Berita Desk delivers breaking news, politics, business, sports and lifestyle coverage from Malaysia and Southeast Asia — trusted, timely and independent.
Malaysia's Cabinet has instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Transport to develop a comprehensive airport security enhancement plan within two weeks, responding to recent incidents that have raised concerns about vulnerabilities in the country's aviation security framework.
Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn has stressed that ASEAN remains vital for regional peace and stability, urging the bloc to actively shape its future rather than passively respond to global challenges.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has invited Indian historian and Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Rajmohan Gandhi to visit Malaysia in early 2025 to speak on democracy, peace and values-based leadership.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong hosted Malaysia's Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Nazrin Shah for discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and ASEAN cooperation, underscoring the deep ties between the two nations.
Thailand has postponed peace negotiations with southern insurgents originally planned for September in Malaysia, citing last week's fatal attack in Narathiwat that claimed five rangers' lives.
Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Malaysia's Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding multisectoral cooperation between the two nations.
Four major Asia-Pacific nations have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships with ASEAN, emphasising the bloc's central role in navigating global challenges ranging from supply chain vulnerabilities to artificial intelligence and climate change.
Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has appealed to the Philippines, the current ASEAN chair, to support the country's application for Sectoral Dialogue Partner status within the regional organisation.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim received Genron NPO President Yasushi Kudo to advance the Asia Leaders Roundtable dialogue platform and reinforce Malaysia's strategic partnership with Japan.
ASEAN has designated Malaysia as country coordinator for relations with newly accepted Dialogue Partner Turkiye, while also admitting the United Kingdom to the ASEAN Regional Forum during the 59th Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul entertained Chinese Premier Li Qiang with a Teresa Teng performance at a Beijing lunch, exemplifying his unconventional approach to regional diplomacy through music.
Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is attending the Asean Ministers Meeting in Manila this week despite ongoing campaign duties, joining top diplomats from major powers to address regional security challenges and Myanmar's political deadlock.
The Philippines will lead ASEAN foreign ministers in mapping out new approaches to Myanmar's political crisis at an upcoming Manila meeting, building on recent Thailand discussions on implementing the Five-Point Consensus.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended birthday congratulations to Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, emphasising Malaysia's dedication to deepening bilateral ties and regional stability in Southeast Asia.
Philippines' Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro will lead an ASEAN humanitarian mission to Myanmar by the fourth quarter of 2026, following diplomatic meetings with regional foreign ministers and Myanmar stakeholders in Thailand.
Senior Bangladesh officials have warned that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be imprisoned upon her return from exile in India, contradicting her recent statement about voluntarily surrendering to the courts in December.
Iran has rejected US President Trump's invitation to continue talks without a ceasefire agreement, demanding Washington first implement prior understandings on Strait of Hormuz shipping and normalising Iranian oil sales.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has highlighted how Singapore and Malaysia manage their differences through respectful dialogue, emphasising that their 60-year partnership transcends transactional dealings and serves as a model for regional stability.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged Malaysia's commitment to expanding ties with the UAE, with both nations focusing on artificial intelligence, defence cooperation, and regional stability amid evolving geopolitical tensions.
Myanmar's military government has again rebuffed Asean's request to meet imprisoned former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, exposing deepening fractures within the regional bloc and the junta's calculation that it can defy collective pressure.
High-ranking Iranian and international officials gathered in Tehran on Friday to honour Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at a major tribute ceremony, with heads of state from Pakistan, Armenia, Georgia, Iraq and other nations in attendance.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to bolstering ASEAN as a unified, resilient community, emphasizing the bloc's centrality in navigating complex regional geopolitical and economic challenges.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has apologised to Iran for being unable to attend the state funeral and farewell ceremonies of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in February. Agriculture Minister Mohamad Sabu will represent Malaysia.
Southeast Asian nations are pursuing ambitious infrastructure and diplomatic initiatives, from Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam border cooperation to Indonesia's 39-airport expansion plan, whilst addressing pressing social challenges including teacher shortages and labour migration.