Nation

Cops get MCMC's help to probe fake lewd videos of Rafizi, Wong Chen

SUBANG JAYA: Police have enlisted the help of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in the investigation into politicians being blackmailed by supposedly fake lewd videos.

Indonesia

Indonesia leader in damage control, installs loyalists after protests

JAKARTA: In removing Indonesia's finance minister and U-turning on protester demands, the leader of South-East Asia's biggest economy is scrambling to restore public trust while seizing a chance to install loyalists after deadly riots last month, experts say.

Laos

Laos seeks to enhance MSMEs competitiveness, digital skills

VIENTIANE: Laos is stepping up efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and enhance human resource development through digital innovation, in line with its goal of equipping more young people with information and communication technology (ICT) skills

Nation

Malaysia, China to collaborate on smart city pilot projects

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and China have agreed to strengthen cooperation in developing smart city pilot projects, with plans to establish smart city command centres in Malaysia's second-tier cities such as Ipoh and Seberang Perai.

Japan

Bear attacks man in his 60s in Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture

SENDAI, (Japan): A bear attacked a man in his 60s on a road in Tomiya, Miyagi Prefecture, on Friday (Sept 12) evening, local police reported.

South Korea

Seventeen apologises after fireworks injure two at Incheon concert

SEOUL: Seventeen's management agency Pledis Entertainment issued an apology after pyrotechnic malfunctions left two fans injured during the group's Incheon concert

India

India expands railway network along China border to boost connectivity and security

NEW DELHI: India is laying new railway lines along its eastern frontier with China to strengthen connectivity, improve freight movement, and enhance military preparedness in the event of deteriorating bilateral relations.

Nation

Kluang bridge cracks under observation

KLUANG: The cracks found along a bridge at Jalan Mardi pose no danger, says state executive councillor Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.

China

Trump calls on all NATO countries to stop buying Russian oil and impose 50% to 100% tariffs on China

BASKING RIDGE, New Jersey: President Donald Trump said Saturday (Sept 13) he believes the Russia-Ukraine war would end if all NATO countries stopped buying oil from Russia and placed tariffs on China of 50 to 100 per cent for its purchases of Russian petroleum.

Japan

Famed ‘Slam Dunk’ sightseeing spot in Japan caught up in incident involving student; city acts to ease crowding

KAMAKURA, Kanagawa: The city of Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, on Saturday (Sept 13) launched four-day trial measures through Tuesday to ease crowding at a railway crossing near Kamakura-koko-mae Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway Line.

Singapore

Firms not allowed to engage foreign freelancers to provide creative services in Singapore

SINGAPORE: Companies in industries such as those involving photography, videography and make-up services are not allowed to engage foreign freelancers for clients in Singapore.

Sabah & Sarawak

Kinarut student suspended for bullying, confirms state education department

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Education Department has confirmed that a secondary school student has been suspended following a bullying incident at a school hostel earlier this month.

Nation

Businessman lost RM135,000 in online investment scam

SIBU: A businessman in his 40s lost RM135,000 after falling victim to an online investment scam.

Brunei

Brunei explores future of drones

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Institution of Engineering and Technology Universiti Brunei Darussalam On-Campus organised a technical talk 'Exploring the Future of Drones in Brunei' in Kampong Kiulap, drawing participation from current and aspiring engineers.

Nation

Thousands of Malaysians cross into Thailand during long weekend

KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands of Malaysians took advantage of the Malaysia Day long weekend to cross into Thailand, triggering massive congestion at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Kedah.

Cambodia

Cambodia's e-commerce revenue estimated at US$1.1bil in 2025: commerce minister

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's e-commerce revenue is estimated at US1.1 billion in 2025 and up to US$1.8 billion in 2029, the country's Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul said in Phnom Penh on Friday (Sept 12).

Sabah & Sarawak

Political party leader accused of misappropriating over RM33,000 in party funds

KOTA KINABALU: Members of a newly formed political party may have to ease off after their leader was accused of misappropriating party funds.

Laos

Laos plans ring road for Luang Prabang to ease traffic congestion

LUANG PRABANG: Luang Prabang authorities have taken the first step towards easing transport bottlenecks with the signing of a contract to study the design and possible impacts of a proposed 80-kilometre ring road and a bridge across the Mekong River.

AI

Parents urged to keep kids away from Google's 'unsafe' chatbot

Google's Gemini AI offering is not suitable for children despite a recent addition of protections, according to Common Sense Media, an organisation that advises parents and schools on safe use of media and tech for children.

Myanmar

Myanmar armed forces regain control of military bases and neighbourhoods in the north from insurgents

YANGON: The armed forces has regained control of some military bases, camps and villages near Bhamo, which were temporarily controlled by the Kachin Indepence Army (KIA), Arakan Army (AA) and People's Defence Force (PDF).