The stories shaping Malaysia, in focus.
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Malaysia's peacekeeping battalion in Lebanon benefits from a central base location that distances it from border tensions, though Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled warns of growing aerial threats.
Johor's caretaker menteri besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has reframed royal guidance as a performance benchmark rather than license for complacency, signalling the state government's commitment to maintaining high standards.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is visiting Malaysia on June 22 at the invitation of PM Anwar Ibrahim. The visit marks Rahman's first official bilateral trip since taking office in February 2026, and aims to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and key sectors.
Laos has dismantled a significant wildlife trafficking organisation, rescuing 294 live animals and confiscating illegal products across two major operations near the Thai border, highlighting the region's vulnerability to smuggling.
An American scholar detained in China's Kunming city in early June was attending an academic workshop, his think tank has stated, rejecting espionage allegations and calling for his immediate release.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation's 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations from Kolkata on June 21, with the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' mobilising over 600,000 registered organisations across the country and 211 Indian missions globally.
Coordinated bomb attacks in Thailand's troubled southern provinces injured 11 police officers on Friday. Two attacks in Yala and Pattani provinces targeting border patrol and special operations units mark renewed violence in the region.
A Kuala Lumpur conference marking World Refugee Day has adopted 10 resolutions urging Malaysia's government to develop a comprehensive refugee action plan that balances security concerns with humanitarian obligations.
The Rohingya Ulama Council has firmly denied allegations that the Rohingya community in Malaysia is seeking citizenship, characterising such claims as deliberate fabrications intended to incite prejudice.
The Malaysian Media Council will pilot a new system to combat fabricated content during the forthcoming Johor and Negri Sembilan state elections, testing mechanisms designed to preserve information integrity during crucial voting periods.
Thailand's parliament is reviewing cannabis policy following concerns about uncontrolled sales and legal loopholes since liberalisation in 2022. A House committee is weighing whether to return cannabis to narcotics control while drafting comprehensive legislation.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged Thailand to appoint a Joint Boundary Commission chief and accelerate border demarcation efforts, following a brief diplomatic encounter with Thai counterpart Anutin Charnvirakul at an Asean-Russia event in Kazan.
Philippine authorities have ruled out robbery in the killing of a Korean national whose body was discovered in an abandoned SUV in Nueva Ecija. Police identified three persons of interest as investigation continues.
Vietnamese authorities have charged two women for smuggling frozen chicken feet from disease-prone countries into Vietnam and illegally distributing over 10,000 tonnes domestically instead of re-exporting, in a case valued at US$13 million.
National 100m record holder Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi has decided to base his athletics career in Malaysia following his graduation from Auburn University, prioritising family time and domestic training.
Indonesia reasserts confidence in retaining its MSCI emerging market status while the region pursues energy cooperation, cultural preservation, and green transport adoption. Singapore launches advanced maritime capabilities as the Philippines emerges as a Muslim-friendly travel destination.
A Thai man has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for a comment posted in a Facebook monarchy discussion group, marking another conviction under Thailand's strict lèse-majesté laws that continue to spark international concern.
Cambodia's Supreme Court has suspended a prison sentence for opposition politician Rong Chhun but upheld a ban preventing him from contesting elections, according to his legal representatives.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has secured a Russian commitment to provide Malaysia with guaranteed long-term supplies of petroleum, oil, and natural gas, marking a significant strategic energy partnership for the region.
Asean and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to expanded cooperation at a summit in Kazan, marking 35 years of diplomatic relations. The meeting produced strategic frameworks for the next five years.
The United Arab Emirates has announced a cabinet resolution banning social media use for children under 15, joining Australia, Britain, and several other nations in restricting youth access to platforms over mental health and safety concerns.
A Thai court has sentenced a 43-year-old man to 18 months in prison for a Facebook comment deemed defamatory towards the Thai monarchy. The case highlights the ongoing use of Thailand's strict royal insult laws to prosecute online speech.
India's Delhi High Court has rejected Telegram's appeal against a temporary ban imposed to prevent fraud during a national medical entrance examination scheduled for Sunday.
Former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan predicts GE16 will be characterized by mundane, functional political narratives rather than inspiring visions for change, with no party capable of delivering genuine transformation.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force chief has underscored the critical importance of air capabilities in protecting Malaysia's vital maritime corridors against evolving regional security challenges and geopolitical instability.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has declared that developing nations will not tolerate unjust treatment from European countries, citing Malaysia's ongoing defence-related dispute with Norway as evidence of the region's willingness to seek alternative partnerships.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for ASEAN and Russia to deepen strategic cooperation across multiple sectors while reaffirming Malaysia's commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy at a commemorative summit in Kazan.
An Interpol report reveals cybercrime now comprises roughly a third of all offences across Asian nations, with online scams emerging as the most damaging threat. The findings highlight how organised criminal networks are adapting to law enforcement pressure.
Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has called on citizens to maintain commitment to both material development and spiritual growth as the nation marks the Islamic New Year 1448 Hijrah, while addressing rising crime concerns.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that multilateral engagement platforms like the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit are vital for fostering mutual understanding, building trust, and identifying areas of shared benefit between nations.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy, expressing personal appreciation for Russian music and literature as vital complements to economic cooperation between nations.
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been arrested on corruption charges involving unauthorized overseas military training funded by state resources.
Vietnam's new Decree No. 208 requires airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays exceeding 15 minutes, effective next month. The regulation covers delays, cancellations, and schedule changes with specific assistance requirements.
Thailand's Department of Special Investigation has launched Operation Shutdown the Laundering, targeting an illegal forex investment network across five provinces with suspected ties to politicians and entertainment figures.
Indonesian police arrested a Singaporean national in Medan on suspicion of running a sophisticated vape manufacturing operation disguised with Labubu doll packaging, which generated approximately US$565,000 in profits since 2025.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reassured Malaysians that despite strengthening relations with Beijing, Kuala Lumpur will not surrender its judicial independence or weaken law enforcement standards.
Vietnamese police have arrested nine suspects and rescued over 400 cats from an organised theft ring operating across southern Vietnam. More than 40 stolen felines have been reunited with their owners, though around 100 rescued animals died from mistreatment.