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An Indonesian reporter with Tempo magazine has received a severed pig’s head in an incident condemned as a “terror attack”. Photo: Handout
Indonesia

Indonesian reporter receives pig’s head in incident condemned as ‘terror attack’

The severed head was found in a cardboard box delivered to Francisca Christy Rosana, who works for the Tempo magazine.

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Malaysia

Slap heard around Malaysia: viral Ramadan altercation sparks memes, debate

India

Are Indian films tapping Hindu nationalism to achieve box-office success?

Malaysia

Fast fashion: food waste from Malaysian Ramadan bazaars hits the runway

A food waste-reduction group collected over 46,000kg of unsold food over the first two weeks of Ramadan this year, but said the actual wastage was likely to be much higher.

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Volunteer models wearing suits filled with discarded food hold up placards urging the public to reduce food wastage during the launch of MySaveFood’s #BazirRamadan campaign in Kuala Lumpur last week. Photo: MySaveFood
Malaysia

Call by Malaysia’s DAP for 2-term limit for prime minister draws PAS’ rebuke

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has ordered the cabinet to study the Democratic Action Party’s proposal for a two-term limit.

Japan

30 years on, Tokyo sarin attack victims seek justice against Aum cult offshoots

The cult behind the attack has yet to compensate its victims, while its offshoots continue to gain followers and amass wealth.

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Malaysia

Malaysian retiree claims trial to slapping non-Muslim for not fasting in Ramadan

The 65-year-old initially pleaded guilty but contested some of facts so the judge rejected his plea.

In this screengrab from a social-media video, a man in a black robe is seen confronting the 21-year-old victim. Photo: Handout
The Philippines

Mother of slain Filipino comedian Goldenier Dagal slams killers as ‘cowards’

Dagal, who was known for his bold jokes, was performing at a bar in Pampanga when a suspect shot him before fleeing.

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Indonesia

Jailing of Indonesian trans woman for Jesus’ hair remark raises rights concerns

Ratu Thalisa was convicted in Medan under a controversial blasphemy law and jailed for almost three years.

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Malaysia

‘Provocation’: Malaysians angry after non-Muslim assaulted for eating during Ramadan

The victim claimed the assailant slapped him several times after he refused to show his identity card to prove he was not a Muslim.

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Screengrab from Elijah’s social-media video showing his encounter with an elderly man in a black robe. Photo: X/bingbing656
Catholic Church

Vatican releases first photo of Pope Francis in hospital

The 88-year-old pope has been receiving treatment at a Rome hospital since February 14, and has not been seen in public since then.

The image taken from behind him shows Francis seated in a wheelchair, wearing a cassock and stole. Photo: Holy See Press Office via Reuters
Malaysia

Sugar highs and waistline woes: in Malaysia, a Ramadan reality check

Sugar-laden delights have become an integral part of many diets in one of Asia’s most obese nations, despite the growing health risks.

Icons and Influencers

Meet House Speaker Mike Johnson’s teacher and pastor wife, Kelly Johnson

As a pastoral counsellor, Kelly started a company that equated homosexuality with bestiality and incest, and claimed being transgender was forbidden by the Bible – she is also a mother of 4 children.

Japan

Controversial ‘Moonies’ Unification Church may be dissolved in Japan

If confirmed, the sect nicknamed the ‘Moonies’ will become the third religious group ordered to disband in Japan.

The Unification Church, known officially as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, at its Japan branch headquarters in Tokyo. Photo: AFP
India

Video | India celebrates colourful Holi festival

Holi is an annual event to herald the beginning of spring, and the 2025 festival officially was celebrated on March 14  

Indians mark Holi festival with colourful powder and flower petals
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From our archives

When John Baptist Wu was first HK bishop to visit communist China

His historic trip marked a significant step in dialogue, but he was barred from seeing jailed ‘counter-revolutionary’ Bishop Kong in Shanghai.

Pope Francis

Hospitalised Francis marks 12 years as pope with future uncertain

The 88-year-old pope has been treated for double pneumonia in hospital for almost a month.

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Malaysia

Japanese ex-adult film star raises eyebrows as ‘Muslim convert’ in Malaysia

While many Malaysian online users praised her newfound faith, others questioned if she was really sincere or just producing content.

Japanese former adult film star Rae Lil Black has drawn both praise for her apparent embrace of Islam and scepticism over her past. Photos: Instagram / Facebook / Rae Lil Black
Hong Kong society

Letters | Hong Kong could do more to match global momentum during Ramadan

Readers discuss the city’s efforts to become Muslim-friendly, Cathay Pacific’s business class seats, and the proposal to legalise basketball betting.

Indonesia

‘Shocking’ jail sentence given to Indonesian transgender woman over Jesus remark

The case highlights concerns about Indonesia’s online hate speech law, which critics say is too vague and open to misuse.

Malaysia

Doctors warn of hidden perils of Malaysia’s sweet tooth during Ramadan

Food content creators have drawn criticism for sharing sugar-laden drink recipes to break the fast, amid warnings of links to diabetes and obesity.

A Muslim family recites prayers before they break their fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on March 2. Photo: Reuters
Nepal

Thousands in Nepal want monarchy back, decry government corruption

Protests in 2006 forced the king to give up his authoritarian rule, and two years later the parliament voted to abolish the monarchy.

Nepal’s former King Gyanendra Shah waves as he arrives at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Old Hong Kong

Then & Now | How Hong Kong led the way for women priests in the 1970s

Hong Kong was decades ahead of Britain when it came to the ordination of women priests, even though that might seem unlikely today.

Pope Francis

Pope Francis marks 3 weeks in hospital after sending first audio message

Francis, 88, has been in hospital since February 14 with double pneumonia.

Malaysia

Malaysian court rules ‘wounding religious feelings’ is a crime

Ruling on controversial film ‘Mentega Terbang’ widens the potential for legal liability in a country beset by issues of race, religion and royalty.

A still from “Mentega Terbang”, a 2021 Malaysian film directed by Khairi Anwar that touches on religious sensitivities. Photo: Handout
Pope Francis

Pope Francis resting after 2 episodes of ‘acute respiratory failure’

The 88-year-old pope has not been seen in public since entering hospital on February 14.

Faithful attend a prayer service in St Peter’s Square, as Pope Francis continues his hospitalization, at the Vatican. Photo: Reuters
Italy

Pope Francis no longer needs ventilation, is stable, Vatican says

The pope, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with a respiratory infection that degenerated into double pneumonia.

Malaysia

Ramadan price gougers put on notice in Malaysia as holy month looms

Licences to operate stalls at food bazaars are now auctioned directly to those ‘genuinely keen to trade’, thereby cutting out middlemen.

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