This Week in Asia /

Health & Environment

Related Topics:
Coronavirus pandemic
Climate change
Wellness
Six areas in Peninsular Malaysia experienced maximum daily temperatures of between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days last week. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Malaysia faces searing heatwave as temperatures hit high of 37 degrees

Health experts warn that the methods used in Malaysia to assess health risks from extreme heat are inadequate.

videocam
SCMP Highlights

Singapore’s 1880 shuts in Hong Kong, Japanese men on staying young: 7 highlights

Indonesia

Indonesian villagers urge China to stop funding mine project after permit loss

videocam
The Philippines

Philippines urged to ratify UN marine resource treaty or risk being sidelined

France is seeking ratification of the High Seas Treaty by at least 60 countries ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice next week.

The High Seas Treaty, aimed at protecting marine life in international waters, requires ratification by at least 60 countries for it to take effect. Photo: Shutterstock
The High Seas Treaty, aimed at protecting marine life in international waters, requires ratification by at least 60 countries for it to take effect. Photo: Shutterstock
Japan

Japan faces ‘critical’ demographic crisis as birth rate hits historic low

Record-low births and an ageing population are driving Japan to implement urgent measures to encourage marriage and boost fertility rates.

Japan

Japan on alert as Hokkaido tremors reignite megaquake fears

While scientists stress earthquakes are impossible to predict, residents are being urged to prepare for a worst-case scenario.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Indonesia

Calls grow for removal of Indonesia’s health chief as rift with doctors deepens

Criticism of Budi Gunadi Sadikin has surged in recent weeks, and analysts warn the tension risks undermining healthcare reform.

Indonesia’s Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin in 2023. Photo: AFP
Indonesia’s Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin in 2023. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysia’s AI speed trap plan sparks backlash as lorry crash deaths pile up

The government says the AI-based system will enhance safety, while detractors argue trucks pose a greater threat, as shown by recent accidents.

videocam
Japan

Japan wants to reintroduce wolves to tackle marauding monkeys, deer damage

The Japan Wolf Association says returning wolves to the wild would help curb costly agricultural damage by deer, wild boar and monkeys.

Climate change

Rising snow and glacier melt puts almost 2 billion in South Asia at risk: report

The risks are aggravated by black carbon pollution, which could curb water supply from many rivers flowing through the Himalayan plains.

videocam
Snow and glacier melt across the Himalayas has been accelerating, aggravated by black carbon pollution. Photo: EPA-EFE
Indonesia

Indonesia issues Covid-19 warning over surge in cases in Asia

There has been a rise in Covid-19 cases in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong as health officials warn about new strains emerging.

Thai health authorities in May urged the public to remain cautious after a surge of COVID-19 cases was recorded. Photo: EPA-EFE
Thai health authorities in May urged the public to remain cautious after a surge of COVID-19 cases was recorded. Photo: EPA-EFE
Thailand

Thai restaurant owner calls for more public toilets after defecation issues

Pannatat Asawapitakchon says he saw a female tourist defecating behind the Buddha statues outside his restaurant.

Japan

Japan reschedules iconic summer festivals to avoid increasingly extreme heat

Faced with record high temperatures and ageing communities, event organisers are adapting to keep traditions alive.

videocam
Thailand

Thai river turns orange as dangerous toxins from Myanmar mines flush downstream

Authorities say arsenic levels in the Kok Thai river now exceed safety limits, sparking fears of ecological disaster.

Authorities say arsenic levels in the Kok River have now reached dangerous levels. Photo: Earth Thailand
Asean

South China Sea tensions ‘won’t stop’ Asean’s blue economy growth: official

Despite a senior Asean official’s confidence, observers warn ongoing disputes could impede sustainable growth and vital marine conservation.

videocam
Filipino fishermen aboard their wooden boats pass a Chinese coastguard ship near the China-controlled Scarborough Shoal, in disputed waters of the South China Sea, in February 2024. Photo: AFP
Filipino fishermen aboard their wooden boats pass a Chinese coastguard ship near the China-controlled Scarborough Shoal, in disputed waters of the South China Sea, in February 2024. Photo: AFP
Australia

What’s in the air? Australian state reels from deluge of dust

New South Wales is grappling with a widespread dust storm days after record flooding that killed five and displaced 50,000 people.

Japan

Plague of flying pests adds to Osaka World Expo’s woes in Japan

Though the ‘chironomids’ do not bite or suck blood, they may cause asthma or allergic reactions, experts warn.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Philippines

Removal of Philippines’ beloved ‘sherpa cat’ Pugal sparks heated debate

Online users berate officials who extracted the animal from popular hiking trail over predatory concerns.

Pugal the cat has gained online fame in the Philippines. Photo: Facebook/furventloveanimal
Pugal the cat has gained online fame in the Philippines. Photo: Facebook/furventloveanimal
India

‘Very painful’: Indian mob kills and mutilates endangered Bengal tiger

This is the third recorded tiger death in as many months in Assam, which is home to only 227 of the big cats.

4
Indonesia

Indonesia’s Bali bans small plastic bottles: bold move or industry killer?

Bali’s governor has banned small plastic bottles to combat waste, sparking debate on environmental impact versus industry concerns.

The Philippines

Philippines to deploy Korean-speaking police in response to crime wave

Language-trained officers aim to better protect South Korean nationals in the Philippines from a recent spate of thefts, killings and scams.

South Koreans living in the Philippines put on headbands with the South Korean national flag during an event in 2010. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

Indonesia’s online porn crackdown nets 380,000 content removals

Authorities have also blocked dozens of social media groups and accounts, including some promoting incest and child porn.

Children in Jakarta use digital devices to browse the internet earlier this month. Photo: AFP
Children in Jakarta use digital devices to browse the internet earlier this month. Photo: AFP
Japan

Fatal crash spotlights Japan military’s ageing aircraft, recruitment struggles

Safety concerns are mounting following another fatal military aircraft crash, amid warnings it could worsen a long-standing manpower shortage.

Japan

‘Definitely an issue’: in Japan, 6 in 10 admit being addicted to their phones

A new survey reveals a surge in smartphone addiction in Japan post-pandemic, undermining well-being – especially among the young.

Thailand

‘Never seen anything like this’: lizard found eating abandoned baby near Bangkok

Horrified residents near Bangkok found a monitor lizard eating a newborn’s remains. Police are trying to find the mother to determine if the baby was alive.

6
In Thailand, a monitor lizard was found with the body of a baby in its mouth. Photo: Facebook/Nakon45
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW