The Indian-flagged LPG tanker Shivalik crossed the Strait under escort from the Indian Navy, two sources said, while a second vessel, Nanda Devi, was expected to follow.

The Philippines, which is chairing ASEAN this year, convened the special meeting as concerns over the Iran conflict deepened.

Beijing has portrayed itself in the region as a reliable alternative to an erratic US President Donald Trump, who launched sweeping tariffs last year that unsettled global trade.

The Malaysian government is in a strong position to absorb the higher costs due to the various fiscal reforms and consolidation measures implemented over the past three years, said Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan.

As part of a three-year diploma programme, students will receive specialised training in areas like ingredient selection, charcoal control and flavour development, alongside business and restaurant management skills.

A second arms package, worth around US$14 billion, could be approved for Taiwan after US President Donald Trump visits Beijing later this month.

Thailand alleges that the area had been used as a base of operations by the Cambodian military as well as criminals running transnational scams.

What if the answer to volatile oil markets lies not in oil fields, but in food waste? This alternative could make airlines much less susceptible to fluctuations in oil prices. 

Japanese premier Sanae Takaichi is expected to discuss the initiative with US President Donald Trump during their planned Mar 19 meeting in Washington.

"He will support Malaysia (when Singapore faces Malaysia), but will always show up for me," said Siti Khadijah Shahrem.

Disruptions to energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have prompted India to prioritise household and transport gas supplies, leaving restaurants and other businesses scrambling for fuel.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his government have little time to lose in pushing harder for reform, if they wish to retain their support base, says an academic.

Fervour for AI agent OpenClaw has consumed China in recent weeks but underneath the excitement, there are concerns, says Catherine Thorbecke for Bloomberg Opinion.

Sources tell CNA that PM Anwar Ibrahim instructed his former political aide-turned-business figure Farhash Wafa Salvador to withdraw from a campaign to take control of the company.  

Officials will weigh impacts and responses to surging oil prices as well as disruptions to shipping, logistics and trade flows.