Tennis

Tennis-Venus hopes to play French Open after clay comeback in Madrid

April 22 (Reuters) - Venus Williams ⁠said she hopes to play this year's French Open ⁠after returning to compete on clay for the first ‌time in five years and losing in the opening round of the Madrid Open.

China

China unveils plan to make cities more youth, child friendly

HONG KONG: China has issued a new proposal urging cities to integrate youth development into urban planning, housing, healthcare, education and public services, in a broader push to make urban life more supportive for young people, children and families.

Metro News

NIAVS 2026 reflects Penang’s rise as business event hub

MORE than RM80mil worth of high-end audio and visual systems were showcased at the Northern International Audio & Visual Show (NIAVS) 2026 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Penang, emphasising Penang's growing appeal as a hub for high-value international business events.

Cybersecurity

North Korean hackers suspected of US$300mil crypto heist

A notorious North Korean hacking group is likely behind the theft of nearly US$300mil (RM1.18bil) in cryptocurrency over the weekend, an affected party has said, in the biggest known crypto heist this year.

Economy

Singapore says trade through Malacca Strait must remain free

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said passage through the straits of Malacca and Singapore, a key trade chokepoint brought into focus by the war in Iran, must remain free for all and that the city-state won't support any efforts to restrict it.

Nation

Sarawak Customs seizes almost RM2mil worth of contraband in Bintulu warehouse

BINTULU: The Customs Department has seized almost RM2mil worth of contraband cigarettes and liquor during a raid on a warehouse here.

Sabah & Sarawak

King extends personal contribution to Sandakan fire victims

KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has graciously extended a personal contribution to assist families affected by the fire tragedy in Kampung Bahagia, Sandakan.

AseanPlus News

It's back - Fifth Celebrity Charity Golf returns and calls for corporate support to help struggling artistes

Karyawan continues its commitment to advocating for the welfare of local artistes through the organisation of the fifth Celebrity Charity Golf on May 10.

Philippines

Calapan City in Philippines hits 42°C ‘danger’ heat index; residents warned

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro: The city's disaster risk reduction and management office (DRRMO) on Wednesday (April 22) warned residents of dangerous heat levels after the heat index reached 42 degrees Celsius late morning.

Japan

China, South Korea object to Japanese PM Takaichi’s ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine

TOKYO: A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry on Tuesday (April 21) objected to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine, saying that China "firmly opposes and strongly condemns" her actions.

China

Beijing announces China FM Wang Yi to visit Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar

BEIJING: Beijing said on Tuesday (April 21) that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will travel to Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar from Wednesday through Sunday, with Cambodia expected to feature prominently on the trip through a new high-level security and diplomatic format.

Nation

Perak confident in drawing investors despite BYD uncertainty, says MB

IPOH: Although the state is disappointed regarding Chinese EV manufacturer BYD, it hopes the issue will not discourage other investors, says Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

Banking

Indonesia's central bank holds rates unchanged as expected

JAKARTA: Indonesia's central bank kept policy rates unchanged on Wednesday to anchor the rupiah's stability amid the war in Iran, as expected, with the currency already hitting record lows multiple times this month.

Football

Soccer-Bellingham buys minority stakes in The Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix

April 22 (Reuters) - ⁠England international Jude Bellingham has acquired ⁠a minority stake in The ‌Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix, co-owners Warwickshire County Cricket Club said on Wednesday.

AseanPlus News

Fiji villagers reject Australian's plan for 'Pacific ashtray' in beach paradise

SYDNEY: An Australian billionaire's plan to burn rubbish for energy in Fiji amounts to "waste colonialism" and risks spoiling a "beach paradise", villagers and the Pacific nation's UN ambassador said.

Sabah & Sarawak

Nadma calls for disaster coordination

KOTA KINABALU: The National Disaster Management Agency says disaster response and management require continued coordination among agencies, academics, security forces and the public.

North Korea

North Korean hackers suspected of US$300mil crypto heist

SEOUL: A notorious North Korean hacking group is likely behind the theft of nearly US$300 million in cryptocurrency over the weekend, an affected party has said, in the biggest known crypto heist this year.

China

Climbing lamp posts cross-legged challenge goes viral in China with players often needing rescue

BEIJING: A Chinese woman who tried to copy a recently viral lamp post climbing challenge got herself stuck and had to call the police to rescue her.

Markets

Japan's Nikkei rises to record closing high on tech boost

TOKYO: Japan's Nikkei share average rose for a third consecutive session and hit a record closing high on Wednesday, supported by heavily weighted tech stocks, though uncertainty over U.S.-Iran peace talks tempered sentiment.

Brunei

Suspect linked to impersonation scam syndicate arrested in Brunei

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) arrested a suspect believed to be involved in an impersonation scam syndicate, following information received from the public during an operation yesterday morning by the Brunei-Muara Police District in collaboration with the Cyber Crime Investigation Division (CCID) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).