Hanoi (VNA) – Malaysia's air passenger volume rose 16.1% year on year to 22.6 mi♔llion in the first quarter, showing a recovery trajectory from COVID-19.
The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) said in a statement on May 2 that the increase was primarily driven by international air transport, which surged by 39.9% year on year to 11.9 million passengers. Quarterly domestic air passenger volume, however, dipped 2.3% year on year to 10.7 million.
MAVCOM Executive Chairman Saripuddin Kasim said the aviation sector is on a robust path to recovery. Airlines have shifted their attention to restoring and adding new international destinations in their networks, and the establishment of 30-day visa exemptions for tourists from China and India has provided a conducive environment for the accelerated return of international air travel./.
Six Malaysian ministers on April 22 made a joint commitment to ensure a coherent approach to achieve the goal of the Kuala Lumpur 20 Summit 2024 (KL20 summit 2024) to make Malaysia a vibrant hub for startups and high-quality investments.
A Malaysian official has underlined the importance of collective efforts, particularly by the public, in promoting the use of reusable bags and reducing single-use plastics in the fight against plastic waste.
Empowering local communities in the agriculture sector to attract young people to this field is one of the measures taken by Malaysia to address labour shortage while also contributing to tackling challenges in food security.
Malaysia should harness the collective expertise and resources to drive sustainable growth and development of the halal industry, according to Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
Indonesia is committed to pursuing a proactive foreign principle in both political and economic affairs amid rising global geopolitical tensions, according to Indonesian Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati.
Minister Sulaiman issued a 14-day deadline for businesses to rectify practices, while cautioned that failure to comply would prompt strict enforcement measures.
In their statement, the ministers expressed concern over the escalation of tensions in the Middle East since June 13 and welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 24. They called on all parties to respect the ceasefire and avoid further escalation of the conflict.
The top three categories of illegal health product listings detected and removed by HSA consisted of medicine for skin and hair conditions (37%); antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral creams, tablets or capsules (15%); and unregistered contact lenses (13%).
Rudy Salim, executive chairman of Prestige Aviation – the company that introduced the EHang 216-S to Indonesia, said its agenda is to continue test flights, so that this can become a future mode of tourism and transportation.
Startup ASEAN platform brings all stakeholders together under one digital roof, expected to promote open innovation, improve access to capital, and strengthen ASEAN’s position as a dynamic and connected innovation powerhouse.
Indonesia as an appealing destination for investment in energy transition. It is Southeast Asia’s largest energy consumer and the region’s fourth most populous country. However, the majority of the country's existing power plants still rely on fossil fuels.
The Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore urged all Vietnamese firms trading with Singapore to seriously comply with its legal regulations, particularly customs requirements.
The Grandma Island soccer team was about to go to compete for Setokok Island, Batam city. In the middle of the trip, the boat was hit by waves and overturned.
Mexico's Nuevo León leaders underscored the state’s keen interest in partnering with ASEAN – a region known for dynamic economic growth, a young population, an expanding middle class, and a growing role in global supply chains.
Thailand has imposed a comprehensive ban on electronic waste imports as it grapples with a burgeoning e-waste problem. A 2021 report from the Pollution Control Department revealed that the country generates over 400,000 tonnes of domestic electronic waste annually.
Phuket airport authorities said the incident did not affect flights or airport operations, and security personnel are also stepping up surveillance in public areas, with CCTV covering all the airport area.
The facility will integrate multiple components, including mining operations, a smelter, high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) processing, and production of precursors and cathodes.
A participant in the Malaysia Economic Forum 2025 said despite challenges, there are significant opportunities in AI, digital transformation, and green technologies, requiring the country to balance both risk and potential thoughtfully.
Themed “emerging trends in terrorism and violent extremism”, the event drew over 200 participants from domestic and international agencies, discussing the rapid evolution of terrorism and the need for stronger regional and global cooperation.
Indonesia aims to start nuclear power generation by 2034, with a government roadmap already in place to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) with capacities ranging from 300 to 500 megawatts.
Illustrative image (Photo: nst.com.my) 
