China

China blames military drills for reef damage around disputed shoal

BEIJING: China said without naming any country that military activities such as bomb-dropping training in the waters around Scarborough Shoal have damaged the coral reefs there, state broadcaster CCTV said on Monday (Dec 29) citing an ecological report.

Commodities

Oil gains as investors weigh Middle East tensions

OIL prices rose on Monday as investors weighed Middle East tensions that could disrupt supply, while a major hurdle remains in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

Thailand

Thailand issues tighter New Year controls on fireworks, floating lanterns and gunfire

BANGKOK: Thailand's Interior Ministry has ordered governors nationwide to step up safety measures for the New Year 2026 holiday period, including strict controls on fireworks and floating lanterns, and a hardline crackdown on firing guns into the air, with offenders to face tough legal action.

South Korea

S. Korean president vows to reveal truth on anniversary of Jeju Air crash

SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday(Dec 29) apologised to the families of the 179 people who died in a Jeju Air crash a year ago, vowing to reveal the truth behind the worst aircraft accident on the country's soil.

Singapore

Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi linked to scams: Authorities to seize more assets in Singapore

SINGAPORE: More assets in Singapore linked to Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi and his firm, Prince Group, may be seized after their existence was disclosed in a court hearing.

Markets

Asian stocks rise, precious metals hit records on Fed rate cut bets

SINGAPORE: Asian stocks were at six-week highs on Monday, while the dollar hovered near its lowest in almost three months on expectations of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates next year, which have also sparked a fierce rally in precious metals.

Forex

Ringgit opens higher for 12th consecutive session

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit continued its upward momentum on Monday, opening higher for the 12th consecutive session ahead of a holiday-shortened trading week leading into the New Year.

Markets

Bursa Malaysia remains subdued amid year-end mood

KUALA LUMPUR: With investors revelling in year-end celebrations, the domestic market is expected to stay in range-bound over the final days of 2025 trading.

Technology

Coupang announces $1.18 billion compensation to South Korean users for data leak

SEOUL, Dec ‌29 (Reuters) - South Korean e-commerce ‌company Coupang announced on ‌Monday a compensation package of 1.69 trillion won ($1.18 billion) to holders ‍of 33.7 million ‍accounts for ‌a massive data leak that has ‍drawn ​backlash from users and lawmakers.

Entertainment

HK stars Ali Lee & Lai Lok-yi mark first on-screen reunion since 2018 in a Malaysian drama

The pair agreed to headline the 15-episode series on faith alone.

Economy

Strong job market to underpin retail in 2026

SINGAPORE: Consumer spending in Singapore is likely to remain robust next year, supported by improving job prospects and steady investment returns, economists say.

Nation

Traffic management plan in place at ICQS

PASIR MAS: Border control agencies have taken early measures to ensure smooth movement at the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quaran­tine and Security (ICQS) complex during the school holidays, says Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) deputy commander Bakri Sulaiman.

Nation

Tremors rock parts of Muar district, public advised to remain calm

MUAR: Following incidents of tremors in several areas in Johor, security authorities and relevant agencies are continuing to monitor the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of the public and surrounding areas, says Muar district officer Zainal Eran.

Nation

Nursery worker held for alleged baby abuse

KUALA LUMPUR: A video showing the alleged abuse of two babies by a caretaker has led to the arrest of a suspect.

Economy

Malaysia’s 2025 exports hit RM1.45 trillion as of November

KEPALA BATAS: Malaysia's export value reached RM1.45 trillion for the period of January to November this year, while total trade hit RM2.77 trillion for the same period.

Vietnam

Pickleball noises spark backlash

The piercing pop-pop of pickleball paddles starts before sunrise and ends after midnight at dozens of newly built courts across Hanoi, as residents relish one of the country's fastest-growing sports or rage at the noise it makes.

Indonesia

Valencia coach dies in boat accident

Fernando Martin, a coach with Valencia CF, has died along with three members of his family after their boat capsized, Spanish football clubs said.

Nation

Suspected bomb maker remanded one week

SEREMBAN: The man arrested in connection with an explosion in Desa Palma, Nilai, has been remanded for a week until Jan 3.

Singapore

Dengue cases hit seven-year low in 2025

Dengue cases are at their lowest in seven years, with about 4,000 cases recorded in 2025, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA).

Myanmar

Young voters absent from polls

The droves of young people who queued to cast ballosts in past elections were conspicuous by their absence from the military-run poll, with older voters dominating the turnout.