This Week in Asia /

Health & Environment

Related Topics:
Coronavirus pandemic
Climate change
Wellness
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
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.

Japan

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

Japan

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

videocam
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
Six areas in Peninsular Malaysia experienced maximum daily temperatures of between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days last week. Photo: Reuters
Six areas in Peninsular Malaysia experienced maximum daily temperatures of between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days last week. Photo: Reuters
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.

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.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
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
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
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
Cars on the highway during a traffic jam in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: Shutterstock
Cars on the highway during a traffic jam in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: Shutterstock
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
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
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.

Tourists walking on Bangla Road in Patong in the southern Thai island of Phuket. Photo: AFP
Tourists walking on Bangla Road in Patong in the southern Thai island of Phuket. Photo: AFP
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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.

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
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
There are estimated to be fewer than 2,500 Royal Bengal tigers left in the world. Photo: Shutterstock
There are estimated to be fewer than 2,500 Royal Bengal tigers left in the world. Photo: Shutterstock
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.

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
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW