Thailand to lure Japanese business travellers with visa-free entry starting January 2024

BANGKOK, Dec 13 (NNN-Bernama) — Thailand granted visa exemption for Japanese entering the kingdom for short-term business trips, in a bid to encourage economic cooperation between the two countries. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kanchana Patarachoke said the cabinet on Tuesday approved a visa exemption for holders of Japanese passports or valid…

Indonesia urges UNHCR for prompt action on Rohingya resettlement to prevent burden shift

JAKARTA, Dec 13 (NNN-Bernama) — Indonesia has urged the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to prompt countries under the Refugee Convention to expedite the resettlement of Rohingya refugees. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi made this call during a meeting with UNHCR in Geneva, emphasising the importance of addressing the…

Malaysia expands statistical programmes with Asia-Pacific community

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysia will increase its collaborations with Asia and the Pacific statistical community to expand statistical capacity-building programmes and activities, particularly in implementing and monitoring the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Chief statistician Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM), as a…

Malaysia supports UNGA resolution on humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysia supported and co-sponsored the United Nations (UN) General Assembly’s (UNGA) draft resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza on Tuesday, said the Foreign Ministry. Entitled “Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations”, the resolution was adopted during the resumed 10th…

Bursa Malaysia lower as investors adopt cautious stance

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (NNN-Bernama) — Bursa Malaysia, the stock exchange of Malaysia, opened lower Wednesday as investors remained cautious ahead of the wrap up of the United States Federal Open Market Committee meeting, which will determine the year’s final interest rate policy decision. At 9.20 am, the barometer index…

Malaysian ringgit opens slightly higher vs US dollar

By Rosemarie Khoo KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (NNN-Bernama) — The Malaysian ringgit opened slightly higher versus the US dollar and is likely to trade sideways Wednesday as market participants await the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting outcome tonight, said an analyst. At 9 am, the ringgit edged up to…

Malaysia among Asia’s top 10 New Year destinations – 12Go

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (NNN-Bernama) — A travel platform that offers transportation booking services, 12Go, has prepared a list of the best travel destinations for the winter season in Asia, based on its internal ticket data. According to 12Go in a statement, the top 10 countries that stand out are…

Tourism Malaysia wins National Tourism Organisation of The Year award in Indonesia

JAKARTA, Dec 12 (NNN-Bernama) — Tourism Malaysia has once again been honoured with the title of National Tourism Organisation of The Year, achieving this prestigious recognition for the fourth time at the 14th Indonesia Travel & Tourism Awards (ITTA) 2023/2024. The event, celebrating excellence in the Indonesian tourism sector, took…

UN resolution 377 will get nowhere if UNSC permanent members remain indifferent

By Rosmalis Anuar KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (NNN-Bernama) — All eyes are on the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as it is expected to vote for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip following a formal request from Egypt and Mauritania, invoking the UN’s Resolution 377A (V). This move came…

Malaysian PM Anwar announces cabinet reshuffle to meet current demands, situation

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 12 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday announced a major Cabinet reshuffle, the first under his Unity Government as it enters its second year of administration. Anwar said the Cabinet reshuffle was done as the government needs to make adjustments to meet the current demands…