Online sex trade targeting foreign tourists uncovered in Seoul crackdown

The police cracked down on 95 prostitution establishments in the first three months of 2026.

China says US, Israeli attacks on Iran the ‘root cause’ of Hormuz blockage

Beijing said escalation of conflicts is not in the interests of either side.

Philippine energy crisis exposes a reactive state

The Philippines has become the first nation to declare an energy emergency, underscoring the severity of its current crisis. As global oil markets react to renewed conflict in the Middle East, the country is once again reminded that geography offers no protection at the pump.

Eight Muslim-majority countries condemn Israel's new death penalty law

ISLAMABAD/KABUL, April 2 - Eight Muslim-majority countries \"strongly condemned\" Israel's move to pass a law making death by hanging a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks, a joint statement released by Pakistan said on Thursday.

Taiwan airlines to hike fuel surcharges 157% on international flights

The price hikes will kick in on April 7.

With rising energy costs, is it worth switching to an EV in Malaysia right now – and how?

Home charging for EVs cuts running costs by roughly half, compared with subsidised RON95.

They use their 4x4 to help flood victims. Rising diesel prices in Malaysia could put a stop to it

Rich or not, Malaysia diesel owners say the subsidy gap punishes the wrong drivers

Gulf war batters India’s glass heartland, testing New Delhi’s manufacturing drive

Firozabad may be a sign of what is to come across Indian manufacturing, from textiles to high tech.

Two arrested over killing of 80-year-old Singaporean man in Central Java in suspected love triangle

The body of Syed Saleh Awad was discovered on Feb 20 in a river in Cilacap regency. The alleged mastermind remains at large.

Taiwan to strengthen Pratas islands’ defences as China steps up pressure

China claims the Pratas, and Taiwan, as its own territory.

Taiwan to strengthen Pratas islands' defences as China steps up pressure

TAIPEI, April 2 - Taiwan will strengthen its defences of the Pratas as China steps up its activities around the islands which lie at the top end of the South China Sea, the minister in charge of Taiwan's coastguard said on Thursday.

Pakistan says onus on Afghanistan to end hostilities

Negotiations started in Urumqi in north-west China on April 1.

Indonesia issues fresh summons for Google, Meta over teen social media ban

This is the second round of summons Indonesia is issuing over the companies' alleged non-compliance.

UK to host talks with 35 countries on reopening Strait of Hormuz

LONDON, April 2 - Britain will host talks on Thursday aimed at forming a coalition of countries to explore ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. President Donald Trump said securing the vital waterway was a problem for other nations to resolve.

Iran to allow safe passage of Philippine ships, fuel supply through Strait of Hormuz, says Manila

The Philippines previously declared a national energy emergency due to fuel shortage.

From luggage-friendly buses to airport links, South Korea smooths travel beyond Seoul

The authorities seek to draw attention to lesser-known destinations and encourage longer stays.

Hope and heartache: Iranians in Malaysia mark sombre Persian New Year amid conflict

Some told CNA that the ongoing war has reinforced their sense of unity and strengthened their resolve to preserve traditions that have endured for generations.

Japan’s relief rally masks deeper economic risks

Subscribe now with a one-month trial for only $1, then enjoy the first year at an exclusive rate of just $99. Markets rebound, but Japan not yet out of the woodsScott Foster reports that market rebounds driven by shifting US signals on Iran mask deeper risks for Japan,

Indonesia planning for potential loss of up to 60,000 tourist arrivals amid Middle East crisis

The government plans to hold international events in border regions and boost travel promotions.

Forget Trump – Netanyahu’s Iran endgame is what really matters

The war between the United States, Israel and Iran is now into its second month. Despite spectacular early successes, the resilience of Iran’s government and military has meant the US and Israel have lost the strategic initiative. This means they are being more reactive than

Japan sees record cannabis-related police probes in 2025

People in their 20s and younger accounted for more than 70 per cent of the total.

Off the road: How rising fuel costs are pushing Karachi’s ride-hailing drivers to the brink

Pakistan increased fuel prices by 55 Pakistani rupees overnight after the Iran war started.

Bangkok’s soft-soil basin could amplify earthquake shaking by 3 to 6 times

The capital's underlying soft-soil basin could dramatically intensify earthquake shaking.

Iran army chief tells commanders to prepare for any attack, state media reports

DUBAI, April 2 - Iran's operational headquarters must monitor \"enemy movements with utmost pessimism and accuracy\" and be ready to counter any method of attack, the country's army commander-in-chief Amir Hatami was quoted as saying by state media on Thursday.

Russian nuclear missile forces hold drills in Siberia

MOSCOW, April 2 - Russian strategic missile forces have conducted drills in Siberia involving camouflaged movements of Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles that are capable of delivering nuclear warheads, the Defence Ministry said on Thursday.

Pakistan says it is in talks with Afghanistan to end conflict

ISLAMABAD, April 2 - Pakistan is holding talks with Afghanistan to end the worst conflict between the South Asian neighbours since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Ahead of Greek social media ban, parents desperate to separate children from phones

ATHENS, April 2 - Greek mother Georgia Efstathiou has tried everything to loosen the grip that social media has on her 14-year-old son: heart-to-heart talks; internet-free time; confiscating his phone. Arguments flare as she fights the allure of his screen and its videos and

Should Seoul’s most iconic gate Gwanghwamun bear Korean or Chinese sign, or both?

Deciding which language the palace gate sign should be written in has sparked debate.

From international outcast to mediator in Iran war, Pakistan's remarkable makeover

April 2 - A diplomatic outcast a year ago, Pakistan has become a trusted regional partner and a mediator between the U.S. and Iran to end the war in the Middle East, a remarkable transformation for the South Asian nation driven mostly by its powerful military chief, Field

India ends import tax on petrochemicals to help local industry

The import tax exemption on 40 products is valid till June 30.

Malaysian government warns against profiteering as cost pressures mount

Malaysia is attempting to ease financial burdens while boosting income levels, said Zahid.

Malaysia to raise air-con temperatures in government offices to cut energy costs amid Iran war

Staff may also be allowed to wear more casual attire to the office as the temperature increases.

Thailand swelters under extreme heat as temperatures hit 42 deg C, with haze and storms forecast

The conditions are being driven by a heat-induced low-pressure system covering upper Thailand.

Recent violent crime spree in Bali targeting tourists sparks concerns, debate as some hotels tighten security

Bali’s governor has said the most recent cases, the sexual assaults of three foreign tourists within three days last month, are isolated incidents. But some tourism players want the local government to do more.

Himalayan kingdom Bhutan hikes fuel prices due to Middle East war

The landlocked nation of about 800,000 people imports its fuel via India.

Malaysia army corporal arrested after alleged assault on 7 soldiers, 1 in ICU

Investigations by the Malaysian Armed Forces found that the corporal had used physical force after being dissatisfied with the way the victims cleaned the weapons store.

Chinese airlines to raise fuel surcharges on domestic flights

International flights will be subject to the system's calculations, according to the airlines' statements.

Save ‘every drop of fuel’ South Korea urges, as Iran crisis hits

The country has already implemented fuel price caps and expanded fuel tax cuts.

South Korea president says economy on 'wartime footing' over Iran war

The South Korean government has proposed a US$17.2 billion supplementary budget to tackle the crisis.

Indonesia calls Israel death penalty law ‘grave violation’ of human rights

It urged Israel to revoke the law and the international communitys to ensure protection for Palestinians.

Malaysia civil servants to work from home amid fuel crisis: PM Anwar

He said more updates would be announced soon.

Libya's Haftar acquires combat drones despite UN embargo

CAIRO, April 2 - Eastern Libya's military leader, Khalifa Haftar, has acquired what appear to be Chinese and Turkish combat drones, Reuters reporting has found, despite a long-standing U.N. embargo on supplying weapons to the divided North African country.

Malaysia to ‘adjust’ land border control to align with Singapore’s tighter security checks

Since Feb 28, Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has stepped up security checks on arriving travellers, cargo and vehicles at all of the country’s entry points due to a heightened global security situation.

Malaysia civil servants to work from home amid fuel crisis

Malaysia's ministries, agencies, statutory bodies and government-linked companies will work from home from Apr 15.

South Korea's Lee urges prompt passage of $17 billion extra budget amid Middle East energy crisis

SEOUL, April 2 - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday urged parliament to promptly pass a 26.2 trillion won ($17.3 billion) supplementary budget to shore up the economy amid \"the worst energy security threat\" posed by the Middle East crisis.

Pump, dump and post: Indonesia needs to regulate its finfluencers

Indonesia’s digital financial ecosystem is expanding rapidly, but regulatory scrutiny has struggled to keep pace with the growing influence of social media personalities who provide investment commentary to millions of followers. This governance gap was sharply exposed in

Myanmar parliament to hold vote to elect president on Apr 3, house speaker says

Penang to enforce single-use plastic bag ban from Sept 1

Errant businesses may risk their ability to operate if they fail to meet the requirement.