Hailed as a "great success" by the president, the US$ 10-billion programme has become the centre of controversy because of 103 incidents of poisoning in 16 provinces. Often run by the military, the kitchens and the programme’s long distribution chains facilitate bacterial contamination. In some cases, shark meat is included in the menu. Experts note that the programme suffers from “systemic failure”, while discontent is also growing over its confidentiality clauses.
China marks the founding of the People's Republic in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, promising to “stand guard” over the atoll. The Philippines has long claimed that China’s presence is illegal. Chinese authorities recently announced plans to turn the area into a nature reserve.
A court in Wenzhou has convicted 39 members of the Ming family, originally from Shan State in northern Myanmar, for fraud and drug trafficking, among others, activities that generated estimated proceeds of over 10 billion yuan. Among those sentenced to death are the son and granddaughter of the family patriarch, Ming Xuechang, who died under controversial circumstances during his arrest. This is part of Beijing’s broader crackdown on crime syndicates operating in Myanmar.
The Kelantan State police chief has suggested amending the law so that minors who "consent" to sex are also prosecuted along with their adult partners. Malaysia’s federal government and NGOs have reacted harshly to the proposal, which would criminalise victims and reinforce the culture of blaming women. Instead, some groups want the law to protect consensual relationships between peers.
More than 50 bishops and Church leaders from the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences met in Samphran from 22 to 26 September. The focus was on the Synod's final document and the Bangkok Document. Discussions included the role of local Churches and communion with the poor and neighbouring faiths. The 12th Plenary Assembly will be held in Bali in 2026.
On two occasions, dozens of extremists interrupted Sunday prayers at a Protestant community. The attackers claimed that the shop-house did not have the necessary permits to be used as a house church. Controversy erupted online, with calls for freedom of worship. Once again, urban planning practices were used as a pretext to prevent Christians from praying.
