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Close up of a person suffering from leprosy. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysia

Mistrust of Malaysian healthcare by Orang Asli minority grows after leprosy death

The Orang Asli community is seeking answers after a teenager’s preventable leprosy-related death.

Japan

Fake Japanese police uniform, reportedly from China, sparks real-life concerns

Thailand

‘Life worth living’: an Irish man’s mission to save Thailand’s stray dogs

Japan

Naked man’s deadly rampage in Japan leaves public demanding answers from police

“I shouldn’t talk about it,” he said when arrested, leading people to speculate on the motive behind his bizarre behaviour.

A naked man went on a rampage stealing and crashing cars, and assaulting people in Japan. Photo: Shutterstock
A naked man went on a rampage stealing and crashing cars, and assaulting people in Japan. Photo: Shutterstock
The Philippines

Philippines’ new digital nomad visa: a boost for tourism or Pogo loophole?

Strict laws should be put in place to prevent these visas from being exploited by banned offshore gaming operators, critics warn.

South Korea

Quick-thinking South Korean police rescue woman after silent 112 call for help

The wordless phone call received a rapid police response thanks to Senior Patrol Officer Kim Hye-jin’s instincts and training.

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Japan

‘Panda politics’: sorrow and suspicion in Japan as China recalls 4 pandas

With the animals’ return in June before the expiry of a loan agreement, Japan will be left with just two pandas at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo.

Giant panda Fuhin and her mother Rauhin play at the Adventure World park in Shirahama in Japan in 2021. Photo: Kyodo
Giant panda Fuhin and her mother Rauhin play at the Adventure World park in Shirahama in Japan in 2021. Photo: Kyodo
Japan

As tourist bookings plunge over earthquake prophecies, Japan shuts down rumours

The Chinese embassy in Tokyo inadvertently added to the fears by warning citizens to take precautions against natural disasters.

South Korea

Air Busan passenger detained by Chinese police after latest emergency door scare

South Korean airlines have been urged to enhance their security measures following a spate of mid-flight incidents.

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Japan

Biting, kicking, sex harassment: inside the abusive world of Japanese nursing

Japan’s nurses hope a high-profile case will finally force change in their abusive workplaces.

Students of Japanese nursing schools attend a candlelight procession before a Florence Nightingale Medal awarding ceremony in Tokyo. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Remembering Nora Aunor: actress, ‘rebel’ and the Philippines’ ‘Superstar’

Filipino screenwriter Ricardo Lee pays tribute to Aunor, who spent her career fighting stereotypes and giving voice to the marginalised.

Filipino actress Nora Aunor at a photocall for “Sinapupunan (Thy womb)“ during the 69th Venice Film Festival in September 2012. Photo: AFP
Filipino actress Nora Aunor at a photocall for “Sinapupunan (Thy womb)“ during the 69th Venice Film Festival in September 2012. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysians poor? ‘We have free healthcare, grandpa,’ they tell Bill O’Reilly

The US political commentator drew the ire of Malaysians by suggesting they were too poor to buy a hat or afford a proper meal.

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Japan

Japan’s World Expo struggles with low visitor figures amid a litany of woes

Despite hitting 1 million visitors, Osaka Expo 2025 has been plagued by a bomb scare, methane explosion and long queues.

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South Korea

Police suspect noise dispute behind deadly South Korea flat fire

The 61-year-old is suspected of having set fire to his former neighbours’ flats after nearly two years of conflicts over noise issues.

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South Korean authorities investigate a fire in Seoul. Photo: dpa
Malaysia

Malaysian journalist in bribe scandal returns, vows to report ‘without fear’

B. Nantha Kumar has been allowed back to Malaysiakini after an internal inquiry cleared him, although he still faces a criminal trial.

Malaysiakini journalist B. Nantha Kumar has returned to work. Photo: Facebook/Nantha Kumar Balachandram
Malaysiakini journalist B. Nantha Kumar has returned to work. Photo: Facebook/Nantha Kumar Balachandram
Malaysia

Malaysia’s plan to teach Asean languages in schools sparks parental backlash

Critics argue that the languages of other Asean countries have less relevance than Mandarin or Tamil to Malaysian students.

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India

Indian man mistakenly operated on, hospital investigated for mix-up

The elderly man unknowingly raised his hand when staff called out for a patient with a similar name and was taken into the operating theatre.

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Thailand

‘Do not be racist’: Thai park ranger sacked after ‘ni hao’ tourist clash

The viral video has stirred debate on whether he was right to be offended or overreacted to the Mandarin greeting.

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In this screengrab from his video, Siranudh Scott warns the foreign tourist not to be racist. Photo: Instagram/Psiscott
In this screengrab from his video, Siranudh Scott warns the foreign tourist not to be racist. Photo: Instagram/Psiscott
Malaysia

Malaysian teen’s seizure after vaping reignites debate on device ban

Only two states have imposed a blanket ban on e-cigarettes and vapes so far, as the health ministry flip-flops on a decision.

South Korea

In South Korea, videos aiming to ‘help women get home safely’ spark outrage

Netizens slam the videos for mocking the fear and panic that women feel when approached or followed by unknown men at night.

Malaysia

Will red tape snarl Malaysia’s concert hub plans to emulate Singapore?

Rights to host mega concerts came into stark focus last year after Singapore secured an exclusive deal with US superstar Taylor Swift.

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Taylor Swift performs in the US. Singapore was estimated to have earned up to US$500 million in tourism receipts from hosting six of her shows. Photo: Getty Images/TNS/AFP
South Korea

‘The law didn’t protect me’: South Korea’s losing battle against AI sex crimes

Victims lament a lack of police help to resolve their cases, while sex educators call for a change in gender attitudes to tackle the scourge.

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Activists wearing masks protest against deepfake porn in Seoul last year. The poster reads: “Repeated deepfake sex crimes, the state is an accomplice too”. Photo: AFP
Activists wearing masks protest against deepfake porn in Seoul last year. The poster reads: “Repeated deepfake sex crimes, the state is an accomplice too”. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

Amid ‘Jumbo’ success, can Indonesia become an animation powerhouse?

The Indonesian film has become Southeast Asia’s biggest ever animation release in terms of revenue, at US$10 million as of April 14.

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Malaysia

‘It stinks’: Malaysian deodorant ad pulled over racial insensitivity claims

The ad featured a dark-skinned man with a religious marking and a light-skinned man with body odour, sparking accusations of racial insensitivity.

Thailand

Viral video of topless tourist’s brawl with guards in Pattaya sparks probe

A video showed a shirtless tourist being knocked down with a single punch by a bouncer after the foreigner allegedly behaved inappropriately towards female bar staff.

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A tourist who challenged a bouncer to a fight outside a bar in Thailand was taught a lesson when he was knocked to the ground. Photo: X/patrickallsyms
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