
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Monday (Aug 18, 2025)
* Curb bullying from primary school level, King decrees / Education Ministry to implement anti-bullying campaign in schools following royal decree
* Another MP is ejected as Speaker orders Awang Solahuddin to leave
* Zara Qairina case: Five minors to be charged with bullying, says AG
* Elements of bullying, neglect, sexual harassment found in Zara's case, Home Minister tells Parliament
* Several suspects involved in Zara's bullying to be charged, won't interfere with inquest, says AGC
* Johor bullying case: No compromise, says Fadhlina as Education Ministry orders immediate probe
* Use human values to deal with AI challenge, says Anwar / Beware those who sow communal hate, says Anwar
* Cops recover thousands of ATM cards believed to have been held by loan sharks
* Court to hear Najib's bid to cite former AG Ahmad Terrirudin for contempt on Aug 19
* Inquest into Zara's death to begin Sept 3, says coroner
* Don't politicise deaths of bullying victims, Anwar warns
* Govt will not embark on mega projects, to focus spending on the people
* Carbon tax aligns with climate policy and carbon market, says Amir Hamzah
* Ramanan: Anwar scheduled to announce new initiative for Indian community tomorrow
* Process to separate powers of AG and public prosecutor at final stage, says Azalina
* Halim Saad fails bid to reinstate lawsuit against Dr M, two others
A woman covers her head with a sheet of paper as she walks along a street during a drizzle in Bangkok on Monday, August 18, 2025. -- Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA / AFP
Singapore:
* Singapore prioritises jobs amid a fragmenting world and the rise of AI, says PM Lawrence Wong
* Singapore: Three Sengkang Green Primary 3 students suspended after threatening to kill a classmate and her family
* Singapore cracks down on vaping in public transport
* 'Skibidi' and 'tradwife': Social media words added to Cambridge dictionary
* Singaporean gets 72 years' jail, 24 lashes for murdering wife and stepson
* Singapore key exports fall worse than expected in July as shipments to US plunge 42.7 per cent
* Workers' Party urges Singapore government to engage widely, explore all solutions following National Day Rally
Indonesia:
* Indonesia makes a breakthrough as it airdrops humanitarian aid to Gaza on 80th Independence Day
* From Indonesia's poisoned gold tunnels, miners are now looking to farming
* Oil well fire in Indonesia's Blora district claims two lives, displaces dozens
* Indonesia's 2026 budget ripe with politics, thinner on strategy
* Indonesia's 'Gasoline Godfather' targetted in US$18bil graft probe
* Dozens hurt after 5.8-magnitude quake rocks Sulawesi island
Protesters shout slogans as they rally against the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS), an annual joint military exercise between the United States and South Korea, in front of the presidential office in Seoul on Monday, August 18, 2025. -- Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP
Thailand:
* Police and prosecutors interrogate Thai PM Paetongtarn over Hun Sen's leaked audio clip
* Thailand to allow foreign tourists to convert crypto to baht
* Thais dissatisfied with MPs, losing faith in parties: poll
* Thailand's Q2 growth beats forecast but faces slowdown in H2 on tariffs
* Asia FX steady, stocks mixed ahead of US-Ukraine meeting, Fed symposium
Philippines:
* Philippine President Marcos wants a smoother zero balance implementation in hospitals
* Philippine gambling sites start moving to other apps
* Philippine flood control works get 'fraud audit'
* South Korean and US militaries begin annual summertime drills to cope with North Korean threats
A building billows smoke as firefighters work to extinguish a fire that broke out in Osaka, Japan, on Monday, August 18, 2025. -- Photo: Kyodo/via REUTERS
Vietnam:
* China slams Germany for 'hyping' regional tensions in Asia
* Fitch Ratings warns Vietnam's growth push may raise debt risks
* Vietnam proposes scrapping business conditions
* Vietnam PM attends ceremony announcing Unesco World Heritage status for Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes
Myanmar:
* Global inflation forecast to reach four per cent in 2025, German think tank says
* Myanmar to hold first phase of general election on Dec 28 despite raging civil war, state TV reports
* Myanmar district chief suspended for raping four women, sentenced to 10 years in prison and 300,000 yuan compensation
* Myanmar election to begin December 28: junta
A man is silhouetted as he carries plastic containers while heading home outside Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. -- AP Photo/Heng Sinith
Cambodia:
* Cambodian lotion and beauty tycoon jailed for incitement and demoralising army
* Thailand clears 99 per cent of landmines in areas bordering Cambodia
* Cambodian train derailment sees 70,000 litres of diesel spilt
* China-aided landmine clearance project benefits over 2.6 million Cambodians: official
Laos:
* Unicef: Climate change biggest threat to children, Asean children summit to tackle concerns
* South Korean projects bring better health to Laos
* Laos eyes export of rosella, onions, sesame to South Korea
Brunei:
* Brunei announces financing scheme for youth entrepreneurs
* Bruneians alerted to Macau scam
* Dollar braces for busy week of geopolitics and Fed speak
Armed police officers stand guard outside the West Kowloon court after Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai arrived for his national security trial in Hong Kong on Monday, August 18, 2025. --Photo by ISAAC LAWRENCE / AFP
AseanPlus:
* Over 100,000 expected at Gaza solidarity gathering at Dataran Merdeka
* Sarawak GOF seizes smuggled goods, illegal timber worth RM4.85mil
* Chinese national jailed, fined for causing hurt to Immigration officer at KLIA
* Two foreigners without entry records detained at KLIA
* Spend now, stress later: The double-edged sword of buy-now-pay-later deals for Malaysians
* HK-based artiste Kelvin Kwan loses wedding ring while touring KL with his wife
* Qantas fined US$59mil for firing 1,820 employees during Covid-19 pandemic
* 'Running Man' star Kim Jong-kook, 49, to wed in private ceremony
* Military court finds New Zealand soldier guilty of attempted espionage
* Maggie Cheung, 60, joins Xiaohongshu; responds with grace to comments about her 'looking old'
* US' annual China human rights review shorter, remains sharply critical
* Australians more anxious about Trump tariffs than China, poll shows
* Action star Jet Li sparks health concerns after sharing video from hospital bed
* Modi's tax overhaul to strain finances but boost image amid US trade tensions
* Watchmaker Swatch apologises for 'slanted eye' ad after online backlash in China
* Hong Kong democrat Jimmy Lai given heart monitor for final stretch of marathon trial
* China stocks rally to decade-high on easing tariff tensions, rotation of funds
* Google agrees US$36mil fine for anti-competitive deals with Australia telcos
* A factory town in crisis shows Japan's fading manufacturing era
* Shares nudge higher in Asia, oil slips on truce talks
* US cancels India trade talks scheduled for August
* Some of the world's best destinations for whale watching
* Heavy rain disrupts traffic, floods roads in India's Mumbai
* India's Modi has phone call with Russia's Putin
* A South Korean city wanted 'Big Tree' landmark. It got a $31.8m letdown
* Teen gaming addicts prone to stress, sleep loss, depression – survey
* South Korean actor Lee Ji-hoon accused of domestic violence by wife
* Japan steel groups seek reforms to stop tariff evasion as China exports surge
* Pakistan resumes rescue operations in flood-hit areas; death toll over 300
* How a driving score turned road safety into a national game in South Korea
* Foxconn's Apple era fades as AI servers drive growth in Taiwan tech sector
* Pakistan defends flood response after over 270 people killed in north-western district
* South Korea's Lee orders partial phased implementation of existing North Korea pacts
* Photos of Beijing's World Humanoid Robot Games show how a human touch is still needed
* Creeping into the hearts of many -- From fireflies to crickets, bugs are treasured companions in Japan
* Cricket - Pakistan tell Babar to improve strike rate for T20 comeback
* Motor racing - Piastri gets his own grandstand for 2026 Australian GP
* Japan's Akie Iwai wins The Standard Portland Classic to join twin sister Chisato as 2025 LPGA Tour Rolex First Time Winner
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New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar: No nation is safe when racial hatred thrives
CYBERJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to reject attempts to incite racial hatred and not be swayed by those exploiting sensitive issues to divide national unity. Speaking at a town hall during the launch of Multimedia University's (MMU) Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Engineering (FAIE), he reminded the audience that Malaysians must rise above destructive tendencies. "Remember, we are anak Malaysia who should love our country. "We must put an end to this destructive culture of corruption and racism, of inciting racial hatred, constant quarrelling, provoking and insulting religion or race. "This is not education. Education should lead us towards good and transformation," he said. He added that the country must be safeguarded against such elements, including bullying and abuse. Anwar said that Malaysia is a nation of laws with a firm legal system, and that violations would be dealt with regardless of a person's status or background. "This is a nation of laws with rules that must be respected. The National Unity Ministry exists because, to me, political stability is essential. "This country must also learn from others. Nowhere in the world has racial or religious hatred ever brought safety or stability," he said at the Temu Anwar programme. He was responding to a student's question on government efforts to strengthen unity and combat racism. "No country can remain safe if voices of racial or religious hatred are allowed to flourish. We must be firm in ensuring no one fans such divisions," he said. The prime minister also praised the maturity of today's youth in prioritising unity. "My outlook is very hopeful when I see young people today being positive and mature in their views on unity. But we must also recognise there are still groups trying to incite and distort facts," he added. Citing the death of student Zara Qairina Mahathir, Anwar again stressed that the government has never concealed facts or protected anyone. "If it involves murder or bullying, I don't care whose child it is — if a crime has been committed, we will investigate and prosecute," he said. Also present at the launch were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. MMU's new FAIE will feature state-of-the-art laboratories to foster creativity and collaboration between students, researchers and industry partners, ensuring graduates remain competitive in the digital economy. The faculty will introduce a new Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Applied AI) programme, a three-year full-time course beginning in July 2025. Existing engineering programmes will also be enhanced with AI components to equip students with advanced technological skills. Applied AI covers technologies such as machine learning and automation to address real-world challenges, including smart healthcare, autonomous vehicles, intelligent farming and personalised digital assistants.

Barnama
5 hours ago
- Barnama
MOT Ready To Discuss Cross-border e-hailing Implementation With Singapore
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Ministry of Transport (MOT) is in principle ready to discuss with Singapore the implementation of cross-border e-hailing between Johor and the republic. He said the matter had been raised with Singapore's former Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, but the republic was not ready to discuss the proposal at that time. "This matter cannot be implemented by one party alone; both sides must agree before it can be implemented," he said when winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for the MOT in the Dewan Rakyat today. Regarding the Special Op for Foreign Vehicle E-Hailing on Aug 13, he said the Road Transport Department (JPJ) had detained and seized four private vehicles driven by Singaporean individuals, which are still under investigation by JPJ. 'Why is there this special operation? Because at the Singapore level, they are also enforcing the law on private vehicles from Malaysia, especially those from Johor Bahru entering Singapore, which are being stopped. It is said that they are providing an illegal service, such as e-hailing services. "So, we are also taking the same approach in enforcing our laws as a reciprocal approach to what is being implemented in Singapore, but we hope there is a better long-term solution so that this cross-border connectivity can be improved," he said. To address the issue of cross-border traffic congestion between Johor and Singapore, Loke said the federal government is, among other things, upgrading the main road network connecting the Bukit Chagar Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link station to make traffic flow more efficient. At the same time, he said the MOT and the Johor state government had announced an initiative to expand the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) scheme as a medium-term solution. 'The Johor government has also identified 13 bus routes from JB Sentral to strategic locations for passenger convenience. This initiative aims to create a more efficient intermediate bus network connecting residential and commercial areas to the Bukit Chagar RTS station," he said.


The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Monday (Aug 18, 2025)
Malaysia: * Curb bullying from primary school level, King decrees / Education Ministry to implement anti-bullying campaign in schools following royal decree * Another MP is ejected as Speaker orders Awang Solahuddin to leave * Zara Qairina case: Five minors to be charged with bullying, says AG * Elements of bullying, neglect, sexual harassment found in Zara's case, Home Minister tells Parliament * Several suspects involved in Zara's bullying to be charged, won't interfere with inquest, says AGC * Johor bullying case: No compromise, says Fadhlina as Education Ministry orders immediate probe * Use human values to deal with AI challenge, says Anwar / Beware those who sow communal hate, says Anwar * Cops recover thousands of ATM cards believed to have been held by loan sharks * Court to hear Najib's bid to cite former AG Ahmad Terrirudin for contempt on Aug 19 * Inquest into Zara's death to begin Sept 3, says coroner * Don't politicise deaths of bullying victims, Anwar warns * Govt will not embark on mega projects, to focus spending on the people * Carbon tax aligns with climate policy and carbon market, says Amir Hamzah * Ramanan: Anwar scheduled to announce new initiative for Indian community tomorrow * Process to separate powers of AG and public prosecutor at final stage, says Azalina * Halim Saad fails bid to reinstate lawsuit against Dr M, two others A woman covers her head with a sheet of paper as she walks along a street during a drizzle in Bangkok on Monday, August 18, 2025. -- Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA / AFP Singapore: * Singapore prioritises jobs amid a fragmenting world and the rise of AI, says PM Lawrence Wong * Singapore: Three Sengkang Green Primary 3 students suspended after threatening to kill a classmate and her family * Singapore cracks down on vaping in public transport * 'Skibidi' and 'tradwife': Social media words added to Cambridge dictionary * Singaporean gets 72 years' jail, 24 lashes for murdering wife and stepson * Singapore key exports fall worse than expected in July as shipments to US plunge 42.7 per cent * Workers' Party urges Singapore government to engage widely, explore all solutions following National Day Rally Indonesia: * Indonesia makes a breakthrough as it airdrops humanitarian aid to Gaza on 80th Independence Day * From Indonesia's poisoned gold tunnels, miners are now looking to farming * Oil well fire in Indonesia's Blora district claims two lives, displaces dozens * Indonesia's 2026 budget ripe with politics, thinner on strategy * Indonesia's 'Gasoline Godfather' targetted in US$18bil graft probe * Dozens hurt after 5.8-magnitude quake rocks Sulawesi island Protesters shout slogans as they rally against the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS), an annual joint military exercise between the United States and South Korea, in front of the presidential office in Seoul on Monday, August 18, 2025. -- Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP Thailand: * Police and prosecutors interrogate Thai PM Paetongtarn over Hun Sen's leaked audio clip * Thailand to allow foreign tourists to convert crypto to baht * Thais dissatisfied with MPs, losing faith in parties: poll * Thailand's Q2 growth beats forecast but faces slowdown in H2 on tariffs * Asia FX steady, stocks mixed ahead of US-Ukraine meeting, Fed symposium Philippines: * Philippine President Marcos wants a smoother zero balance implementation in hospitals * Philippine gambling sites start moving to other apps * Philippine flood control works get 'fraud audit' * South Korean and US militaries begin annual summertime drills to cope with North Korean threats A building billows smoke as firefighters work to extinguish a fire that broke out in Osaka, Japan, on Monday, August 18, 2025. -- Photo: Kyodo/via REUTERS Vietnam: * China slams Germany for 'hyping' regional tensions in Asia * Fitch Ratings warns Vietnam's growth push may raise debt risks * Vietnam proposes scrapping business conditions * Vietnam PM attends ceremony announcing Unesco World Heritage status for Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes Myanmar: * Global inflation forecast to reach four per cent in 2025, German think tank says * Myanmar to hold first phase of general election on Dec 28 despite raging civil war, state TV reports * Myanmar district chief suspended for raping four women, sentenced to 10 years in prison and 300,000 yuan compensation * Myanmar election to begin December 28: junta A man is silhouetted as he carries plastic containers while heading home outside Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. -- AP Photo/Heng Sinith Cambodia: * Cambodian lotion and beauty tycoon jailed for incitement and demoralising army * Thailand clears 99 per cent of landmines in areas bordering Cambodia * Cambodian train derailment sees 70,000 litres of diesel spilt * China-aided landmine clearance project benefits over 2.6 million Cambodians: official Laos: * Unicef: Climate change biggest threat to children, Asean children summit to tackle concerns * South Korean projects bring better health to Laos * Laos eyes export of rosella, onions, sesame to South Korea Brunei: * Brunei announces financing scheme for youth entrepreneurs * Bruneians alerted to Macau scam * Dollar braces for busy week of geopolitics and Fed speak Armed police officers stand guard outside the West Kowloon court after Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai arrived for his national security trial in Hong Kong on Monday, August 18, 2025. --Photo by ISAAC LAWRENCE / AFP AseanPlus: * Over 100,000 expected at Gaza solidarity gathering at Dataran Merdeka * Sarawak GOF seizes smuggled goods, illegal timber worth RM4.85mil * Chinese national jailed, fined for causing hurt to Immigration officer at KLIA * Two foreigners without entry records detained at KLIA * Spend now, stress later: The double-edged sword of buy-now-pay-later deals for Malaysians * HK-based artiste Kelvin Kwan loses wedding ring while touring KL with his wife * Qantas fined US$59mil for firing 1,820 employees during Covid-19 pandemic * 'Running Man' star Kim Jong-kook, 49, to wed in private ceremony * Military court finds New Zealand soldier guilty of attempted espionage * Maggie Cheung, 60, joins Xiaohongshu; responds with grace to comments about her 'looking old' * US' annual China human rights review shorter, remains sharply critical * Australians more anxious about Trump tariffs than China, poll shows * Action star Jet Li sparks health concerns after sharing video from hospital bed * Modi's tax overhaul to strain finances but boost image amid US trade tensions * Watchmaker Swatch apologises for 'slanted eye' ad after online backlash in China * Hong Kong democrat Jimmy Lai given heart monitor for final stretch of marathon trial * China stocks rally to decade-high on easing tariff tensions, rotation of funds * Google agrees US$36mil fine for anti-competitive deals with Australia telcos * A factory town in crisis shows Japan's fading manufacturing era * Shares nudge higher in Asia, oil slips on truce talks * US cancels India trade talks scheduled for August * Some of the world's best destinations for whale watching * Heavy rain disrupts traffic, floods roads in India's Mumbai * India's Modi has phone call with Russia's Putin * A South Korean city wanted 'Big Tree' landmark. It got a $31.8m letdown * Teen gaming addicts prone to stress, sleep loss, depression – survey * South Korean actor Lee Ji-hoon accused of domestic violence by wife * Japan steel groups seek reforms to stop tariff evasion as China exports surge * Pakistan resumes rescue operations in flood-hit areas; death toll over 300 * How a driving score turned road safety into a national game in South Korea * Foxconn's Apple era fades as AI servers drive growth in Taiwan tech sector * Pakistan defends flood response after over 270 people killed in north-western district * South Korea's Lee orders partial phased implementation of existing North Korea pacts * Photos of Beijing's World Humanoid Robot Games show how a human touch is still needed * Creeping into the hearts of many -- From fireflies to crickets, bugs are treasured companions in Japan * Cricket - Pakistan tell Babar to improve strike rate for T20 comeback * Motor racing - Piastri gets his own grandstand for 2026 Australian GP * Japan's Akie Iwai wins The Standard Portland Classic to join twin sister Chisato as 2025 LPGA Tour Rolex First Time Winner