Myanmar raises electricity rates amid escalating civil war, power crisis

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (AJP) - Myanmar's military junta has significantly increased electricity rates as the country faces a deepening power crisis exacerbated by the ongoing civil war. Starting this month, the maximum electricity tariff for households has risen from 125 kyat to 300 kyat per unit, while business rates have jumped from 180 kyat to 500 kyat. The country, which relies on hydropower for over 60 percent of its electricity generation, has long struggled with chronic power

September 3, 2024

13 die in landslides, floods as Typhoon Yagi strikes Philippines

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (AJP) - At least 13 people died in the Philippines on Sunday and Monday due to landslides and floods triggered by Typhoon Yagi. The disaster authorities reported casualties across various regions, including the capital Manila, as heavy rains pounded the country. In Antipolo, east of Manila, a landslide claimed the lives of two teenage brothers and a pregnant woman in her 20s. Three others, including a 4-year-old child, drowned in floods in the same area, with one pers

September 3, 2024

Myanmar rebels face pressure to cease operations near Chinese border

SEOUL, September 02 (AJP) - Myanmar's ethnic armed groups, particularly the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), are under increasing pressure to halt their military activities near the Chinese border. The rebel groups have been waging a successful offensive against Myanmar's military junta in Shan State since late October last year, capturing key border trade points and military bases. The joint operation, conducted by the TNLA, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance A

September 2, 2024

Pope Francis to visit Indonesia, promoting religious harmony

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (AJP) - Pope Francis is set to arrive in Jakarta, Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, on Tuesday, embarking on a 12-day Asia-Pacific tour that will promote inter-religious harmony and highlight Asia's growing role in the Catholic Church. The pontiff's itinerary includes a stop at Southeast Asia's largest mosque, the Istiqlal Mosque, which can accommodate over 100,000 worshippers and stands as a symbol of Indonesian independence.

September 2, 2024

Starbucks in Malaysia faces losses amid Gaza war boycott

SEOUL, August 30 (AJP) - Starbucks outlets in Malaysia have experienced significant sales declines due to anti-Israel boycotts related to the Gaza war, according to Bloomberg News. Berjaya Food, which operates 393 Starbucks stores in Malaysia, reported a net loss of 38.2 million ringgit (about $8.1 million) in the second quarter of this year, contrasting with a profit of 17.28 million ringgit in the same period last year. Sales for the quarter dropped by more than half compared to t

August 30, 2024

Indonesian police arrest seller of endangered rhino horns

SEOUL, August 30 (AJP) - A 60-year-old man has been arrested by Indonesian police for selling wild rhino horns and elephant ivory through social media. The arrest took place in South Sumatra after authorities received information about the illegal wildlife trade on Facebook earlier this year. During a search of the suspect's home, police discovered 8 rhino horns and 5 elephant tusks. The man reportedly sold rhino horn for 35 million rupiah (approximately $2,300) per gram. Police

August 30, 2024

Myanmar Junta court hands severe sentences to journalists

SEOUL, August 29 (AJP) - Myanmar's military junta court has issued harsh sentences to independent journalists, with two reporters from the online news outlet Dawei Watch receiving life imprisonment and 20 years in prison for alleged violations of anti-terrorism laws. These sentences, delivered earlier this year, are reportedly the harshest given to journalists since the 2021 military coup. Dawei Watch editor Kyaw San Min said, "The sentences imposed on the two journalists a

August 29, 2024

Heavy rain hits Philippine capital region

SEOUL, August 29 (AJP) - Severe weather has forced the Philippines to suspend government operations and school classes in Metro Manila and nearby provinces on Wednesday. The torrential monsoon rains have also led to the closure of foreign exchange trading for the day. The government warned residents in low-lying areas about potential dam overflows and subsequent flooding. The weather bureau cautioned about the high risk of landslides and the possibility of heavy rainfall extending t

August 29, 2024

China's diplomatic dilemma in Myanmar's escalating conflict

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - China finds itself in a precarious position as it attempts to mediate between Myanmar's military junta and ethnic armed groups. This development follows significant advances by rebel forces in northern Myanmar, where ethnic armies had captured several strategic towns and military bases in Shan State earlier this month. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent meeting with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, the first since the 2021 coup, signaled Beijing&

August 27, 2024

Global tech giants urge Malaysia to halt social media licensing plan

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Meta, Google, Amazon, and X, formerly known as Twitter, have called on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to suspend plans for mandatory licensing of social media platforms. The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), representing these companies, sent an open letter expressing concerns about the lack of transparency in the government's proposal. The Malaysian government said last month that social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million registered

August 27, 2024