This Week in Asia /

Health & Environment

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Coronavirus pandemic
Climate change
Wellness
A man in Jammu, India, bathes from a roadside water tap on June 15 to cool himself off on a hot summer day. Photo: AP
Climate change

Asia is heating up at double the global rate amid climate crisis, UN warns

Asia’s vast land mass is intensifying extreme heatwaves as its sea surface warms at twice the global average, a new UN report reveals.

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Malaysia

Singaporean trio held in Malaysia’s US$1.7 million cocaine vape bust

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Tourism

‘I just felt sick’: how a free shot in Laos cost a British backpacker her life

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Japan

Japan on alert against scorching temperatures after 4 die of heatstroke

Meteorological agency issues precautions against early heatwave, as experts warn temperatures this year are likely to be ‘above normal’.

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People walk amid scorching heat in Tokyo’s Ginza district on Tuesday. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned people to take precautions against an early heatwave that has enveloped the nation. Photo: Kyodo
People walk amid scorching heat in Tokyo’s Ginza district on Tuesday. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned people to take precautions against an early heatwave that has enveloped the nation. Photo: Kyodo
Japan

Japan plans to expand nuclear risk payouts for towns, critics call it a ‘bribe’

The proposal would expand subsidies to towns within a 30km radius of nuclear facilities, up from the current 10km.

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South Korea

Blood cancer cases at Seoul Metro spark workplace safety concerns

Thirteen maintenance workers affected so far, with new study citing prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals such as benzene as possible cause.

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Australia

Australian woman dies of caffeine overdose after ‘unacceptable’ wait for help

The delay in dispatching an ambulance to Christine Lackmann – found to have dangerously high levels of caffeine – was a factor in her death, coroner rules.

Christina Lackmann, 32, died of a caffeine overdose after a series of ambulance delays. Photo: Handout
Christina Lackmann, 32, died of a caffeine overdose after a series of ambulance delays. Photo: Handout
Japan

Young Japanese women twice as likely to take extended sick leave as men: study

Mental health conditions and pregnancy-related complications are the most cited reasons for being absent for over a month, survey shows.

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Singapore

Singapore study reveals 1 in 4 young people have self-harmed

Cutting and severe scratching were among the most common forms of self-injury, the report found.

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Japan

Fatal virus fears rise in Japan after first suspected animal-to-human SFTS death

A Japanese veterinarian’s puzzling death from SFTS highlights the danger of this tick-borne virus for which there is no known cure.

A vet developed symptoms of the tick-borne SFTS virus after treating a cat at his practice in Japan’s Mie prefecture in May. Photo: Shutterstock
Japan

Japan hospital sued after dementia patient swallows 12cm key

Some have voiced concern that hospitals worried about accountability would stop taking in dementia patients.

X-ray of the key that was lodged in the elderly man’s throat. Photo: Handout
X-ray of the key that was lodged in the elderly man’s throat. Photo: Handout
Malaysia

Singaporean cyclist’s death sparks fury over Malaysian road safety

His death, barely a week after 15 students were killed in a bus crash, has led to renewed criticism of Malaysia’s poor safety record.

Japan

‘Overflowing with faeces, urine’: 150 dead cats found in Japanese woman’s home

The rescue group staff member had been taking in the cats without its knowledge.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s green groups welcome move to axe mining permits in Raja Ampat

Prabowo cancels four mining permits in Raja Ampat, but concerns remain over nickel exploitation on Gag Island and other small islands in Indonesia.

A leopard coral grouper and soft corals in the waters of the Raja Ampat Islands. Indonesia revoked permits on June 10 for four mining companies operating in Raja Ampat. Photo: AFP
Japan

Japan’s Osaka Expo water shows suspended as Legionella levels top safety limit

Resumption of the shows will depend on the results of stepped-up sanitisation measures, including pipe cleaning and chemical disinfection.

The waterfront area of Expo 2025 Osaka. Photo: AFP
The waterfront area of Expo 2025 Osaka. Photo: AFP
Japan

Nara’s famed deer could face food crisis in winter as acorn trees cut down

A reduction in acorn trees, which provide food and shelter for the deer, could result in more aggressive food-seeking behaviour, researchers warn.

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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.

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SCMP Highlights

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

From Singapore’s 1880 club shutting in Hong Kong to Japanese men’s tips on staying young, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

The Customs and Excise Department confirmed it has received complaints and is investigating the abrupt closure of the club. Photo: 1880 Hong Kong
The Customs and Excise Department confirmed it has received complaints and is investigating the abrupt closure of the club. Photo: 1880 Hong Kong
Indonesia

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

Residents in the earthquake-prone area have been protesting against the underground project since 2019.

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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.

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’s birth rate plummets to historic lows, sparking fears of an accelerating demographic crisis. Photo: Shutterstock
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.

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A damaged port in Anamizu, Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture, after a strong earthquake on January 1 last year. Photo: Kyodo
A damaged port in Anamizu, Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture, after a strong earthquake on January 1 last year. Photo: Kyodo
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.

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.

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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.

The Japan Wolf Association argues that returning wolves to the wild could restore natural order in the countryside. Photo: Shutterstock
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