Asean news headlines as at 9pm on Thursday (Feb 29)
Malaysia

* Selangor Ruler issues royal rebuke at Hadi

* Momentary chaos hits Selangor state assembly over Sultan's letter to Hadi Awang

* SST hike: 85% of domestic electricity bills in Peninsula not affected

* Tengku Zafrul: Malaysia expects higher approved investments this year, beating last year's record

* Ringgit undervalued by up to 10%, Amir Hamzah tells Dewan Rakyat

* Ministers involved in corruption must be dropped from Cabinet, says Anwar

* Use technology to end "Ali Baba practices", proposes Johari

* MACC is still looking for Muhyiddin's son-in-law, says Azam

* Potential MYAirline investor cancels deal, says Loke

* Unfair for Bersatu six to lose seats after party's constitution amended, says Mas Ermieyati

* Two Bersatu MPs willing to vacate seats in accordance with party constitution

* Ex-religious teacher escapes gallows for murdering girlfriend, gets 33 years instead

* Transport Ministry plans to refurbish ETS, Komuter trains to increase frequency

* Court strikes out Shafee's appeal to file counterclaim on tax arrears

* Car for medal winners at Paris Olympics, says Hannah

* Hawker jailed, fined RM12,000 for dragging dog with motorbike

* Sabah committed to enhancing tourism ties with Singapore

* EPF to unveil Account 3 in April: Amir Hamzah

* Anwar puzzled at lack of support from Opposition for MACC anti-graft probes

* Up to AGC to reinstate charges against Ahmad Zahid, says MACC chief

* Malaysia's economy expected to improve in near term - DoSM

Singapore

* Man jailed 15 months over phishing scams involving OCBC customers

* Suspended lawyer charged with five counts of assault, six counts of harassment

* Beyond a swift lift to Singapore’s Q1 economy, Taylor’s concerts can deliver long-term dividends

* Victims lose S$1.2mil to fraudulent fund recovery services since January 2024

* Boy, 3, allegedly locked in dark room and shouted at by pre-school teachers; police investigating

Thailand

* US media concerned over Thai doctor’s death from restaurant food

* Thailand deploys 30 rain-making jets to battle drought, pollution

* Srettha tells TAT to brainstorm on ways to ‘ignite’ Thailand

* Thai Jan factory output shrinks for 16th month, auto production drags

* Ministry preparing to submit Thai national costume to Unesco for listing

* Thailand to ban recreational cannabis use by year-end, says health minister

Indonesia

* Prabowo eyes former bankers for Indonesia finance minister role

* Oil warehouse explosion in Lampung: Police find 50 fuel tanks

* Indonesia hopeful rice prices to fall as supply improves

* Papua New Guinea and Indonesia finalise defence deal

* Indonesia minister meets Nduga leaders to discuss New Zealand pilot release

Philippines

* Australia, Philippines sign maritime accord as China rises

* Marcos to developed countries: ‘Do more’ to fix climate injustice

* Taylor Swift mania hits Philippine classrooms

* ‘Not what good neighbours do’: Filipino lawmaker hits out at Singapore over Taylor Swift deal

* Filipino volunteer who saved Outback fire brigade celebrated in Australian Parliament

* Moderate earthquakes rock Mindanao

* China militia presence increases in South China Sea: Report

Vietnam

* SpaceX's talks with Vietnam over Starlink on hold: Sources

* Woman who sold 12-year-old daughter to man in China held for trafficking

* Vietnam February exports down 5%, industrial production down 6.8% y/y

Cambodia

* Direct flights from India to boost trade, tourism

* Cambodia records third newborn rare dolphin in 2024

* Cambodia opens UAE business centre

Myanmar

* Myanmar declares martial law in two townships of eastern state

Laos

* Laos, Britain to strengthen trade cooperation

* Lao PM orders actions to ensure smooth flow of logistics

Brunei

* Brunei Forum discusses country’s future

* Seminar tackles misconception on autism

Aseanplus

* China busts local official who bought 13 homes with bribe money

* China’s Wang Yi invited to Australia as Beijing, Canberra ties thaw after prolonged frost

* Most South Korea trainee doctors defying pressure to end walkout

* Japan PM vows no more fundraising parties after kickbacks scandal

* UK says new Hong Kong security Bill breaches handover deal

* China to set up Shanghai global business cooperation zone

* Embattled Japan PM faces ethics committee, with popularity and budget on the line

* Blackpink’s Jennie strips down for Calvin Klein’s underwear campaign

* HK star Chow Yun Fat wins over netizens after apologising for making fan wait for photos

* Karina of K-pop girl group Aespa and actor Lee Jae-wook confirmed to be dating

* Asian markets track Wall Street losses

* Asian stocks firm before US inflation test; yen gains
News highlights from the Asean Plus section on Thursday (Feb 29)