airport authorities following two drug smuggling incidents involving Australia, threatening Thailand's regional aviation hub status and 2028 OECD membership target.
Sri Lanka's Bribery Commission has arrested retired Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda over allegations he unlawfully facilitated the 2006 naval recruitment of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa's son, without proper qualifications.
Indonesian police have charged four people following an anti-government demonstration in Surabaya against fuel price increases and a troubled free school meals scheme.
Vietnamese police have arrested 12 suspects running a transnational online fraud operation from Cambodia that stole RM39.2 million from approximately 500 victims since October 2024 through impersonation and fake investment schemes.
Indonesia strengthens defence ties with France while arresting a Chinese fugitive, Myanmar pivots agriculture for export growth, the Philippines advances infrastructure projects, Singapore enhances road safety, and Vietnam unveils a century-long development vision.
A 19-year-old French national in Singapore is set to plead guilty in July to charges stemming from licking a straw at a vending machine and sharing the video online, an incident that sparked widespread concern.
Brunei authorities are continuing an intensive search for a man feared to have been attacked by a crocodile in Sungai Bera. The operation, now in its third day, involves multiple agencies and advanced search technology.
South Korean actor Kim Mu Yeol has disclosed details of his impoverished early career, revealing he once subsisted on approximately RM500 annually before achieving breakthrough success in the entertainment industry.
Indonesia's Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid announced that TikTok and YouTube have deactivated approximately 4.7 million accounts belonging to children under 16 as part of the government's efforts to curb social media risks.
Indonesian police have arrested Zheng Rongjing, a Chinese national wanted by Interpol Beijing, at Jakarta's main airport. He is suspected of leading an international online scam network operating from Cambodia.
Alibaba has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Defence, contesting its June designation as a Chinese military company. The Hangzhou-based firm argues the blacklisting violates constitutional rights and lacks evidence of military ties.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent diplomatic missions to Russia and Turkmenistan have directly contributed to the government's announcement of reduced subsidised diesel prices, according to unity government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
An estimated one million cats are killed annually in Vietnam as part of a brutal underground trade rooted in superstition, despite surveys showing 90% of Vietnamese oppose the practice and don't consider it cultural.
Myanmar's AYA Bank has acknowledged a data breach affecting an outdated application portal, but stressed that core banking systems, mobile banking, and payment services remain fully operational and secure.
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stabilised his government during an energy crisis triggered by Middle East conflict in his first 100 days, but analysts question whether his administration will address underlying economic weaknesses and pursue promised reforms.
Singapore's Workers' Party faces an internal leadership crisis as over 100 cadres prepare for elections on June 28. Disgruntled members are seeking to challenge Pritam Singh following his December 2025 court conviction for misleading a parliamentary committee.
Thailand's Election Commission has imposed a nationwide alcohol ban across Bangkok and Pattaya from June 27-28 during local elections. Violators face up to six months imprisonment or fines of 10,000 baht.
Cambodia's Supreme Court has upheld 14-year prison sentences for two journalists who were convicted of treason for sharing a photo taken in a military-restricted zone following border clashes with Thailand.
Malaysia's Defence Ministry has unveiled the National Defence Strategic Plan and Defence Capacity Blueprint for 2026-2030, designed to address emerging security challenges including geopolitical tensions, artificial intelligence, and complex non-traditional threats.
Sri Lankan authorities have arrested Rakitha Rajapakshe, son of a former justice minister, for allegedly negotiating a 500 million rupee bribe to secure the release of a major drug trafficker extradited from Madagascar.
Cambodia's Supreme Court is set to decide whether two journalists imprisoned for posting photographs from a militarised border zone should have their 14-year treason sentences overturned, amid concerns about the judiciary's independence.
Southeast Asian nations are reshaping economic priorities through bold policy moves. Indonesia targets $121 billion in EV battery investment while launching extended mortgage schemes, reflecting regional confidence in green infrastructure and housing demand.
Indonesia's Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has engaged directly with student protesters, inviting them on official trips and meeting their concerns. However, experts suggest his moves are more about raising his political profile ahead of 2029 elections than driving substantive policy change.
Malaysia's Chief Secretary to the Government has urged the civil service to actively support the Prime Minister's diplomatic initiatives and convert international agreements into domestic prosperity through efficiency and strategic capacity-building.
Chinese authorities arrested a man for illegally breeding more than 300 pythons in his flat, uncovered after suspicious electricity usage patterns alerted police to the operation. He and two associates faced prison time.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's visits to Russia and Turkmenistan have highlighted his personal diplomacy skills as a strategic asset for Malaysia, strengthening bilateral ties and regional positioning during a period of shifting global alliances.
KPMG Australia's chairman and two senior audit partners have resigned following allegations the firm improperly used confidential client information to secure audit contracts, marking further management upheaval at the professional services giant.
Indonesia's parliament has passed legislation granting extensive legal immunity to buyers of Danantara sovereign wealth fund bonds, prompting financial crime experts to warn the protections could enable money laundering and tax evasion on a significant scale.
At least 15 people, predominantly young students, died in a fire that swept through a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The incident has reignited concerns about building safety standards in India.
Ho Chi Minh City police have dismantled criminal networks smuggling foreign nationals to operate online fraud schemes, arresting 26 suspects and seizing hundreds of computers and phones during coordinated raids.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered a full investigation into a deadly school shooting in Tacloban that left three people dead and five wounded, raising fresh concerns about security in educational institutions.
Indonesia is preparing to integrate artificial intelligence into major government initiatives, including its $15 billion free meals programme, as part of a broader economic development strategy. The move positions the nation to compete regionally with more advanced tech economies.
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Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister unveiled a comprehensive structural reform programme aimed at raising annual economic growth from 2.7% to 3% by 2030 and achieving high-income nation status within 12 years.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has issued a formal state apology to the Moluccan community for systematic mistreatment following Indonesia's independence in 1949, acknowledging decades of broken promises and poor living conditions.
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Indonesian authorities have dismantled an international drug smuggling network, arresting four foreign nationals and seizing RM22.7 million worth of etomidate at Jakarta's main airport in three coordinated operations.
Timor-Leste has declared a week of national mourning following the death of former president Francisco 'Lu-Olo' Guterres, 71, a legendary independence fighter who passed away in a Malaysian hospital. His body is expected to return to Dili on Tuesday.
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to restore the consumption tax on food to 8 per cent after a two-year reduction period beginning April 2027, addressing concerns about the nation's fiscal sustainability.
Thailand has blocked nearly 14,000 illegal gambling websites tied to the 2026 World Cup using AI technology in an 18-day operation. The government is also enforcing strict copyright rules for match broadcasts in commercial venues.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Malaysia this week, pledging to deepen ties with Kuala Lumpur through enhanced diplomatic engagement, cultural cooperation, and coordination on regional issues.
Following a Supreme Court ruling against his sweeping tariffs, Trump has restructured his protectionist approach using legal investigations into forced labour and industrial capacity. Southeast Asian nations face divergent outcomes, with the Philippines gaining relief while Singapore faces higher duties.
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Australian Federal Police have seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in the country's largest-ever drug haul, discovered in underground bunkers near Sydney. The seizure, valued at approximately A$816 million, highlights escalating cocaine trafficking into Australia.
Jakarta police have detained former Indonesian youth and sports minister Roy Suryo and activist Tifauzia Tyassuma on defamation charges related to allegations about ex-president Jokowi's university diploma authenticity, marking a significant escalation in a controversy dating back to 2019.
Cambodian authorities have arrested a man accused of running a sophisticated Telegram scam that netted over US$110,000 from roughly 50 victims, predominantly Facebook Live shoppers. The scheme involved impersonating business owners and government officials.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed Malaysia's condolences over the death of Francisco Guterres, the former president of Timor-Leste who played a pivotal role in his nation's independence struggle.
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Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has arrived in Malaysia for his first official visit since taking office, signalling efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations and expand regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.
Brunei's Foreign Affairs Minister Prince 'Abdul Mateen hosted a farewell reception for departing United States Ambassador Caryn R McClelland, honouring her contributions to strengthening ties between the two nations across defence, trade, and education.
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Legal disputes loom over Sarawak's troubled Tambirat Waterfront project as Phase One stalls. Officials warn the gridlock will delay Phase Two development and postpone an international regatta, raising questions about project viability.
A Hong Kong man stands trial for allegedly murdering his 30-year-old girlfriend in 2022, claiming he accidentally beat her to death while attempting an unconventional weight-loss method involving forced sleep deprivation.
A Sessions Court in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, has handed down fines of between RM1,000 and RM10,000 to 54 undocumented migrants found guilty of immigration offences, with custodial sentences as alternatives.
An American scholar of Myanmar detained in China in June was travelling to Kunming for an academic workshop, his think tank said, calling for his immediate release and rejecting espionage allegations.
The Philippine Department of Justice has clarified that Filipino citizens obtaining divorces abroad remain legally married under Philippine law, which recognises only annulment or legal separation as valid grounds for dissolving marriage.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's personal charisma has emerged as a significant diplomatic advantage during recent visits to Russia and Turkmenistan, enhancing Malaysia's standing in Central Asia and strengthening bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will spearhead India's 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations from Kolkata on June 21, with the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' attracting participation from 211 Indian missions and over 600,000 registered organisations worldwide.
Coordinated bomb attacks in Thailand's Yala and Pattani provinces on Friday injured eleven police officers, including two critically wounded. The incidents underscore persistent security threats in Thailand's volatile south.
A Kuala Lumpur conference marking World Refugee Day 2026 has adopted ten resolutions urging the Malaysian government to develop a comprehensive refugee policy that balances national security with humanitarian obligations.
A three-month-old infant in Guangdong province was admitted to intensive care after parents prepared formula milk using vegetable juice instead of water, exposing the dangers of unconventional feeding methods.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised Malaysia's media practitioners for maintaining ethical standards while navigating digital transformation, emphasising that press freedom must be balanced with responsible reporting to strengthen public trust and institutional stability.
The International Sepaktakraw Federation has launched formal disciplinary action against five Thai players and three officials following a controversial walkout during the ISTAF World Cup 2026 final in May. Malaysia won the disputed match 2-1.
Singapore grapples with a dangerous surge in drug-impaired driving, particularly involving etomidate-laced vapes. Medical experts warn of severe cognitive impairment, while official data reveals 38 substance-related accidents since 2023, with 19 fatalities.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has committed an extra RM1 million to the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA welfare fund, bringing total assistance to nearly 800 media practitioners nationwide to RM2.26 million since its launch.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has thrown his weight behind the appointment of former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan as chairman of the Malaysian Media Council, saying her judicial background and integrity will restore public confidence in the body.
Thailand's parliament is reconsidering its cannabis policy after concerns over uncontrolled sales and legal loopholes. Medical groups push for narcotics reclassification while operators warn of economic damage from tighter rules.
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged Thailand to appoint a head of its Joint Boundary Commission and restart border demarcation efforts, following an informal discussion with Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul in Russia.
Authorities detained 186 undocumented migrants during a midnight operation in Pudu on suspicion of overstaying and lacking valid travel documentation, marking a significant enforcement action in the capital.
Hanoi authorities have charged two women for smuggling over 10,000 tonnes of frozen chicken feet valued at US$13 million. The contraband was illegally distributed across Vietnam rather than re-exported as required by law.
Philippine authorities have dismissed robbery as a motive in the killing of a Korean man whose body was discovered in an abandoned SUV in Nueva Ecija. Police have identified three persons of interest in the case.
One person died and dozens were injured when two passenger trains collided north of London on Friday. UK emergency services confirmed 11 victims sustained very serious injuries in the incident.
The Rohingya Ulama Council has firmly rejected claims that the community is pursuing Malaysian citizenship, characterizing such allegations as fabricated propaganda intended to stoke communal tensions.
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Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has advocated for Russia to remain actively involved in ASEAN-led regional mechanisms, signalling diplomatic overtures as Singapore prepares to take the ASEAN chair in 2027.
A Thai court has handed down an 18-month prison sentence to a man for royal defamation stemming from a comment he made in a Facebook group dedicated to monarchy discussions, highlighting ongoing concerns about Thailand's strict lèse-majesté laws.
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The United States has initiated a formal investigation into Germany's pharmaceutical pricing regulations, potentially opening the door to punitive tariffs. The move signals Washington's growing frustration with European healthcare cost-control measures.
The United Arab Emirates has become the first Arab country to ban social media use for children under 15, mandating platforms disable such accounts or face blocking. The move follows similar restrictions in Australia and Britain.
Police in northern Vietnam have charged four individuals, including a Chinese national, after thwarting an attempt to relocate an online scam operation from Cambodia. The plot was dismantled before the criminal enterprise could become operational.
Thailand's Criminal Court has sentenced a man to 18 months in prison for a comment about the monarchy posted in a private Facebook group. The case reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the country's strict royal defamation laws.
ASEAN police forces are strengthening cross-border cooperation and launching specialized training to combat online scam syndicates that are relocating operations across Southeast Asia, as criminal networks adapt to mounting law enforcement pressure.
A controversial Japanese novel and film about amputating elderly patients' immobile limbs to ease caregiver burden has reignited debate on how Japan should manage its accelerating elderly care crisis.
Asean and Russia have adopted a five-year cooperation roadmap at a commemorative summit in Kazan, marking 35 years of diplomatic relations. The agreements emphasize dialogue, maritime security, and people-to-people exchanges amid regional tensions.
MSCI has intensified scrutiny of Indonesia's stock market, citing transparency gaps in shareholdings and trading patterns. A potential downgrade to frontier status next week could trigger $13bn in investor withdrawals from the region's worst-performing major bourse.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for girls' education to be a priority, citing women's growing dominance in the economy and their transformation from passive participants to leaders and entrepreneurs.
Estonia plans to issue personal identification numbers to AI assistants, granting them legal rights and accountability. The Baltic nation would be the first globally to take this regulatory step, leveraging its digital governance expertise.
Southeast Asian nations are pursuing ambitious diplomatic initiatives and infrastructure investments this week, from strengthened European partnerships to nuclear energy cooperation and major aviation expansion plans.
Malaysia's military leadership has underscored the growing importance of air capabilities in defending the nation's crucial shipping corridors as regional tensions intensify and strategic challenges evolve.
India imposed an emergency ban on Telegram after weeks of escalating tensions over the platform's handling of accounts selling purported leaked NEET exam papers, with the messaging app now challenging the measure in court.
Interpol's latest assessment shows cybercrime now represents roughly a third of all recorded criminal activity across Asian nations, with sophisticated scams and AI-enabled fraud becoming the dominant threat vector.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for backing Malaysia's energy cooperation initiatives through national oil company Petronas, signalling deepening bilateral relations.
The Philippine Senate has elected Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as its new president following a tense political struggle. The former Valenzuela City mayor secured the position with just the minimum 13 votes needed, marking a significant leadership transition.
Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has called on citizens to strengthen unity and vigilance as the Islamic calendar enters 1448 Hijrah, emphasizing that progress requires sustained commitment across both material and spiritual domains.
As AI chatbots generate inaccurate and fabricated legal briefs, courts worldwide are establishing strict guidelines on artificial intelligence use in litigation, with major implications for the legal profession.
A major PwC study reveals artificial intelligence is bifurcating the global job market, rewarding companies that use AI to enhance human capabilities while leaving cost-cutting automation strategies behind. The findings carry significant implications for Southeast Asian workforce development.
Thailand's PM Anutin Charnvirakul has reclaimed direct control of the Eastern Economic Corridor from his deputy, repositioning the strategic investment zone around food security and data centre development rather than traditional heavy industry.
The Philippine Department of Justice is investigating possible criminal charges against public officials connected to a May 13 Senate shooting and the subsequent escape of Senator Ronald dela Rosa from protective custody on May 14.
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, 38-year-old son of former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been arrested on corruption charges involving state fund misappropriation for military training abroad, marking an escalation in prosecutions against the influential political family.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signalled Malaysia's ambition to dramatically expand cooperation between ASEAN and Russia, spanning energy, technology, and cultural exchange, while expressing frustration over international inaction on Gaza.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has lauded the completion of the Asean-Russia Strategic Programme on Trade and Investment Cooperation 2026-2035, calling it a crucial catalyst for expanding regional economic ties.
Vietnam has enacted Decree No. 208, requiring airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays exceeding 15 minutes starting next month. The regulation establishes clear compensation levels and carrier obligations.
Thai authorities have dismantled a suspected illegal forex investment network across five provinces, freezing 77 bank accounts and seizing assets worth millions of baht in what officials describe as a major victory against economic crime.
Malaysia's top officials have highlighted the Tokoh Maal Hijrah awards as exemplifying the qualities Muslims should emulate in service to their communities, with recognition given to scholars advancing Islamic knowledge and values.
A Malaysian minister has called for balancing humanitarian concerns with legal requirements in addressing the Rohingya situation, as public discourse intensifies over the community's presence in the country.
Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta has commended Malaysia's diplomatic relations and regional role, praising Anwar Ibrahim's leadership while expressing confidence in his nation's ASEAN hosting plans for 2029.
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has welcomed reports of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, saying any breakthrough in West Asia would benefit the global economy and help stabilise energy prices.
Vietnamese police have dismantled a criminal network stealing pets for the meat trade, rescuing more than 400 cats and reuniting at least 40 with their owners. Nine suspects face charges following the bust in Ho Chi Minh City.
Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta concluded a five-day special visit to Malaysia, emphasizing strengthened bilateral relations and inviting Malaysian investors to tap infrastructure opportunities in the newly integrated ASEAN member.
A new study from the Coalition Against Piracy reveals that consumers using illegal streaming services face significant cybersecurity threats including malware, identity theft, and financial fraud, with nearly half of tested pirate apps containing malicious code.