Malaysia tightens security ahead of ASEAN Summit

Malaysia assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship from Laos on January 1. This year event is held under the theme of “Inclusion and Sustainability”, reflecting the country’s aspiration to build a united and prosperous ASEAN.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan speaks to the press. (Photo: Bernama)
Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan speaks to the press. (Photo: Bernama)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan expressed his confidence in the high level of preparedness among all national security agencies ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, scheduled to take place from May 26-27.

At the closing ceremony of the ASEAN – Malaysia 2025 Security Rehearsal Exercise on May 7, he reminded all parties to ensure the smooth organisation of the summit to uphold the country’s reputation.

Expressing his satisfaction with the level of the preparation, the diplomat said that security matters should not be taken lightly given the complicated global landscape.

Malaysia assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship from Laos on January 1. This year event is held under the theme of “Inclusion and Sustainability”, reflecting the country’s aspiration to build a united and prosperous ASEAN.

This marks the country’s fifth time chairing ASEAN, having previously held the role in 1977, 1997, and 2015.

Schools located near the summit venue, which is the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, will switch to home-based teaching and learning. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Ministry of Education will identify schools located along key routes related to the summit.

Fahmi, also the MADANI Government’s spokesperson, said the Government encourages private sector employers whose offices are located near the summit area to allow their staff to work from home during this time.

He said the Public Service Department has also issued a statement allowing civil servants who may be affected by traffic congestion during the summit to apply for Work From Home arrangements./.

VNA

See more

Illustrative Image (Photo: Bangkokpost)

Thailand extracts bio-calcium from fish waste

Researchers at Rajamangala University of Technology, Thanyaburi (Thailand) developed a method to extract calcium from discarded parts of blackchin tilapia, including heads, bones, scales and tails - materials typically treated as waste and a source of pollution.

Philippines receives first Russian oil shipment in five years

Philippines receives first Russian oil shipment in five years

On March 24, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a national energy emergency through an executive order, allowing the government to fast-track fuel procurement, make advance payments for fuel contracts, and ensure the availability of fuel and other essential goods amid rising prices.

Philippines declares energy emergency over Middle East tension (Photo: BBC)

Philippines declares energy emergency

The Philippine Government on March 24 announced an "imminent danger of a critically low energy supply" as tensions in the Middle East threaten fuel supplies and the stability of the country’s power system.

Delegates at the event (Photo: cambodia.un.org)

Cambodia accelerates access to climate-resilient water services

Funded by the UN Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund, the Water Infrastructure & Smart Energy Joint Programme (WISE JP) introduces a pioneering financial model that combines commercial and low-interest capital - a revolving blended‑finance facility - dedicated to ensuring climate‑smart water systems.

Officials inspect the 10-wheel tanker found smuggling fuel to Myanmar in Mae Sot border district on Sunday. (Photo:bangkokpost.com)

Thailand seizes 20,000 litres of diesel bound for Myanmar

Authorities of Thailand's Tak province have ordered intensified patrols and stricter inspections to prevent fuel stockpiling and illegal cross-border exports. They also called on local residents to report any suspicious signs related to fuel hoarding or smuggling.

Illustrative image (Photo: Internet)

Wildfires surge to 96 hotspots in Thailand

According to the provincial forest fire and haze prevention centre, satellite data from the Suomi NPP VIIRS system recorded the hotspots at 02:13. The fires were spread across multiple districts though firefighting teams have been working around the clock to contain the blazes.

In major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, demand for pet-related services is surging. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese pet market attractive to RoK businesses

RoK pet food companies are increasingly targeting Vietnam as a key growth market, leveraging the country’s rapidly developing pet economy and rising demand for premium pet care products in Southeast Asia.

Residents refuel at a petrol station in Stung Treng province, north-eastern Cambodia. (Photo: VNA)

Cambodia introduces energy-saving measures amid Middle East conflict

Despite these challenges, the government noted that Cambodia’s fuel and electricity supply remains stable, supporting economic activities and public service delivery, based on assessments conducted with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Electricité du Cambodge (EDC), and fuel import companies.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto in a press statement at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta on March 19. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia pushes sustainable energy transition

Diesel plants remain widely used but should gradually be replaced by renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, due to their economic and environmental advantages, said an Indonesian minister.

Hua Liu, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, and Khampheng Douangthongla, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Laos to the United Nations in Vienna, sign the Lao Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2026-2033. (Photo: IAEA)

Laos promotes use of nuclear technology to support sustainable development

Under the newly signed framework, cooperation for 2026–2033 will focus on technical and professional support in radiation and nuclear-related fields, including human resource development, enhanced radiation safety capacity, and applications across industry, energy, agriculture, nutrition, water resources, environmental protection, education, research, and international integration.