Asean news headlines as at 9pm on Wednesday (March 27)
Malaysia

* No need to fuel anger on socks issue, says King

* Dr Akmal condemns attack on KK Mart outlet, says boycott to go on

* Take a step back from matters relating to 3R, advises Bukit Aman

* Controversial Ganesparan is once again police target

* Immigration Dept raids luxury condo, cripples scam syndicate

* Padu might be reopened after March 31 deadline, says Rafizi

* Rafizi should address distrust about Padu, says Dr Wee

* Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh makes it to top 30 of world's best hospitals

* More consultation needed before resuming free trade pact with S. Korea, says Azmin

* Zaid lambasts Perkasa's proposal to boycott PETRONAS

* PM Anwar receives courtesy call from India's External Affairs Minister

* Labuan man faces seven charges of raping niece

* Four lucky individuals hit a combined total of RM22mil from Magnum 4D Jackpot within two months

* Immigration Dept to look for solutions to traffic snarls at JB checkpoints

Singapore

* South-East Asia human trafficking now a global crisis: Interpol

* Baltimore rescuers lose hope for more survivors from bridge collapse

* Baltimore bridge collapse: S’pore-flagged ship passed inspections in 2 foreign ports in 2023: Port Authority

* Titanic law helps ship owner limit bridge collapse liability

* What does it mean for a ship to be S’pore-flagged, and why is S’pore involved in Baltimore ship collapse probe?

* The bridge named after him collapsed – who was Francis Scott Key, whose poem became the US national anthem?

* Man forged mother’s signature to sell her Rolls-Royce to pay off debts from gifting garlands at clubs

* S$3bil money laundering accused gets 6 new charges for submitting forged statements to Swiss bank

* Jail for maid who promoted unlicensed moneylender’s services on her TikTok account

* Cordlife’s chief financial officer arrested and out on bail

Thailand

* Bangkok named best city in Asia-Pacific by regional travel mag

* Thaksin gets hero’s welcome upon arrival at Pheu Thai head office

* Bangkok launches Dutch barge to collect garbage from Chao Phraya

* Thailand moves closer to legalising same-sex unions as parliament passes landmark bill

* Planned temporary relocation of Lop Buri’s macaques on hold

Indonesia

* Four bodies found, six missing after Indonesia landslide

* Indonesia's losing candidates urge court to disqualify president-elect

* Jokowi approves plan to connect Sulawesi-Nusantara with ro-ro ships

* Indonesia's losing candidates urge court to disqualify president-elect

* Ganjar says he won't join Prabowo's government

* Indonesia rice surplus in first half of 2024 seen narrowing: Agriculture ministry

Philippines

* Ex-President Duterte, China had deal to keep West Philippine Sea status quo: Roque

* Foreign correspondents in Manila condemn China over claims of video manipulation

* Philippines turning into investment magnet: HSBC Global Research

* Marcos welcomes invitation of Indian PM Modi for a state visit

* Philippines says Iran frees 18 Filipino crew of seized oil tanker

Vietnam

* Vietnam FM says president's resignation has not affected policies

* Putin accepts invite to visit Vietnam: Hanoi

* Vietnam lists conditions to export fresh coconut, frozen durian to China

* EV maker VinFast signs partnership pacts with 15 dealers in Thailand

* No risk of contagion from first cyberattack to Vietnam market, regulator says

* Vietnam fire Troussier after angry fans turn on French coach

Cambodia

* Rising Cambodia-Laos trade spurs economy

* Cambodia eyes increased Chinese investment: Manet

* Cambodia celebrates sixth newborn rare dolphin in 2024

Myanmar

* India to spend $3.7 billion to fence Myanmar border, source says

* Myanmar army behind Facebook pages spewing hate speech: UN probe

* Myanmar military to hold annual armed forces day

Laos

* 16 black bear cubs rescued from captivity in Vientiane

* Laos to improve quality of healthcare services

Brunei

* Sultan bestows Raya Kurnia to over 18,000

* Local jailed after threatening woman feeding stray dogs with machete and umbrella

Aseanplus

* Two men die of suspected food poisoning in Taipei after eating char kway teow

* Two deaths, 100 hospitalisations in Japan cholesterol supplement scare

* Footballer Son Jun-ho 'grateful to be home' after China release

* Hong Kong police arrest 14-year-old boy for allegedly assaulting fellow pupil after video goes viral of victim being jump-kicked, thrown

* TikTok owner ByteDance accelerates generative AI efforts with increased talent acquisition, release of new tools

* Disgraced ex-justice minister seeks to shake up South Korea election

* Tokyo's Sézanne tops Asia's 50 Best Restaurants; Singapore has 9 on list

* Plunging births push Japanese diaper maker to switch to adult market

* iPhone shipments in China fell 33% in February, state data show

* Taiwan teacher in social media doghouse after dropping squealing cat onto floor in class experiment, promises feline best pet food as compensation

* Japan makes strongest intervention warning as yen hits 34-year low

* Netizens mock British media claims of China propaganda link to Kate Middleton rumours

* Japan warns of surge in potentially deadly strep throat cases

* Young Chinese professionals aren’t interested in making an effort on their work outfits, ‘sloppy’ OOTDs go viral

* Former K-pop idol Areum hospitalised after alleged suicide attempt

* Twice’s Jihyo and 'Physical: 100' star Yun Sung-bin said to be dating

* HK actress Charmaine Sheh, 47, wows netizens with makeup-free look

* China's industrial profits rise 10.2% in Jan-Feb

* Asian markets mixed as traders assess latest rally, eye data and earnings
Asean,news,headlines,March 27
News highlights from the Asean Plus section on Wednesday (March 27