Malaysia

In a recycling competition in Negeri Sembilan, students collected over 166 tons of recyclable items, raising about RM80,000 (around $16,800) to boost environmental awareness; the initiative saw increased participation, with top schools winning cash awards

Universiti Malaysia Sabah has launched the Center for Blue Economy and Maritime Security Research; on Borneo Island, bordering South China Sea, it focuses on sustainable use of ocean resources to support economic growth, jobs, and ecosystem health

Sarawak, Borneo, will launch a digital residency program with special advantages to attract digital nomads; this initiative aims to enhance the digital ecosystem and make local basic economy less dependent on tourism flows

The budget for 2025 will include changes to subsidies for sugar, domestically produced white rice and RON95 petrol, and will likely introduce further cuts in subsidies and new taxes to strengthen the fiscal position ahead of declining government revenues

The country is set to assume the presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2025, with the aim of promoting a more inclusive and sustainable regional economy

A dozen prehistoric human skeletons, believed to be up to 16.000 years old, have been discovered in the Nenggiri Valley, in caves that are expected to be flooded for the construction of a hydroelectric reservoir by mid-2027, reports Live Science

In the mangrove forest near global player Port Klang, a group of employees from China Communications Construction Company and Malaysia Rail Link worked to remove debris and plant mangrove saplings

Penang area continues to draw in more tourists as direct flights increase, especially from China, and more cruise ships make it their port of call, while neighboring Pendang registers the highest substance abuse nationwide, at over one in 100 individuals

The number of unemployed people in Malaysia in June fell by 0,1% to 565.300 compared to May, with an unemployment rate of 3,3%, according to the latest official data

Large crowds flocked to the 'Raja Kita' exhibition at the National Museum to see over 272 personal collections and objects related to Yang di-Pertuan Agong institution; many visitors felt the exhibition brought them closer to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim

The Bishop of the Catholic Church in Penang officially announced the start of the process of beatification and canonisation of Sybil Kathigasu, a famous war nurse and Catholic lay figure, who could be Malaysia's first saint