As Kuala Lumpur prepares to host the most important ASEAN summit in recent years on October 26, Malaysia has announced the construction of a 50-kilometer barrier in the state of Kelantan to combat criminal trafficking from Thailand. And the princess of Bangkok is donating funds for a wall on the border with Cambodia.
The Basel Action Network raises the issue in a report released just days before US President Trump takes part in the ASEAN summit. Experts believe Malaysia is the new dumping “mecca" for tonnes of e-waste, a business worth over a billion dollars, but with explosive environmental consequences.
Appeal launched to AsiaNews by Bishop Bernardus Bofitwos Baru and addressed to President Prabowo and the commander of the armed forces. Last week, more than 15 people died in an army attack on the village of Soanggama, which is in the hands of separatists. A conflict fuelled ‘by investors' interests and the exploitation of natural resources’. The warning to priests: do not be afraid to denounce the ‘armed wolves’.
Human Rights Watch is calling for a new investigation into the disappearance of the supporter of the opposition government-in-exile who went missing in Ampang (Malaysia). The advocacy group also warns of the risk of a possible transnational crackdown by Myanmar’s military junta. The activist fled in 2015 and was living under the protection of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
From 20 to 24 October, the 18th edition of the Mspc is taking place in Iligan City, under the theme ‘pilgrims of hope’. An opportunity for prayer and reflection on the challenges of a region with a large Muslim and tribal population. Among the unresolved problems are poverty, unemployment and terrorism.
Satellite images show US-sanctioned Russian tanker Perle, its transponders turned off for months, alongside another vessel 90 km off the east coast of Malaysia, in a likely ship-to-ship operation. According to Bloomberg, this is the first documented case of liquefied natural gas transfer. Russia’s energy strategy is turning towards Asia. The Arctic LNG 2 project has started to deliver gas to China.
