Malaysia reveals camera locations on NSE to promote road safety during Hari Raya

It added that cameras have been installed at several strategic locations to automatically detect traffic offences.

Oil surge exposing cracks in $1.8 trillion private credit market

TOKYO — With the Iran war sending oil prices into a vertical climb, the resulting shockwaves across global markets have investors balancing their portfolios like a high‑stakes game of Jenga on a trembling table. The problem isn’t so much oil prices at over US$100 per barrel.

Chinese national charged for trying to smuggle 2,000 ants from Kenya

Zhang Kequn was found with the large consignment of ants in his luggage at a Nairobi airport.

Thai court accepts petition challenging legality of election ballots

The Election Commission has been given 15 days to provide clarification.

Chinese tech giants wade into OpenClaw frenzy with launch of new AI agents

Chinese tech giants Alibaba, Tencent and Baidu have all embraced the OpenClaw trend - rolling out products as they look for new revenue streams.

Huawei racing AI agents to mobile telecom

Mobile World Congress 2026 (MWC26) came and went without an outburst of anti-Huawei rhetoric from Washington, DC, as the US government was busy repivoting from its obsession with China to its old standby: war in the Middle East. But Huawei, Nokia, Ericsson, mobile telecom

Japan's leader faces high-wire act in Washington over Trump's Iran demands

TOKYO, March 18 - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visits the White House on Thursday for meetings that offer U.S. President Donald Trump a chance to lean on a key security partner for support in his Iran war, threatening to strain a decades-old alliance.

Japan, US to discuss joint rare earths development

Both countries, as well as many others, are seeking to curb dependence on China for the valuable minerals.

Man arrested in Thailand after trespassing into viral hippo Moo Deng’s enclosure

Moo Deng and other hippos were unharmed, Khao Kheow Open Zoo said.

Japan and US to discuss joint rare earths development: PM Takaichi

Japan and the US are seeking to curb dependence on China for the valuable minerals.

2 Gulf-based US Navy ships docked in Penang followed procedures: Malaysia defence minister

Opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional has, however, called on the federal government to provide a detailed explanation on the presence of the US naval assets in Malaysian waters.

Airlines cancel more flights as Middle East conflict escalates

March 18 - Global air travel remains severely disrupted after the war in Iran forced the closure of key Middle Eastern hubs including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, stranding tens of thousands of passengers.

Explainer-How Trump's Hormuz push tests Japan's pacifist limits

TOKYO, March 18 - U.S. President Donald Trump's call for allies to send warships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz has revived questions about how far pacifist Japan can go to support its closest ally in a conflict.

Running to make butter? ‘Butter run’ challenge churns up social media in South Korea

The trend grew organically from runners posting experimental videos online.

Asia’s silence on Trump’s Hormuz call isn’t inaction

US President Donald Trump’s remarks on Tuesday questioning why China, Japan and South Korea have not taken a more active military role in safeguarding key energy transport routes, namely the Strait of Hormuz, draw attention to a deeper shift already underway. Asia’s largest

Mother of Gen Z martyr nominated to Nepali Parliament, vows to fight for justice

Her 23-year-old son, Mr Rasik Khatiwada, was killed during the Gen Z movement on Sept 8, 2025.

Suspected stray bullet from military drill hits girl at playground

South Korea's military has since halted all shooting drills involving small firearms.

Australia to convene state leaders’ meeting as fuel shortages hit rural areas

The meeting will focus on supporting affected communities, particularly in rural towns.

As wildfires rise globally, one Japanese city shows how to adapt

Once ravaged by repeated fires, Hakodate has transformed itself into a model for fire prevention by redesigning everything from hydrants to entire streets.

Cautious consumers in Indonesia scale back Hari Raya spending as uncertainty weighs

Most have opted to invest or save instead.

S. Korea to raise terror alert ahead of BTS comeback

The level of security and patrol in event venues or multi-use facilities of the area will be heightened.

India's cheap weight-loss drugs could reshape global obesity fight

With India’s semaglutide patent expiring on 20 March, about 50 branded generics are expected to enter the market.

New Zealand to tighten immigration rules amid crime concerns

WELLINGTON, March 18 - New Zealand's government will introduce legislation on Wednesday to tighten deportation, asylum and immigration enforcement rules, saying the changes are needed to tackle serious offending, migrant exploitation and bad-faith claims.

Why sweeping mines in the Strait of Hormuz wouldn’t be easy

If the Iranians are successful in mining the Strait of Hormuz, the consequences for the world economy – very much including the price of fertilizer and diesel for US farmers – will be horrific. The US will have to do something about this. The question is: What? Having spent a

Australia shock jock Kyle Sandilands sacked and top-rating show cancelled

It comes after an on-air spat between Sandilands and his co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson a month ago.

High transport costs, slow hiring: Southeast Asia businesses brace for impact amid Middle East war

For sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and construction, where energy forms a bulk of operating expenditure, uncertainty can translate into tighter margins and more cautious expansion plans, say businesses and experts.

Commentary: Nepal’s next prime minister won big – it comes with bigger expectations

Balendra Shah swept Nepal’s post-uprising election as the outsider. Governing is an entirely different challenge, says Rishi Gupta from the Asia Society Policy Institute.

Trump’s coalition of the unwilling: a long time in the making

There is a certain historical irony unfolding in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. For decades, the United States has been the principal architect of maritime security in this narrow artery through which a fifth of the world’s oil and quarter of gas flows, mostly to various

Of fish and fowl: Non-vegetarian food spices up political debate in India’s West Bengal state

The Bengali love for fish is legendary but its sale has been politicised ahead of April state elections.

Early indications show Israel tank fire hit UN Lebanon base, source says

PARIS, March 17 - Initial findings by an internal U.N. inquiry suggest Israeli tank fire hit a U.N. position in southern Lebanon on March 6, wounding Ghanaian peacekeepers, according to a Western military source, underscoring the growing risks as Israeli operations expand.

Oil’s monopoly kaput, China to be top supplier of energy security

So, baby, can’t you see I’ve got to break free I’ve got to break free I want to break free, yeah – Queen The world cannot possibly absorb more exports from China, screamed the pundits. After the US and Israel ignited the Middle East powder keg? Oh yes it can! And oh yes it

Iran war is not delaying US weapons shipments to Taiwan, officials say

WASHINGTON, March 17 - The war on Iran has not delayed shipments of weapons to Taiwan or changed U.S. policy toward the island, officials from President Donald Trump's administration told members of Congress on Tuesday, despite the demands of the intense air campaign.

Air strike hit Kabul rehab centre as patients ate dinner, survivor tells BBC

The exact number killed in Monday night's strike by Pakistan is still not known, but is feared to be in the hundreds.

France and Germany to discuss troubled fighter project, sources say

BERLIN/PARIS, March 17 - Leaders of France and Germany will discuss the crisis-hit FCAS fighter programme on the sidelines of a European Union summit on Wednesday, two people familiar with the matter said.

UAE could join international effort led by US to secure Strait of Hormuz, says adviser

TEL AVIV, March 17 - The United Arab Emirates could take part in a U.S.-led effort to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Emirati official said on Tuesday, though he also said that no formal plan had been agreed and discussions were ongoing.

What have US allies and China said about sending ships to the Strait of Hormuz?

US allies have either pushed back or remained cautious on Trump's initial request to send ships to the crucial oil route.

Europe erodes Western alliance by refusing Trump minesweepers ask

Along with refusing to help the United States escort oil tankers and other shipping through the Straits of Hormuz, the Europeans have also turned down President Trump’s request for minesweepers. “We defend all these countries, and then I ask them: ‘Do you have any

Delay in Trump’s China visit gives both sides time to hammer out trade deal

Trump cited the Iran war for the delay, a reason analysts said Beijing can accept publicly, even if scepticism remains.

Seven foreigners arrested in India after allegedly training Myanmar rebels: Reports

Kerr winner sends Australia into Asian Cup final

Captain Sam Kerr scores the winner as Australia beat China 2-1 to reach the final of the Asian Cup.

UN seeks independent probe into deadly Kabul clinic strike

White House says US seeking fertilizer from Venezuela, Morocco

WASHINGTON, March 17 - The Trump administration is seeking other sources of fertilizer amid the ongoing Iran war's shipping constraints, including from Venezuela and possibly Morocco, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Tuesday.

India denies discussing release of tankers with Iran for Hormuz passage

NEW DELHI, March 17 - India on Tuesday denied holding talks with Iran about releasing three tankers seized in February in exchange for ensuring safe passage for Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

How do Pakistan and Afghan Taliban militaries stack up as tensions flare?

March 17 - Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan flared this week after the Afghan Taliban government accused its neighbour of attacking a drug rehabilitation centre and killing more than 400 people - a charge denied by Islamabad.

Rise in food order scams in Perak ahead of Hari Raya

The scam involves suspects posing as customers placing bulk orders for Hari Raya treats.

Is Israel already running low on missile interceptors?

As the US–Israeli war with Iran enters its third week, reports are emerging that Israel is potentially running out of air defense interceptors due to Iran’s retaliatory attacks. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Israeli foreign minister have denied the reports. The government

‘Horrific’ attack on Indonesian rights defender a litmus test for Prabowo administration

The incident has drawn significant national, and international, attention.