In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
Malaysia's government is weighing proposals for dedicated federal budget allocations and tax exemptions to strengthen animal welfare NGOs and support pet owners, addressing resource constraints that have hampered rescue operations.
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A fatal tree collapse in Kuala Lumpur has exposed gaps in Malaysia's urban forestry management. Experts argue that systematic inspections, certified arborists, and technology-driven approaches—not mass felling—are needed to ensure public safety while preserving the nation's Garden Nation status.
A UN migration agency has cautioned that funeral traditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo are exacerbating Ebola transmission, with over 800 deaths recorded since May and case numbers escalating rapidly.
A consultant psychiatrist has told a Kota Kinabalu coroner's court that possessing 34 vape devices would be highly improbable for a student, during ongoing inquest proceedings into Zara Qairina Mahathir's death.
Malaysia's Ministry of Health has unveiled the Rakan KKM initiative to generate additional revenue for public healthcare facilities while retaining medical specialists. Cyberjaya Hospital will serve as the pilot site.
Malaysia's National Sports Day 2026, scheduled for October 9-11, targets over 5.3 million participants through sports and recreational programmes. The celebration introduces a digital and AI-focused theme to align with technological advancements.
The Dewan Rakyat convened to scrutinise government readiness against the looming El Niño phenomenon, investigate a deadly hand grenade incident during armed forces training, and examine rising non-communicable diseases among young Malaysians.
A hornet nest in a tree near Redhill Market in Singapore left four people hospitalised on July 10. Authorities quickly cordoned the area and removed the nest safely. The incident echoes similar attacks across the region.
A major Australian government health report warns that chronic and mental health conditions now affect over 60% of the population, with dementia emerging as the country's leading cause of death for the first time.
Malaysia's armed forces have deployed medical teams to provide free healthcare services to residents in Kuala Ketil, Kedah, offering dental treatments, health screenings, and emergency medical assistance through a civil-military cooperation programme.
Malaysia must encourage healthier living practices as the nation ages and life expectancy increases, according to Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who warned that rising elderly populations need to maintain independence.
The WHO has issued an urgent warning about an approaching severe heatwave threatening Europe, with temperatures in Portugal and southern Spain expected to reach 43°C. The organisation calls for stronger health response systems across the region.
Malaysia is introducing MediAsas, an affordable health insurance pilot set for January 2027, paired with the RESET strategy to tackle escalating healthcare costs and broaden access to coverage for uninsured citizens.
The World Health Organization warns heatwaves are becoming permanent fixtures. While human bodies can acclimatize somewhat to heat, medical experts caution that adaptation has strict biological boundaries, particularly during prolonged heat events.
A prolonged heat wave across the United States has claimed at least 25 lives, with 40 million people under heat alerts. Severe thunderstorms now threaten dangerous flooding conditions across the Eastern seaboard through Monday.
Guinea-Bissau has detected its first mpox case in a 27-year-old woman, prompting health authorities to activate emergency response systems and reinforce surveillance measures across the West African nation.
Malaysia's Ministry of Health targets over 500,000 citizens benefiting from Wellness Hub services across 38 locations nationwide this year, advancing its disease prevention and health promotion agenda.
A woman in southwestern China's Yunnan province inadvertently poisoned herself while attempting to save her husband from a cobra bite by sucking out venom—a dangerous practice medical professionals warn against.
Penang Island City Council has committed RM900,000 annually to operate a free shuttle bus service connecting Komtar with Penang Hospital and other healthcare facilities in the city centre, with ridership already doubling since launch.
Malaysia's Health Ministry will build a new hospital in Bandar Enstek, Nilai, to serve growing communities in the Seremban corridor and alleviate congestion at the existing Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced.
Malaysia's urban fitness scene is exploding with padel courts, pickleball halls and running clubs packed beyond capacity. But doctors warn the sudden shift from sedentary work to intensive weekend sport is triggering a wave of preventable injuries.
Three people have died from asphyxiation in Mexico City following street celebrations of Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador that secured their World Cup last-16 berth. Authorities urge fans to celebrate responsibly.
Toronto health authorities are urging football fans to take precautions against dangerous heat during Thursday's Portugal-Croatia World Cup round of 32 match, with temperatures expected to feel like 40°C due to humidity.
Spain recorded 1,029 deaths attributable to extreme heat in June, marking the country's second-hottest June on record. A single heat event exposed nearly 73 per cent of Spain's population to health risks.
A brutal underground cat meat trade persists across Indochina, with an estimated one million felines slaughtered annually in Vietnam alone. Animal welfare groups link the demand to superstitions about luck and health benefits, though public opposition remains strong.
Malaysia recorded 141,817 synthetic drug abuse cases last year, with amphetamine-type stimulants accounting for 70 per cent of all drug offences. The east coast regions face the most severe challenges.
Kenya's High Court found Health Minister Aden Duale in contempt for defying orders to halt construction of a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, a project that has sparked widespread protests and legal challenges.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded more than 1,000 confirmed Ebola cases with 254 deaths since the outbreak began in May. Health authorities warn the crisis could deteriorate without immediate transmission control.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will spearhead India's 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations from Kolkata's Red Road on June 21, with the Ministry of Ayush mobilising over 600,000 organisations nationwide and 2,500 events globally.
Malaysian authorities have documented 402 vape seizures containing synthetic drugs including benzodiazepine and methamphetamine, prompting Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad to push for a comprehensive vape ban to protect young users.
A Singapore emergency medicine expert is raising alarms about impaired driving linked to drug use and etomidate-laced vapes, following a sharp spike in fatal accidents and three high-profile prosecutions this month.
Thailand's cannabis regulatory framework is under intense review following a contentious parliamentary committee meeting examining whether the drug should return to the narcotics list, with medical groups and anti-drug advocates pressing for tighter controls.
Malaysia's Health Ministry is in final stages of resolving administrative barriers that constrain specialist training. The country faces an 11,000-specialist shortage affecting both public and private healthcare sectors.
Pahang's Health Department has initiated an investigation into claims that numerous visitors contracted food poisoning following a recreational visit to a river in the Janda Baik area near Bentong, prompting scrutiny of public water safety standards.
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The Pahang State Health Department is investigating reports of visitors falling ill with gastroenteritis symptoms at a recreational site near Bentong. Water samples are undergoing laboratory analysis.
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Pahang's health department has launched an investigation after multiple visitors to the popular Janda Baik river destination reported diarrhoea and vomiting, prompting enhanced safety protocols.
Penang authorities have shut down 177 food premises temporarily due to hygiene violations discovered during inspections of over 4,000 establishments between January and April. Pest control problems account for majority of closures.
Indonesia's Attorney General's Office has arrested two additional suspects in a sprawling corruption inquiry tied to the government's free nutritious meals initiative, expanding a probe that has already targeted three former leaders of the National Nutrition Agency.