Malaysia ramps up biodiesel use amid soaring energy bills

Rising fuel subsidies and global supply disruptions are pushing the country to accelerate biodiesel adoption.

Trump says US to help ships stranded in Strait of Hormuz as tanker hit by projectiles

DUBAI/DORAL, Florida, May 4 - A tanker reported being hit by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime security organisation said on Monday, shortly after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would start helping free ships stranded in the Gulf by the U.S.-Israeli

US calls Taiwan ‘trusted and capable’ partner, praises its ties with Eswatini

Eswatini is one of just 12 countries with formal diplomatic ties to Taiwan.

US calls Taiwan 'trusted and capable' partner, praises its ties with Eswatini

TAIPEI, May 4 - Taiwan is a \"trusted and capable\" partner of the United States and Taipei's global relationships, including with Eswatini, provide significant benefits, the U.S. State Department said of President Lai Ching-te's trip to the southern African kingdom.

Malaysia’s anti-graft agency to quiz ex-minister Rafizi Ramli over deal with British chip giant Arm

The probe relates to irregularities around semiconductor investments worth over $350 million.

‘Reset’ or ‘calculated stabilisation’? Why ties between China and the Philippines appear to be warming

After nearly four years of bilateral tensions, Beijing and Manila have signalled an intent to improve ties, but analysts say domestic and geopolitical pressures could limit how long the thaw lasts.

Trump says US will help free ships stranded in Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON, May 3 - President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States would begin an effort to free up ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday morning.

German chancellor downplays row with Trump after troop drawdown announced

The US President returned the number of American troops stationed in Germany to pre-Ukraine War levels.

Asian Development Bank offers help to Pacific countries hit by Iran war

Hezbollah pays steep price in battle to reverse its fortunes

BEIRUT, May 3 - Hezbollah has paid a heavy price for going to war with Israel on March 2: Israel has occupied a chunk of southern Lebanon, displaced hundreds of thousands of its Shi'ite Muslim constituents and killed as many as several thousand of its fighters, according to

Sanae Takaichi set for Australia visit to strengthen Japan alliance

The Japanese PM seeks to build on an updated regional strategy laid out in Vietnam.

Malaysia’s East Coast rail promises bigger economic pie for Pahang, but questions remain

While it has been touted as a cure for poor connectivity between the east coast and KL, ECRL is designed mainly for cargo.

China, Philippines trade accusations over South China Sea

Australia’s uncrewed planes, subs and drones could appeal to Asian navies: Analysts

The country has developed sophisticated uncrewed submarines and planes.

BN 'almost certain' to go solo in contesting Malaysia's next general election, says DPM Zahid

Barisan Nasional (BN)'s chairman and UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi however adds that there would still be a need to reach some understanding with other political blocs.

Sri Lanka arrests 37 Chinese at suspected scam centre: Police

A local police source said 35 tablet computers, 147 mobile phones and 100 SIM cards were seized.

Woman nabbed for wielding knife at Rain Rave Water Music Festival in KL

She is expected to be remanded on May 3.

13 injured in head-on crash in western Japan involving junior high school students

Three of them suffered serious injuries.

Malaysia’s food supply stable, but cost pressures may push prices higher, says minister

The minister said the government has taken early measures to keep prices under control.

2 deaths, 56 heat-related cases reported in Malaysia since start of 2026: Health Ministry

More than half of the cases reported were linked to physical activity during hot weather.

Bangkok food vendor curbs push city staple from the streets

Tighter controls on vendors threaten livelihoods and the street food culture that defines Bangkok.

How AI is transforming China’s entertainment industry

Dramas generated by AI have suddenly become ubiquitous in China.

More Nepalis drive EVs, evading global fuel shocks

Nepal has emerged as one of the world’s fastest adopters of EVs.

Latecomer Japan eyes slice of rising global defence spending

Five Japanese firms are already in the top 100 global defence companies.

Not enough time to play for South Korean children, teens: Report

A total of 1,177 children and teens, and 815 adults participated in the nationwide survey.

More young South Koreans turning away from religion: Poll

South Koreans in their 20s were least likely to follow a religion.

North Korea calls US cyber crime accusations 'absurd slander'

Washington has accused Pyongyang of ramping up a cyber-warfare program responsible for the theft of billions of dollars in virtual assets in recent years.

Japan astronomers launch group to look for aliens, radio observations eyed

They say it is the country’s first organisation dedicated to the search for alien life.

Man charged over death of Australian Indigenous girl that sparked outback riots

SYDNEY, May 3 - Police in Australia's Northern Territory said on Sunday they had charged a man with murdering an Indigenous girl, days after the 5-year-old's death sparked violent clashes in an outback town.

Trump insists China trip will go on as planned; analysts say leaders' summit crucial to manage risks

United States President Donald Trump says his upcoming visit will be an “amazing event”, while Chinese observers say both sides need to prioritise risk management in the face of rising uncertainty worldwide.

Philippines says thousands evacuated as Mayon volcano erupts

The authorities have advised the public to stay out of the 6km radius danger zone.

Penang records first heat stroke death of 2026

A 42-year-old Malaysian man died from heat stroke following a 30km run.

These 20-year-olds in Japan are finally planning their junior high school trips cancelled by Covid-19

The young adults were given about $160 per person to plan school trips with their former classmates.

North Korea's Kim casts youth as vanguard of state goals amid Russia war

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met delegates to the ruling party's youth league congress in Pyongyang, a once-in-five-years political gathering aimed at mobilising citizens aged roughly 14 to 30.