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A key committee in Iran’s parliament approved a toll plan for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing local media. The measure, which cleared the National Security Commission, outlines a series of new regulations governing the strategic waterway, including financial provisions that would require ships to pay transit fees in Iran’s national currency, the rial. According to the Fars News Agency, commission member Mojtaba Zarei said the bill also includes restrictions barring vessels linked to the US and Israel from passing through the strait. Additional provisions would prohibit access for countries that have joined unilateral sanctions against Iran. The legislation must pass a full parliamentary vote before being reviewed by the Guardian Council and signed by the president to become law. Regional escalations have continued to rage since Israel and the US launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb 28, killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

Iran’s Parliament Committee Approves Strait Of Hormuz Toll Plan

ISTANBUL — A key committee in Iran’s parliament approved a toll plan for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing local media. The measure, which cleared .... read more

"To both entities, the government today (March 30) has sent a summons letter as part of the implementation of administrative sanctions in accordance with applicable provisions," he said in a video statement uploaded on the ministry's official Instagram account late Monday. Indonesia officially banned the use of social media by children under the age of 16 when it began implementing PP Tunas on March 28, a policy that mandates the gradual deactivation of accounts belonging to underage users on high-risk platforms. Following a one-year transition period since the regulation was signed by President Prabowo Subianto, Meutya said only X and Bigolive were found to be compliant with the regulation after implementing measures to limit access for users under 16 years of age. He said the government also issued warning letters to TikTok and Roblox, which were found not to have fully complied with the regulations, but showed a willingness to cooperate. "If these two platforms (TikTok and Roblox) still fail to show full compliance, the government will adjust its measures, including issuing summonses to both platforms," ​​he said. He said Indonesia would prioritize cooperation with digital platforms that respect its legal framework and demonstrate a commitment beyond simply seeing the country as a mere market, particularly in protecting children by delaying access until they are deemed ready. Describing the policy as a major step, he highlighted Indonesia's large digital population including some 70 million users under the age of 16, while stressing that the government understood that the implementation and enforcement of the regulation was not an effort that could be completed in a day or two. "However, the government believes that this is a step in the right direction. Similar regulations have also been implemented in many other countries including in Asia, Asia Pacific, Europe, West Asia and other regions," he said. Meutya also urged the public, especially parents and children, to play an active role in monitoring and reporting platforms that do not comply with regulations, following concerns over the high level of digital usage in Indonesia, with average daily screen time reaching seven to eight hours.

Indonesia sues Meta, Google for failing to comply with child protection rules

JAKARTA: Indonesia has issued a summons to tech giants Meta and Google for failing to comply with the country’s new regulation, PP Tunas, which aims to protect children online and .... read more

ISTANBUL, March 30 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States (US) has already begun taking steps to control the Strait of Hormuz amid the war with Iran, Anadolu Ajansi reported. Asked in an interview with Israel’s Channel 14 whether Washington is capable of taking control of the strategic waterway, he replied: “Yes, sure, it’s already happening.” Trump also highlighted what he described as close coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Iran. “The coordination is very close. We have a good relationship. It couldn’t be better,” he said. He added that he believes Iran “badly” wants a deal. “I think they want to do (it) very badly. Anybody would want a deal if you are getting decimated, right?” he said. The US and Israel have been carrying out airstrikes on Iran since Feb 28, killing more than 1,340 people so far, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

Trump Says US Already Moving To Control Strait Of Hormuz

ISTANBUL — US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States (US) has already begun taking steps to control the Strait of Hormuz amid the war with Iran, Anadolu .... read more

US Allows Russian Oil Tanker To Break Blockade, Travel To Cuba

US Allows Russian Oil Tanker To Break Blockade, Travel To Cuba

HOUSTON — The US is allowing a Russian tanker to deliver crude oil to Cuba, breaking a months-long blockade on the Caribbean island nation by the Trump administration, Anadolu Ajansi .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Malaysia has obtained cooperation from Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to facilitate the delivery of 374 tons of Malaysian humanitarian aid to Gaza through the Rafah Border Crossing beginning this April. Following recent discussions, President El-Sisi reportedly gave a clear assurance and commitment to ease access for the aid, enabling its swift distribution to more than 100,000 residents in Gaza who are in urgent need of assistance. The Prime Minister stressed that Malaysia remains resolute in its humanitarian mission and will not be deterred by any obstacles, including actions linked to the Israeli regime, which he said have hindered such efforts. He added that at a time when the global community faces growing criticism over inaction and double standards, Malaysia will continue to uphold a principled stance in الدفاع of the oppressed, particularly the Palestinian people. Anwar also called on Malaysians to pray for the smooth delivery of the aid and the safety of those involved, expressing hope that the humanitarian assistance will reach its intended recipients without delay.

Malaysia Secures Egypt’s Cooperation to Deliver 374 Tons of Aid to Gaza via Rafah

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Malaysia has obtained cooperation from Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to facilitate the delivery of 374 tons of Malaysian humanitarian aid to .... read more

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Malaysia to Issue Diplomatic Note Rejecting Renewed Sabah Claim

SEREMBAN: Malaysia will send a diplomatic note to Philippines to firmly reject renewed claims over Sabah, following recent remarks by Filipino senator Robin Padilla. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Putrajaya .... read more

TEHRAN March 28 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- A series of explosions struck Iran’s capital early Saturday as the city came under United States (US) and Israeli attacks, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Severe explosions were reported in the northeastern areas of the city. Flashes were seen lighting up the sky, while smoke was observed rising from affected areas. Iran’s air defence systems were activated following the attacks. Iranian media also reported brief power outages in some parts of the city. Hostilities in the region have escalated since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb 28. Tehran has retaliated with waves of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, inflicting casualties and infrastructure damage, while disrupting global markets and aviation. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Explosions Rock Iranian Capital Amid US-Israel Attacks

TEHRAN — A series of explosions struck Iran’s capital early Saturday as the city came under United States (US) and Israeli attacks, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Severe explosions were reported .... read more

JAKARTA, March 27 — Anwar Ibrahim wrapped up a one-day working visit to Jakarta after holding talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Istana Merdeka. The meeting, which began at 4.30 pm local time, took place amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia. After the discussions, Prabowo personally accompanied Anwar to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in a gesture reflecting the close ties between the two nations. Anwar departed Jakarta at about 7.15 pm, concluding his first visit to the Indonesian capital this year. The trip was made at Prabowo’s invitation following a phone conversation between the two leaders on March 23. Both leaders have maintained active engagement, having held five high-level meetings last year, including the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation held in Jakarta on July 28. In a statement after the meeting, Anwar said Malaysia and Indonesia agreed to step up diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in West Asia, prioritise the protection of civilians, and create room for negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting peace. Amid ongoing global uncertainty, both countries also underscored the importance of strengthening regional unity to maintain peace, stability, and economic resilience. During the nearly two-hour discussion, the leaders highlighted the need to ensure global supply chains and key trade routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, remain secure and uninterrupted. -- PHOTO: FB Anwar Ibrahim

PM Anwar Concludes Jakarta Visit After Meeting With Prabowo

JAKARTA, March 27 — Anwar Ibrahim wrapped up a one-day working visit to Jakarta after holding talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Istana Merdeka. The meeting, which began .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR: Fuel prices across Southeast Asia are trending upward as global crude oil costs climb, exposing stark differences in pricing systems among ASEAN nations. The divergence reflects varying subsidy policies, tax regimes, and levels of exposure to international energy markets. The increase comes against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted supply chains and pushed benchmark crude prices beyond US$100 per barrel. Key shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, have also been affected, adding further strain to global energy flows. These developments are placing pressure on domestic fuel pricing mechanisms across the region, revealing a widening gap between countries that rely heavily on subsidies and those that allow prices to fluctuate with global markets. Malaysia continues to maintain some of the lowest fuel prices in ASEAN due to sustained government subsidies. RON95 petrol remains capped at RM1.99 per litre, shielding consumers from international price volatility. Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a temporary revision to the Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) programme, reducing the monthly quota from 300 litres to 200 litres effective April 1. Despite this adjustment, the subsidised price will remain unchanged. In Indonesia, subsidised fuel prices range between IDR12,000 and IDR12,390 (RM2.91–RM2.93) per litre, reflecting continued reliance on government support. However, analysts caution that prolonged high global prices could strain public finances. Singapore, on the other hand, continues to record the highest petrol prices in the region at approximately S$3.42 (RM10.64) per litre. This is largely due to high taxation and policies designed to limit private vehicle ownership. Authorities there have indicated that fuel supplies remain stable for now, though the situation is being closely monitored. Meanwhile, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines fall within a mid-range pricing group, with rates more closely aligned to global benchmarks. Thailand recently saw fuel prices rise following a reduction in subsidies, while Vietnam manages prices through periodic government reviews to reduce volatility. In the Philippines, a fully deregulated fuel market results in weekly price adjustments, leaving consumers more directly affected by global price movements. Cambodia and Laos are among the most vulnerable, with petrol prices exceeding US$1.10 (RM4.41) per litre due to heavy reliance on imported refined fuel. Limited domestic refining capacity makes both countries particularly sensitive to supply disruptions and currency fluctuations. In Cambodia, fuel costs have surged sharply in recent weeks. Diesel prices have jumped by more than 80 percent since late February, reaching 7,100 riel (RM7.10) per litre, up from 3,750 riel (RM3.80). Regular gasoline has also risen significantly to 5,450 riel (RM5.50) per litre. Liquefied petroleum gas is currently priced at 3,200 riel (RM3.20) per litre, according to official data. As global uncertainties persist, ASEAN governments are expected to face increasing scrutiny over their fuel pricing strategies, particularly in balancing fiscal sustainability with the need to cushion consumers from rising living costs. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris

ASEAN Fuel Prices Rise Amid Global Oil Surge, Highlighting Policy Gaps Across Region

KUALA LUMPUR: Fuel prices across Southeast Asia are trending upward as global crude oil costs climb, exposing stark differences in pricing systems among ASEAN nations. The divergence reflects varying subsidy .... read more

World Bank Moves to Contain Global Fallout from Middle East Conflict

The World Bank Group has reported growing concern among emerging market economies as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East begins to drive up commodity prices and disrupt global logistics. .... read more

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