US Secretary of State John Kerry speaks in Malaysia on October 7 (Source: AFP/VNA)
The US will establish a regional centre in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur to fight the Islamic State (IS) group’s extremist online propaganda.
US Secretary of State John Kerry confirmed the plan during talks with Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in Washington two days after the signing of Homeland Security Presidential Directive No 6 (HSPD-6).
Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the regional centre would be similar to one already established by the US in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Studies showed that social media is a key medium used by IS in attracting fighters, particularly in Syria and Iraq.
According to Malaysian officials, social media accounts for 87 percent of those who are influenced and attracted by terrorist groups.
The Malaysian news agency Bernama wrote that under the HSPD-6 document, the US would share information with Malaysia about 86,000 suspected terrorists in a Washington-based database.
Malaysia would also provide information about suspected terrorists held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) introduced in April this year, which enables authorities to detain terror suspects without trial for a period of two years.-VNA
Malaysian Police have detained 13 Malaysians suspected to be linked to the militant group Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said.
Malaysia and Indonesia have reached an agreement on stepping up security and defence cooperation as well as sharing spy information in an attempt to counter threats from the so-called Islamic State (IS).
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi began a working visit to the US on October 6 in an attempt to bolster bilateral ties and speed up the signing of the HSPD-6
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
US Secretary of State John Kerry speaks in Malaysia on October 7 (Source: AFP/VNA)
