Today's top Malaysian news, sport and lifestyle.
Myanmar's military government announced that detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with a Red Cross official, the first confirmed foreign contact since her 2021 detention. The encounter comes amid mounting regional pressure for independent verification of her wellbeing.
The US State Department has advised American citizens in West Asia to prepare for immediate departure as tensions with Iran escalate. Embassies across the region warn of potential airspace closures and military strikes, while recent incidents underscore the volatile security environment.
Two former Sri Lankan security officials have been sentenced to death for failing to prevent the devastating 2019 Easter bombings that killed 279 people. They plan to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court within two weeks.
Japan has launched its National Intelligence Bureau on Friday, consolidating intelligence operations across government agencies. The move signals Tokyo's intensified focus on countering foreign espionage and responding to regional security challenges.
Israeli artillery struck Syria's southern Quneitra province on Thursday, with three shells landing near Tal al-Ahmar al-Sharqi. The incident marks the latest in escalating Israeli military operations since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government.
Malaysia and Thailand have pledged to intensify defence cooperation during high-level talks, with both nations emphasizing their commitment to regional stability and addressing evolving security threats.
Pakistan and Jordan have launched coordinated diplomatic efforts to address escalating Israeli military operations and alleged settler violence in Palestinian territories, with plans for broader Arab and Islamic states engagement.
Thailand has suspended peace talks with southern insurgents originally scheduled for September in Malaysia after a deadly attack in Narathiwat killed five rangers. The government says dialogue will resume once conditions permit.
Bank Indonesia's Perry Warjiyo stepped down this week as Indonesia pursues tariff relief for palm oil. Meanwhile, the Philippines reinforces ASEAN partnerships, Singapore expands Australian security ties, and Thailand braces for US trade pressures.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has initiated an investigation into Saudi Arabia's allegations that drones targeting the kingdom originated from pro-Iran militia groups operating within Iraq's borders.
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has positioned ASEAN as his nation's primary strategic anchor, highlighting collective achievements in food security, digital harmonization, and energy resilience under Manila's 2026 chairmanship.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has declared Beirut's intention to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories, visiting communities where Lebanese forces have recently re-established presence.
Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot has become the leading opposition figure challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in upcoming October 27 elections, reshaping Israel's political landscape.
Twenty undocumented Myanmar nationals were apprehended during a security operation in Mae Sot district, Tak province, after being discovered without valid travel documents. The arrests highlight ongoing challenges with cross-border migration in Thailand's northern regions.
Top diplomats from China and the Philippines will hold their first bilateral meeting in two years this week in Manila, even as tensions escalate over South China Sea claims, Taiwan, and Japan alignments.
Donald Trump announced a productive conversation with newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, discussing trade relationships, military alliances, and regional security matters. The two leaders plan to meet soon.
The United States has reasserted its commitment to maintaining open international waterways as essential to global trade and security. US Ambassador to ASEAN Kevin Kim stressed the principle applies particularly to the South China Sea, where much of global commerce depends on unobstructed passage.
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held bilateral talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, focusing on strengthening defence cooperation and economic ties.
ASEAN and India have renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties at ministerial talks in Manila, emphasizing maritime cooperation, trade and security amid mounting global challenges.
The US has condemned Chinese actions in the South China Sea as ASEAN gathers in Manila, with tensions rising after a clash between Philippine and Chinese sailors. The meeting also faces pressure over Myanmar's reintegration.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has congratulated Andy Burnham on his appointment as the United Kingdom's new prime minister, emphasizing the two nations' strategic partnership and opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
An Indian tourist has been sentenced to two years, two months and two weeks' jail for stealing a S$200,000 diamond from a Chinatown jewellery store. He and an accomplice executed a sophisticated swap using a fake stone before attempting to flee Singapore.
Jordan activated air-raid sirens across multiple regions on Sunday after reports that Iranian missiles targeting the coastal city of Aqaba were intercepted by Israeli and Jordanian forces, escalating Middle East tensions.
Six Israeli military vehicles entered Syria's Quneitra province on Saturday, advancing toward the Kudna Dam while drones surveilled the area, underscoring mounting Israeli operations in Syrian territory.
Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has called for an open national discussion on nuclear weapons, citing shifts in European security policies and deteriorating regional conditions that challenge Tokyo's traditional non-nuclear stance.
Two US service members were killed and one remains missing following Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on a US position in Jordan on July 17, according to CENTCOM.
Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei has declared US President Trump's signature meaningless after accusing Washington of violating a June peace accord, as military exchanges intensify across the Middle East.
India's space industry is entering a new phase as Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch the nation's first privately developed orbital rocket. The sector has expanded dramatically since opening to private investment in 2020, with over 400 startups now operating in a market valued at $8.4 billion.
The United States military has conducted a second round of strikes against Iran, targeting military assets threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying regional tensions.
Kuwait's military activated air defence systems early Wednesday to counter what officials described as hostile Iranian drone attacks, as tensions surge across the Gulf region following broader US-Iran escalations.
Southeast Asian nations intensify efforts against online crime and gambling while pursuing infrastructure projects and strengthening regional defence partnerships. Border tensions continue displacing civilians in Cambodia.
The Philippines, as ASEAN chair, will spearhead a humanitarian mission to Myanmar by the end of 2026, aiming to expand aid access to conflict-affected areas. The plan emerged from diplomatic talks involving regional foreign ministers and Myanmar stakeholders.
Malaysia's Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled has committed to strengthening cooperation with Thailand's newly appointed Peace Dialogue Panel chief Thanut Suvarnananda to advance peace efforts in southern Thailand.
Malaysia and Thailand have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding defence cooperation and tackling regional security issues, with Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin meeting his Thai counterpart Lieutenant General Adul Boonthumjaroen.
Iran has rejected US President Trump's proposal for peace negotiations, insisting Washington must first meet Tehran's preconditions on maritime transit and oil sales. Fresh threats of military action have intensified regional instability.
The Philippines has reaffirmed ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus as the primary framework for resolving Myanmar's crisis while advocating a more pragmatic approach to its implementation that responds to evolving circumstances.
Thailand is hosting two informal meetings of ASEAN foreign ministers focused on Myanmar, with the Philippines chairing discussions aimed at advancing regional consensus on the crisis and supporting peace efforts.
Singapore's law enforcement joined a coordinated Interpol operation across 97 countries that arrested 5,811 suspects and recovered US$293 million in illicit funds between January and April, targeting sophisticated fraud schemes.
The Philippines is urging ASEAN to bolster defences around critical maritime corridors including the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea, warning that disruptions could destabilise regional economies and trigger global supply chain crises.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reaffirmed that addressing violence and security challenges in Thailand's southern border provinces remain central to his government's agenda, pledging continued cooperation with Malaysia to foster peace and development.
Iran's military has warned that all US military installations across the Middle East will become legitimate targets for drone attacks if the United States continues breaching a ceasefire agreement, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions.
Kuwait has unveiled a US$100 million emergency fund to finance repairs of infrastructure damaged during regional military tensions, marking a significant financial commitment to reconstruction.
China has intensified economic pressure on Japan over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, but the Trump administration has largely sidelined the issue despite Japan's urgent appeals, revealing strains in a critical US-Japan alliance.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will visit Malaysia on July 9-10 to meet PM Anwar Ibrahim. Border security and regional economic partnerships are expected to headline the bilateral discussions.
Malaysia has partnered with Australian defence firm Rocket Technologies International to establish local rocket and missile manufacturing, strengthening sovereign defence capabilities and aligning with national defence industry policy.
Malaysia has assured Belgium that the South China Sea will remain open to maritime traffic, with Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof emphasizing ASEAN's commitment to regional peace and security.
Malaysia is strengthening border security measures following a bomb blast in Thailand's Tak Bai district that wounded two Malaysian holidaymakers. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari stressed ongoing cooperation with Thai authorities and regional partners.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's dedication to bolstering ASEAN as a cohesive and inclusive regional bloc capable of addressing its peoples' aspirations during talks with the ASEAN Secretary-General.
Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will unveil his long-delayed defence investment strategy, prioritising advanced technologies including drones and autonomous systems to strengthen the nation's military capabilities.
Iran has escalated pressure on the United States to enforce an immediate Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories, positioning the issue as central to any sustainable regional agreement and stability framework.
Iran and Oman have held the first meeting of their Joint Hormuz Committee, focusing on the governance and future management of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz while respecting the sovereignty of littoral states.
Uganda is evacuating 746 of its nationals from South Africa following months of escalating xenophobic violence. The government will deploy special charter flights through Uganda Airlines, with operations beginning within days.
Japan's parliament has approved legislation to reorganise its Air Self-Defence Force, adding space operations capabilities and establishing a new command structure to address evolving security threats in the region.