Malaysia’s government news agency
Malaysia has reaffirmed its policy of not recognizing Israel and will continue to bar Israeli citizens from entering the country. The stance follows scrutiny in Washington over security and military ties, including a push by eight US lawmakers to suspend IMET funding. Analysts say the row will not derail broader defense cooperation between Kuala Lumpur and Washington.
Humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees has fallen as their numbers have grown and living conditions have worsened in Bangladesh camps and in host countries. Malaysia has announced screening and a plan to repatriate up to 5,000 Myanmar nationals, prompting fear, detentions and evictions; rights groups and the UN have warned returns could put refugees at risk.
A 32-year-old man has been struck by lightning in a field amid severe weather, the latest in a series of lightning-related incidents this year. Officials say Florida, Texas, and several others report the highest numbers, with thousands injured over decades and a steady, though declining, annual death toll.
Airports serving Jakarta have reopened after volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau has moved away. Authorities are conducting inspections and cleaning as flight disruptions affect thousands of passengers across eight airports.
The region faces worsening air quality as fires in Indonesia burn; Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are among the world’s most polluted cities. Airlines cancel flights; governments consider regional action as ASEAN discusses the crisis.
The months-long fires have disrupted life across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and East Timor. Health impacts rise as air quality remains in the very unhealthy to hazardous range. Regional leaders vow action while investigations target companies linked to the blazes amid El Niño-driven drought.