Indonesia's southern Sumatra province is battling a huge forest fire, blanketing the entire area with haze clouds. These haze clouds have now extended to the nearby provinces and cities, degrading the air quality in the entire region.

Indonesia denies smog from forest fires drifted to Malaysia

<p>Punithamalar Rajashekar, a 10-year-old girl from Malaysia, accomplished an extraordinary feat by arranging a chessboard blindfolded in a remarkable 45.72 seconds, securing a Guinness World Record for the "fastest time to arrange a chess set blindfolded."</p>

<p>Her motivation&nbsp;to attempt this record came from watching a documentary showcasing remarkable human achievements, according to the&nbsp;Guinness World Records.</p>

<p>Guinness World Records shared a video of Rajashekar's world record achievement on its YouTube channel, capturing the moment when she put on a blindfold amid enthusiastic applause from the audience.</p>

<p>With the call of "ready, set, and go," she commenced arranging the chess pieces. Rajashekar meticulously placed all the black pieces before proceeding to position the white ones. As she completed the task, she raised her hands and declared, "Stop."</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p>An ecstatic Rajashekar told the&nbsp;Guinness World Records, "Seeing people push their limits and accomplish incredible feats really inspired me. [...] I was particularly drawn to the idea of setting a personal goal and pushing myself beyond my limits, and attempting a world record seemed like the perfect way to do that."</p>

<h2><strong>Four months into&nbsp;preparation</strong></h2>

<p>With the unwavering support of her father, Rajashekar started&nbsp;her journey towards this remarkable achievement four months prior to the actual attempt.</p>

<p>Throughout her preparation and subsequent record-setting attempt, her family and teachers provided continuous encouragement and motivation, she told the&nbsp;Guinness World Records.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Praggnanandhaa: 'Focused on Asian Games Gold'</strong></p>

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<p>In addition to her Guinness World Record, Rajashekar has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Asia's Outstanding Child Award for the 2022-2023 year. Her exceptional abilities have been showcased in various contests, including Malaysia's Kids Got Talent.</p>

<h2><strong>Praggnanandhaa:&nbsp;India's own chess prodigy</strong></h2>

<p>Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa may not have clinched the World Cup title, but his outstanding performances are set to leave an indelible mark on the country's chess scene. The young Indian grandmaster ultimately secured the runner-up position in a tie-breaker round and was ultimately&nbsp;defeated by the world's top-ranked player, Magnus Carlsen, following two previous draws.&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him&nbsp;on X for his "remarkable" performance and for putting up a "tough fight".&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Punithamalar Rajashekar, a 10-year-old girl from Malaysia, accomplished an extraordinary feat by arranging a chessboard blindfolded in a remarkable 45.72 seconds, securing a Guinness World Record for the "fastest time to arrange a chess set blindfolded.

Punithamalar Rajashekar, a 10-year-old girl from Malaysia, accomplished an extraordinary feat by arranging a chessboard blindfolded in a remarkable 45.72 seconds, securing a Guinness World Record for the "fastest time to arrange a chess set blindfolded." Her motivation to attempt this record came from watching a documentary showcasing remarkable human achievements, according to the Guinness World Records. Guinness World Records shared a video of Rajashekar's world record achievement on its YouTube channel, capturing the moment when she put on a blindfold amid enthusiastic applause from the audience. With the call of "ready, set, and go," she commenced arranging the chess pieces. Rajashekar meticulously placed all the black pieces before proceeding to position the white ones. As she completed the task, she raised her hands and declared, "Stop." Watch the video here: × An ecstatic Rajashekar told the Guinness World Records, "Seeing people push their limits and accomplish incredible feats really inspired me. [...] I was particularly drawn to the idea of setting a personal goal and pushing myself beyond my limits, and attempting a world record seemed like the perfect way to do that." Four months into preparation With the unwavering support of her father, Rajashekar started her journey towards this remarkable achievement four months prior to the actual attempt. Throughout her preparation and subsequent record-setting attempt, her family and teachers provided continuous encouragement and motivation, she told the Guinness World Records. Also watch | Praggnanandhaa: 'Focused on Asian Games Gold' In addition to her Guinness World Record, Rajashekar has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Asia's Outstanding Child Award for the 2022-2023 year. Her exceptional abilities have been showcased in various contests, including Malaysia's Kids Got Talent. Praggnanandhaa: India's own chess prodigy Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa may not have clinched the World Cup title, but his outstanding performances are set to leave an indelible mark on the country's chess scene. The young Indian grandmaster ultimately secured the runner-up position in a tie-breaker round and was ultimately defeated by the world's top-ranked player, Magnus Carlsen, following two previous draws. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on X for his "remarkable" performance and for putting up a "tough fight". WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH: 10-year-old Malaysian girl arranges chessboard in seconds while blindfolded, sets world record

Malaysia and China have agreed to engage in continued and open communication on the issue of the South China Sea. This comes after China released a 10-line map laying claim to almost the entire South China Sea, including the area lying off the coast of Malaysian Borneo.

South China Sea row: Malaysia, China to have open communication over the South China Sea

<p>Singapore is taking proactive steps to harness the changing dynamics of global manufacturing flows by partnering with Malaysia and Indonesia to bolster its regional supply chain. This strategic collaboration aims to capitalise on rising investments from India, China, and Southeast Asia in recent years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During an event hosted by LSEG and Reuters Newsmaker,&nbsp;Managing Director of Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB)&nbsp;Jacqueline Poh highlighted the importance of fostering a robust manufacturing base that encompasses Singapore, the southern Malaysian state of Johor, and the nearby Riau Islands of Indonesia. This collaborative effort is envisioned to position Southeast Asia as a formidable production hub.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Singapore’s objective is twofold: to maintain its status as one of the world’s premier financial centres and leverage the ongoing wealth shift towards Asia. Concurrently, the city-state is actively establishing itself as a wealth management hub catering to the ultra-rich.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the competition for a share of this growth is intensifying across the region as economies and businesses recover from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Poh cautioned that the EDB anticipates a relatively subdued 2023 in terms of investments following a record-breaking 2022. In the previous year, Singapore secured S$22.5 billion (approximately $16.5 billion) in fixed asset investments, with over 66 per cent originating from electronics manufacturing projects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The primary driver for investments was the semiconductor super cycle," Reuters quoted Poh as saying. However, the electronics industry has faced a downturn, leading to a reversal of this trend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, Singapore holds an 11 per cent share of the global semiconductor market, with 20 per cent of global semiconductor equipment being manufactured within the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, Poh emphasised the EDB’s commitment to promoting “green finance” and renewable energy investments, encompassing sectors such as solar, wind, and hydropower.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Rising Family Offices&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Singapore is maintaining its status as a sanctuary for the wealthy, who are establishing family offices to handle their money outside of their native countries in order to avoid political unrest and economic unpredictability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to data from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), there will be 1,100 single family offices in Singapore by the end of 2022, up from 400 at the end of 2020. These offices manage investments, taxes, asset transfers, and other financial problems for the wealthy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Poh maintained that Singapore has made efforts to foster these family offices by enhancing training initiatives focused on asset management and financial planning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We've worked with the Wealth Management Institute at the MAS to start a brand-new course for family offices so that our family offices have to attend this new sort of training to better understand how they can deploy their capital,” Reuters quoted Poh as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Singapore is taking proactive steps to harness the changing dynamics of global manufacturing flows by partnering with Malaysia and Indonesia to bolster its regional supply chain.

Singapore is taking proactive steps to harness the changing dynamics of global manufacturing flows by partnering with Malaysia and Indonesia to bolster its regional supply chain. This strategic collaboration aims to capitalise on rising investments from India, China, and Southeast Asia in recent years. During an event hosted by LSEG and Reuters Newsmaker, Managing Director of Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) Jacqueline Poh highlighted the importance of fostering a robust manufacturing base that encompasses Singapore, the southern Malaysian state of Johor, and the nearby Riau Islands of Indonesia. This collaborative effort is envisioned to position Southeast Asia as a formidable production hub. Singapore’s objective is twofold: to maintain its status as one of the world’s premier financial centres and leverage the ongoing wealth shift towards Asia. Concurrently, the city-state is actively establishing itself as a wealth management hub catering to the ultra-rich. However, the competition for a share of this growth is intensifying across the region as economies and businesses recover from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Poh cautioned that the EDB anticipates a relatively subdued 2023 in terms of investments following a record-breaking 2022. In the previous year, Singapore secured S$22.5 billion (approximately $16.5 billion) in fixed asset investments, with over 66 per cent originating from electronics manufacturing projects. “The primary driver for investments was the semiconductor super cycle," Reuters quoted Poh as saying. However, the electronics industry has faced a downturn, leading to a reversal of this trend. Currently, Singapore holds an 11 per cent share of the global semiconductor market, with 20 per cent of global semiconductor equipment being manufactured within the country. Additionally, Poh emphasised the EDB’s commitment to promoting “green finance” and renewable energy investments, encompassing sectors such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Rising Family Offices Singapore is maintaining its status as a sanctuary for the wealthy, who are establishing family offices to handle their money outside of their native countries in order to avoid political unrest and economic unpredictability. According to data from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), there will be 1,100 single family offices in Singapore by the end of 2022, up from 400 at the end of 2020. These offices manage investments, taxes, asset transfers, and other financial problems for the wealthy. Poh maintained that Singapore has made efforts to foster these family offices by enhancing training initiatives focused on asset management and financial planning. “We've worked with the Wealth Management Institute at the MAS to start a brand-new course for family offices so that our family offices have to attend this new sort of training to better understand how they can deploy their capital,” Reuters quoted Poh as saying. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Singapore in talks with Malaysia and Indonesia to establish regional supply chain: Report 

The world is looking to diversify its supply chain away from China. Singapore is in talks with Malaysia and Indonesia to develop a strong regional supply chain base. Speaking at an event, Jacqueline Poh, economic development board's managing director, said that the city-state is expecting a more muted 2023 in terms of investments, after a record 2022 where it secured 16.5 billion dollars in fixed asset investments. More than 66% of the investments went for establishing electronics manufacturing projects.

Singapore, Indonesia & Malaysia seek a regional supply chain base

<p>Roti Canai, a very popular flatbread in Malaysia, has topped the list of the best breads in the world. The pan-fried bread took the first spot in the Taste Atlas list of the Top 50 Best Breads from around the world.</p>

<p>Roti Canai has received a total of 4.9 stars. The second bread on the list is Colombian bread, pan de bono, and the third one is butter garlic naan from India with 4.8 stars.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tanaav-indias-adaptation-of-fauda-to-return-for-season-2-635940">Tanaav, India's adaptation of Fauda, to return for season 2</a></p>

<p><strong>What is roti canai?</strong></p>

<p>Roti Canai is a very popular flatbread that has been Malaysians' favourite breakfast meal for centuries now. Not only in the morning, the bread is eaten at lunch, dinner, or any other time one&nbsp;wants. The origin of Roti Canai is debatable. Some say the dish was brought to the coastal country from India by migrants.</p>

<p>As per Taste Atlas, "It is believed that the dish originated in India when the Indian labourers who migrated to Malaysia brought the recipe and the tradition of preparing this crispy pastry to the foreign country.''</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Best breads in the world, current ranking. View more at <a href="https://t.co/BH40jAfhoS">https://t.co/BH40jAfhoS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TourismMalaysia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TourismMalaysia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/colombia_travel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@colombia_travel</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/incredibleindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@incredibleindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FocacciaDiRecco?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FocacciaDiRecco</a> <a href="https://t.co/80N9oTFHMY">pic.twitter.com/80N9oTFHMY</a></p>
— TasteAtlas (@TasteAtlas) <a href="https://twitter.com/TasteAtlas/status/1700589655282839849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sold by street vendors called mamaks, the dough of the bread is prepared with flour, water, and eggs and is properly kneaded to give the texture of the final product crispiness, with flaky layers from the outside and soft from the inside. The bread has been prepared with ghee, the traditional Indian clarified butter.</p>

<p>This is not the first time that the popular Malaysian dish has found a place in the TasteAtlas food ranking list. In February, the bread was ranked as the second-best street food in the world.</p>

<p>Other than Malaysia, different types of roti canai can also be found in the surrounding south-Indian countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand.</p>

<p>The top 10 best breads in the world are,&nbsp;check ranking here:&nbsp;</p>

<p>1. Roti canai, Malaysia<br />
2. Pan de bono, Colombia<br />
3. Butter garlic naan, India<br />
4. Nan-e barbari, Iran<br />
5. Pão de queijo, Brazil&nbsp;<br />
6. Baguette, France<br />
7. Naan (collectively), India<br />
8. Piadina Romagnola, Italy<br />
9. Marraqueta, Chile&nbsp;<br />
10. Pan de yuca, Colombia</p>

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Roti Canai, a very popular flatbread in Malaysia, has topped the list of the best breads in the world. The pan-fried bread took the first spot in the Taste Atlas list of the Top 50 Best Breads from around the world.

Roti Canai, a very popular flatbread in Malaysia, has topped the list of the best breads in the world. The pan-fried bread took the first spot in the Taste Atlas list of the Top 50 Best Breads from around the world. Roti Canai has received a total of 4.9 stars. The second bread on the list is Colombian bread, pan de bono, and the third one is butter garlic naan from India with 4.8 stars. Tanaav, India's adaptation of Fauda, to return for season 2 What is roti canai? Roti Canai is a very popular flatbread that has been Malaysians' favourite breakfast meal for centuries now. Not only in the morning, the bread is eaten at lunch, dinner, or any other time one wants. The origin of Roti Canai is debatable. Some say the dish was brought to the coastal country from India by migrants. As per Taste Atlas, "It is believed that the dish originated in India when the Indian labourers who migrated to Malaysia brought the recipe and the tradition of preparing this crispy pastry to the foreign country.'' Best breads in the world, current ranking. View more at https://t.co/BH40jAfhoS @TourismMalaysia @colombia_travel @incredibleindia @FocacciaDiRecco pic.twitter.com/80N9oTFHMY — TasteAtlas (@TasteAtlas) September 9, 2023 × Sold by street vendors called mamaks, the dough of the bread is prepared with flour, water, and eggs and is properly kneaded to give the texture of the final product crispiness, with flaky layers from the outside and soft from the inside. The bread has been prepared with ghee, the traditional Indian clarified butter. This is not the first time that the popular Malaysian dish has found a place in the TasteAtlas food ranking list. In February, the bread was ranked as the second-best street food in the world. Other than Malaysia, different types of roti canai can also be found in the surrounding south-Indian countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand. The top 10 best breads in the world are, check ranking here: 1. Roti canai, Malaysia 2. Pan de bono, Colombia 3. Butter garlic naan, India 4. Nan-e barbari, Iran 5. Pão de queijo, Brazil 6. Baguette, France 7. Naan (collectively), India 8. Piadina Romagnola, Italy 9. Marraqueta, Chile 10. Pan de yuca, Colombia WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Malaysia’s ‘roti canai’ named world’s best bread, India's garlic naan is third on list

<p>India mauled Japan 35-1 after beating Malaysia 7-5 to enter the semifinals of the men’s Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifiers here on Thursday. With two wins on the day, India finished second in the Elite pool table with 12 points, and earned a direct qualification for the semifinals. They play in the second semifinal of the tournament on Saturday.</p>

<p>In its first match of the day, India won a closely-contested match against Malaysia with Gurjot Singh (7th, 11th, 17th, 29th, 30th) scoring five goals. Maninder Singh (12th) and Mohammed Raheel (21st) were other Indian scorers. Malaysia scored through Arif Ishak (6th), Ismail Abu (7th), Muhamad Din (8th), Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin (26th) and Syarman Mat (30th).</p>

<p>Against Japan in the second match, it was mayhem with the Indians raining goals at will. Maninder (1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 9th, 15th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 29th) scored a whopping 10 goals while Mohammed Raheel (3rd, 4th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 26th, 26th) struck seven times.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mls-on-strike-la-hotel-staff-ask-lionel-messi-inter-miami-team-to-stay-elsewhere-ahead-of-sunday-tie-vs-lafc-631054">MLS: On-strike LA hotel staff ask Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Team to stay elsewhere ahead of Sunday tie vs LAFC</a></strong></p>

<p>Pawan Rajbhar (2nd, 6th, 10th, 13th, 23rd) and Gurjot Singh (12th, 20th, 21st, 27th, 30th) scored five goals each, while Sukhvinder (4th, 8th, 16th, 22nd) struck five. Captain Mandeep Mor (18th, 23rd, 29th) was on target while Jugraj Singh (15th) got one.</p>

<p>For Japan, Masataka Kobori (29th) scored its lone goal.</p>

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India mauled Japan 35-1 after beating Malaysia 7-5 to enter the semifinals of the men’s Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifiers here on Thursday. With two wins on the day, India finished second in the Elite pool table with 12 points, and earned a direct qualification for the semifinals.

India mauled Japan 35-1 after beating Malaysia 7-5 to enter the semifinals of the men’s Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifiers here on Thursday. With two wins on the day, India finished second in the Elite pool table with 12 points, and earned a direct qualification for the semifinals. They play in the second semifinal of the tournament on Saturday. In its first match of the day, India won a closely-contested match against Malaysia with Gurjot Singh (7th, 11th, 17th, 29th, 30th) scoring five goals. Maninder Singh (12th) and Mohammed Raheel (21st) were other Indian scorers. Malaysia scored through Arif Ishak (6th), Ismail Abu (7th), Muhamad Din (8th), Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin (26th) and Syarman Mat (30th). Against Japan in the second match, it was mayhem with the Indians raining goals at will. Maninder (1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 9th, 15th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 29th) scored a whopping 10 goals while Mohammed Raheel (3rd, 4th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 26th, 26th) struck seven times. Also read: MLS: On-strike LA hotel staff ask Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Team to stay elsewhere ahead of Sunday tie vs LAFC Pawan Rajbhar (2nd, 6th, 10th, 13th, 23rd) and Gurjot Singh (12th, 20th, 21st, 27th, 30th) scored five goals each, while Sukhvinder (4th, 8th, 16th, 22nd) struck five. Captain Mandeep Mor (18th, 23rd, 29th) was on target while Jugraj Singh (15th) got one. For Japan, Masataka Kobori (29th) scored its lone goal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hockey: Men’s Asian 5s WC Qualifiers - India thrash Malaysia 7-5, humiliate Japan 35-1 to enter semifinals

About 10 people have lost their lives in a deadly plane crash near Malaysia's capital. Just minutes before the plane with 8 onboard was about to land the private Beechcraft plane was two minutes away from landing when it suddenly lost contact with the tower and then crashed into the highway on a motorcyclist and driver. It was coming from the northern resort island of Langkawi.

Malaysia plane crash: Light plane with 8 onboard crashes into motorcyclist and driver

<p>A small plane carrying two crew members and six passengers crashed in Malaysia's Selangor state while attempting a landing at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, the country's civil aviation authority (CAAM) announced on Thursday (August 17). While authorities are yet to confirm the condition of those involved in the crash, the police said all eight members aboard the plane and two locals had died.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CAAM said the accident took place in the city of Elmona, Shah Alam around 2:51&nbsp;pm local time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The aircraft operated by Jetvalet Sdn. Bhd. departed from Langkawi International Airport at 2.08 pm to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport,” CAAM chief executive officer Norazman Bin Mahmud&nbsp;was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times (NST).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“At 2.51 pm, the Subang Air Traffic Control Tower observed smoke originating from the crash site but no mayday call was made by the aircraft.”</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The footage may be disturbing for some. Proceed at your own caution)</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dashcam footage shows final moments of the private jet crash in Malaysia. <a href="https://t.co/1rsoP7ALGx">https://t.co/1rsoP7ALGx</a><br />
<br />
Viewer discretion advised. <a href="https://t.co/fo4Fqxu319">pic.twitter.com/fo4Fqxu319</a></p>
— Breaking Aviation News &amp; Videos (@aviationbrk) <a href="https://twitter.com/aviationbrk/status/1692138280358191371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to NST,&nbsp;a car driver and a motorcyclist also succumbed in the crash. Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed their death saying the two vehicles were hit by the aircraft.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysian-mh370-missing-was-mh370-deliberately-downed-by-pilot-debris-offers-new-clues-542845" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Malaysian MH370 Missing: Was MH370 deliberately downed by Pilot? Debris offers new clues</strong></a></p>

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<p>A&nbsp;state assemblyman from Pahang and the chief executive officer of an aviation company were believed to be among the 10 killed in the crash.</p>

<p>A video going viral on social media shows the aftermath of the crash with black smoke billowing out of the wreckage of the plane after it veered off the road and onto the nearby grass verge.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Beechcraft Premier I carrying six passengers and two crew crashes while attempting to land at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Malaysia. <a href="https://t.co/XppomvROvt">pic.twitter.com/XppomvROvt</a></p>
— Breaking Aviation News &amp; Videos (@aviationbrk) <a href="https://twitter.com/aviationbrk/status/1692100055451234658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Condolences pour in&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After the crash,&nbsp;Selangor caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari issued a statement, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I express my condolences to the victims involved in the tragic plane crash in Shah Alam this evening," said&nbsp;Amirudin in a short post on X, formerly known as Twitter.</p>

<p>"I urge all parties not to spread images of the victims and not to give rise to any unfounded speculation out of respect for the victims' families," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pakistan-origin-man-arrested-for-making-bomb-threats-aboard-malaysia-airlines-flight-626062"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan-origin man arrested for making bomb threats aboard Malaysia Airlines flight</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, this is not the first airplane tragedy to transpire in Elmina, Shah Alam. Previously, a Japan Airlines flight 715 crashed in the region on 27 September 1977, killing 34 people onboard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Flight 715 crashed into a hill on approach during a thunderstorm at the Elmina Estate, back when the area was still a rubber plantation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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A small plane carrying two crew members and six passengers crashed in Malaysia's Selangor state while attempting a landing at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, the country's civil aviation authority (CAAM) announced on Thursday (August 17).

A small plane carrying two crew members and six passengers crashed in Malaysia's Selangor state while attempting a landing at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, the country's civil aviation authority (CAAM) announced on Thursday (August 17). While authorities are yet to confirm the condition of those involved in the crash, the police said all eight members aboard the plane and two locals had died. CAAM said the accident took place in the city of Elmona, Shah Alam around 2:51 pm local time. “The aircraft operated by Jetvalet Sdn. Bhd. departed from Langkawi International Airport at 2.08 pm to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport,” CAAM chief executive officer Norazman Bin Mahmud was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times (NST). “At 2.51 pm, the Subang Air Traffic Control Tower observed smoke originating from the crash site but no mayday call was made by the aircraft.” (Disclaimer: The footage may be disturbing for some. Proceed at your own caution) Dashcam footage shows final moments of the private jet crash in Malaysia. https://t.co/1rsoP7ALGx Viewer discretion advised. pic.twitter.com/fo4Fqxu319 — Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) August 17, 2023 × According to NST, a car driver and a motorcyclist also succumbed in the crash. Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed their death saying the two vehicles were hit by the aircraft. Watch | Malaysian MH370 Missing: Was MH370 deliberately downed by Pilot? Debris offers new clues A state assemblyman from Pahang and the chief executive officer of an aviation company were believed to be among the 10 killed in the crash. A video going viral on social media shows the aftermath of the crash with black smoke billowing out of the wreckage of the plane after it veered off the road and onto the nearby grass verge. Beechcraft Premier I carrying six passengers and two crew crashes while attempting to land at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Malaysia. pic.twitter.com/XppomvROvt — Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) August 17, 2023 × Condolences pour in After the crash, Selangor caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari issued a statement, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims. "I express my condolences to the victims involved in the tragic plane crash in Shah Alam this evening," said Amirudin in a short post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "I urge all parties not to spread images of the victims and not to give rise to any unfounded speculation out of respect for the victims' families," he added. Also read | Pakistan-origin man arrested for making bomb threats aboard Malaysia Airlines flight Notably, this is not the first airplane tragedy to transpire in Elmina, Shah Alam. Previously, a Japan Airlines flight 715 crashed in the region on 27 September 1977, killing 34 people onboard. Flight 715 crashed into a hill on approach during a thunderstorm at the Elmina Estate, back when the area was still a rubber plantation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Video | Plane carrying 8 crashes in landing bid in Malaysia; all aboard, 2 locals on ground dead

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidxgyT8sWYcVcc" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The disappearance of MH370 is one of the few modern-day mysteries that continues to pique the interest of amateur, armchair sleuths who are looking to plug their fix of curiosity. A video is currently doing the rounds of the internet where some netizens are claiming it to be of MH370. In the clip, an unidentified object can be seen following the plane with users claiming that the plane was abducted by aliens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/15kfy1i/old_footage_of_several_ufos_stealing_an_airliner/?utm_source=embedv2&amp;utm_medium=post_embed&amp;utm_content=whitespace&amp;embed_host_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsweek.com%2Ffact-check-do-videos-show-mh370-boeing-teleported-away-ufos-1818620">posted </a>on popular subreddit r/UFO dedicated to investigating such claims has generated some buzz. However, akin to previous such videos, the claims have been found to be bogus. According to Newsweek, the clip was last shared in 2014 as well but did not carry explicit mention of Boeing at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The publication added that the second part of the now-viral footage was captured by a satellite that was not even launched at the time of the plane's mysterious disappearance. As per HoaxEye, this footage is of a military satellite, NROL 77, which was launched later.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysian-mh370-missing-was-mh370-deliberately-downed-by-pilot-debris-offers-new-clues-542845" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Malaysian MH370 Missing: Was MH370 deliberately downed by Pilot? Debris offers new clues</strong></a></p>

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<p>Despite being debunked multiple times that the plane could not have been abducted by the aliens, the theory keeps coming back. Its newfound virality on the internet might stem from the recent Congressional hearing where David Grusch, a former US intelligence official, made some startling claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his testimony, Grusch said there was an absolute certainty that the federal government remains in possession of UAPs. Grusch cited interviews he had conducted with over 40 witnesses over a four-year long period as the basis of his claims.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-are-we-truly-alone-in-the-universe-619909" target="_blank"><strong>Explained | Are we truly alone in the universe, especially after US hearing on UFOs and aliens?</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>What happened to MH370?</strong></h2>

<p>It was over nine years ago on 8 March 2014 that<strong>&nbsp;</strong>MH370, a Boeing 777 aircraft,&nbsp;vanished in thin air with 239 people on board.</p>

<p>Officials said the plane's transponder was turned off over the South China Sea by either the pilot or the co-pilot. A military radar still tracked it and according to data, it took a sudden diversion from the route and leaving its northeastern course, it started heading to the west towards the Malay peninsula.</p>

<p>Malaysia, China, and Australia called off a two-year, underwater search in the southern Indian Ocean in January 2017 after finding no trace of the aircraft.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The disappearance of MH370 is one of the few modern-day mysteries that continues to pique the interest of amateur, armchair sleuths who are looking to plug their fix of curiosity.

The disappearance of MH370 is one of the few modern-day mysteries that continues to pique the interest of amateur, armchair sleuths who are looking to plug their fix of curiosity. A video is currently doing the rounds of the internet where some netizens are claiming it to be of MH370. In the clip, an unidentified object can be seen following the plane with users claiming that the plane was abducted by aliens. The video posted on popular subreddit r/UFO dedicated to investigating such claims has generated some buzz. However, akin to previous such videos, the claims have been found to be bogus. According to Newsweek, the clip was last shared in 2014 as well but did not carry explicit mention of Boeing at the time. The publication added that the second part of the now-viral footage was captured by a satellite that was not even launched at the time of the plane's mysterious disappearance. As per HoaxEye, this footage is of a military satellite, NROL 77, which was launched later. Watch | Malaysian MH370 Missing: Was MH370 deliberately downed by Pilot? Debris offers new clues × Despite being debunked multiple times that the plane could not have been abducted by the aliens, the theory keeps coming back. Its newfound virality on the internet might stem from the recent Congressional hearing where David Grusch, a former US intelligence official, made some startling claims. In his testimony, Grusch said there was an absolute certainty that the federal government remains in possession of UAPs. Grusch cited interviews he had conducted with over 40 witnesses over a four-year long period as the basis of his claims. Explained | Are we truly alone in the universe, especially after US hearing on UFOs and aliens? What happened to MH370? It was over nine years ago on 8 March 2014 that MH370, a Boeing 777 aircraft, vanished in thin air with 239 people on board. Officials said the plane's transponder was turned off over the South China Sea by either the pilot or the co-pilot. A military radar still tracked it and according to data, it took a sudden diversion from the route and leaving its northeastern course, it started heading to the west towards the Malay peninsula. Malaysia, China, and Australia called off a two-year, underwater search in the southern Indian Ocean in January 2017 after finding no trace of the aircraft. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Fact check: Was MH370 abducted by UFOs as viral video claims?

Nine months after the formation of the federal government the counting of votes in six states of Malaysia is underway. 570 candidates from nine parties are competing for 245 State Assembly seats. Currently, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's multi-ethnic Alliance holds power in three of these six states.

Malaysia State Polls: Electoral match pitted between current and former PM's party

India beat Japan 5-0 in the Asian Championships Trophy Hockey Tournament final at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Friday. India will take on Malaysia on Saturday.

Asian Championships Trophy: India storm into final after beating Japan 5-0 | WION Pulse

<p>The Malaysian government, on Thursday (August 10) said that the owners and sellers of rainbow-coloured watchers made by the Swiss watchmaker Swatch could face three years in prison after the ban on what it described as the brand’s “LGBTQ related” products claiming it could “harm morals”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Malaysian government about the ban</strong></h2>

<p>According to a ban notice issued by Malaysia’s law enforcement unit at the interior ministry, anyone who “prints, imports, produces…or has in his possession” such timepieces bearing what it called “LGBT elements” faces a jail term of up to three years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government has also said that any person found wearing or distributing the watches could also be fined 20,000 Malaysian ringgit ($4,362). “The Malaysian government is committed to preventing the spread of elements that are harmful or may be harmful to morals,” said the ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/british-band-the-1975-faces-legal-threat-after-performative-activism-in-malaysia-623359">British Band The 1975 faces legal threat after 'performative activism' in Malaysia</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, homosexuality is outlawed in the Muslim-majority country and LGBTQ+ people face discrimination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The watches “may harm…the interests of the nation by promoting, supporting and normalising the LGBTQ+ movement that is not accepted by the general public,” the statement added.</p>

<h2>172 watches seized</h2>

<p>The recent ban also comes months after interior ministry department officials raided Swatch stores at 11 shopping malls across the country, earlier this year, including in the capital, Kuala Lumpur and confiscated rainbow-coloured watches made by Swatch that celebrate LGBTQ+ rights.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-authorities-confiscate-lgbt-rainbow-coloured-swatch-watches-595884">Malaysian authorities confiscate ‘LGBT’ rainbow-coloured Swatch watches</a></strong></p>

<p>A ministry official told AFP in May that 172 watches worth $14,000 were seized in raids because they bore the “LGBTQ” acronym and had six colours instead of the seven in a rainbow. The six-colour rainbow Pride flag is one of the most well-known LGBTQ symbols globally.</p>

<p>At the time, Chief Executive Nick Hayek said he was disappointed and concerned. “We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful for whomever,” said Hayek, in a statement to Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-play-pulls-down-malaysia-governments-gay-conversion-app-463260">Google Play pulls down Malaysia government's 'gay conversion' app</a></strong></p>

<p>In June, Swatch filed a lawsuit against the Malaysian government over the seizure, writing that the watches “did not promote any sexual activity but merely a fun and joyous expression of peace and love”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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The Malaysian government, on Thursday (August 10) said that the owners and sellers of rainbow-coloured watchers made by the Swiss watchmaker Swatch could face three years in prison after the ban on what it described as the brand’s “LGBTQ related” products claiming it could “harm morals”.

The Malaysian government, on Thursday (August 10) said that the owners and sellers of rainbow-coloured watchers made by the Swiss watchmaker Swatch could face three years in prison after the ban on what it described as the brand’s “LGBTQ related” products claiming it could “harm morals”. Malaysian government about the ban According to a ban notice issued by Malaysia’s law enforcement unit at the interior ministry, anyone who “prints, imports, produces…or has in his possession” such timepieces bearing what it called “LGBT elements” faces a jail term of up to three years. The government has also said that any person found wearing or distributing the watches could also be fined 20,000 Malaysian ringgit ($4,362). “The Malaysian government is committed to preventing the spread of elements that are harmful or may be harmful to morals,” said the ministry. ALSO READ | British Band The 1975 faces legal threat after 'performative activism' in Malaysia Notably, homosexuality is outlawed in the Muslim-majority country and LGBTQ+ people face discrimination. The watches “may harm…the interests of the nation by promoting, supporting and normalising the LGBTQ+ movement that is not accepted by the general public,” the statement added. 172 watches seized The recent ban also comes months after interior ministry department officials raided Swatch stores at 11 shopping malls across the country, earlier this year, including in the capital, Kuala Lumpur and confiscated rainbow-coloured watches made by Swatch that celebrate LGBTQ+ rights. ALSO READ | Malaysian authorities confiscate ‘LGBT’ rainbow-coloured Swatch watches A ministry official told AFP in May that 172 watches worth $14,000 were seized in raids because they bore the “LGBTQ” acronym and had six colours instead of the seven in a rainbow. The six-colour rainbow Pride flag is one of the most well-known LGBTQ symbols globally. At the time, Chief Executive Nick Hayek said he was disappointed and concerned. “We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful for whomever,” said Hayek, in a statement to Reuters. ALSO READ | Google Play pulls down Malaysia government's 'gay conversion' app In June, Swatch filed a lawsuit against the Malaysian government over the seizure, writing that the watches “did not promote any sexual activity but merely a fun and joyous expression of peace and love”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Owners of rainbow Swatch watch in Malaysia to be jailed for 3 years: Here’s why

<p>At least 17 Rohingyas were killed and 30 remain missing after a boat capsized in bad weather in the Bay of Bengal earlier this week, aid workers in Myanmar said.</p>

<p>Volunteers said eight people were rescued from the boat, which was headed for Malaysia, a coveted destination for thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution and poverty in Myanmar and Bangladesh.</p>

<p>It was unclear from where the boat had set off.</p>

<p>"We found dead bodies starting from August 7," said Min Htal Wah, chairperson of Shwe Yaung Metta Foundation, a rescue organisation based in the coastal Rakhine region of Myanmar.</p>

<p>"Within three days, we found 17 dead bodies...We found some people alive," he said, adding 10 women were among the dead.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-all-set-for-brand-overhaul-but-maharaja-isnt-going-anywhere-624184">Air India undergoes brand overhaul but iconic mascot Maharaja isn’t going anywhere</a></p>

<p>A Rohingya aid worker in Maungdaw township on the border with Bangladesh said the boat had departed in bad weather and that about 500 others were still hoping to cross to Malaysia.</p>

<p>Nearly 1 million Rohingya live in crowded conditions in Bangladesh, among them those who fled a deadly crackdown in 2017 by Myanmar's military, which denies committing crimes against humanity.</p>

<p>An untold number of them have died at sea from disease, hunger and fatigue as they attempt to reach Muslim-majority Malaysia and Indonesia in rickety boats.</p>

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At least 17 Rohingyas were killed and 30 remain missing after a boat capsized in bad weather in the Bay of Bengal earlier this week, aid workers in Myanmar said.

At least 17 Rohingyas were killed and 30 remain missing after a boat capsized in bad weather in the Bay of Bengal earlier this week, aid workers in Myanmar said. Volunteers said eight people were rescued from the boat, which was headed for Malaysia, a coveted destination for thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution and poverty in Myanmar and Bangladesh. It was unclear from where the boat had set off. "We found dead bodies starting from August 7," said Min Htal Wah, chairperson of Shwe Yaung Metta Foundation, a rescue organisation based in the coastal Rakhine region of Myanmar. "Within three days, we found 17 dead bodies...We found some people alive," he said, adding 10 women were among the dead. Also read: Air India undergoes brand overhaul but iconic mascot Maharaja isn’t going anywhere A Rohingya aid worker in Maungdaw township on the border with Bangladesh said the boat had departed in bad weather and that about 500 others were still hoping to cross to Malaysia. Nearly 1 million Rohingya live in crowded conditions in Bangladesh, among them those who fled a deadly crackdown in 2017 by Myanmar's military, which denies committing crimes against humanity. An untold number of them have died at sea from disease, hunger and fatigue as they attempt to reach Muslim-majority Malaysia and Indonesia in rickety boats. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least 17 dead as boat carrying Rohingyas sinks in Bay of Bengal

<p>Malaysia on Tuesday (July 18)&nbsp;charged one of its top opposition leaders with sedition ahead of crucial regional polls. A politician from the Islamist party PAS and the chief minister of Kedah state, Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has been accused of insulting the country’s most revered Sultans. According to media reports, he has been charged with two counts of sedition charges.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Sanusi claims his statements were ‘spun’</strong></h2>

<p>Although Muhammad Sanusi tendered an apology for the alleged insulting remarks against Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, he has maintained that his statements were spun for political benefit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“My letter started off with an apology to His Royal Highness as I hoped that he was not upset by the issues that were purposely picked out of my speech,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Saturday (July 15).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I was informed by Selangor Palace officers that His Royal Highness had agreed to accept the letter and read it on Friday,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Who are Malaysia’s sultans?</strong></h2>

<p>The sultans of Malaysia hold a predominantly symbolic position and are esteemed as custodians of Islam in the nation, given its Muslim-majority population.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US comedian’s joke creates furore in Singapore and Malaysia; Interpol`s help sought</strong></p>

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<p>Criticism directed at the country's royalty can lead to legal consequences under the Sedition Act, an antiquated law from the colonial era that has been employed to prosecute individuals expressing unfavourable opinions about the sultans on social media.</p>

<p>This practice is akin to Thailand's strict lese majeste law, which prohibits insults towards the monarchy. However, instances of sedition charges against Malaysian politicians have been rare in recent times.</p>

<h2><strong>Charges come ahead of state polls</strong></h2>

<p>Six states of Malaysia will go into elections the next month, including the Kedah state of Sanusi. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's ruling alliance is expected to get a tough challenge from a coalition of opposition parties, of which PAS is a part.&nbsp;This raises concerns about whether or not the legal actions being taken against Sanusi are motivated by politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-option-but-to-take-action-malaysia-threatens-meta-over-harmful-content-on-facebook-607736"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;`No option but to take action...`: Malaysia threatens Meta over harmful content on Facebook</strong></a></p>

<p>Earlier, a slew of police reports were lodged against Sanusi by workers of the People's Justice Party and the Royal Council of Selangor. &nbsp;Police said they received a staggering 57 reports against Sanusi for his alleged insulting remarks. If found guilty, he faces up to three years in prison and a maximum penalty of 5,000 ringgit ($1,102.54), reported Reuters.</p>

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Malaysia on Tuesday (July 18) charged one of its top opposition leaders with sedition ahead of crucial regional polls. A politician from the Islamist party PAS and the chief minister of Kedah state, Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has been accused of insulting the country’s most revered Sultans.

Malaysia on Tuesday (July 18) charged one of its top opposition leaders with sedition ahead of crucial regional polls. A politician from the Islamist party PAS and the chief minister of Kedah state, Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has been accused of insulting the country’s most revered Sultans. According to media reports, he has been charged with two counts of sedition charges. Sanusi claims his statements were ‘spun’ Although Muhammad Sanusi tendered an apology for the alleged insulting remarks against Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, he has maintained that his statements were spun for political benefit. “My letter started off with an apology to His Royal Highness as I hoped that he was not upset by the issues that were purposely picked out of my speech,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Saturday (July 15). “I was informed by Selangor Palace officers that His Royal Highness had agreed to accept the letter and read it on Friday,” he added. Who are Malaysia’s sultans? The sultans of Malaysia hold a predominantly symbolic position and are esteemed as custodians of Islam in the nation, given its Muslim-majority population. Watch: US comedian’s joke creates furore in Singapore and Malaysia; Interpol`s help sought × Criticism directed at the country's royalty can lead to legal consequences under the Sedition Act, an antiquated law from the colonial era that has been employed to prosecute individuals expressing unfavourable opinions about the sultans on social media. This practice is akin to Thailand's strict lese majeste law, which prohibits insults towards the monarchy. However, instances of sedition charges against Malaysian politicians have been rare in recent times. Charges come ahead of state polls Six states of Malaysia will go into elections the next month, including the Kedah state of Sanusi. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's ruling alliance is expected to get a tough challenge from a coalition of opposition parties, of which PAS is a part. This raises concerns about whether or not the legal actions being taken against Sanusi are motivated by politics. Also read: `No option but to take action...`: Malaysia threatens Meta over harmful content on Facebook Earlier, a slew of police reports were lodged against Sanusi by workers of the People's Justice Party and the Royal Council of Selangor. Police said they received a staggering 57 reports against Sanusi for his alleged insulting remarks. If found guilty, he faces up to three years in prison and a maximum penalty of 5,000 ringgit ($1,102.54), reported Reuters. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Top Malaysian opposition leader charged with sedition ahead of regional polls

<p>Researchers at the Royal Botanic Gardens (RGB), Kew and their partners have found what is described as the only known member of the palm family which flowers and fruits almost entirely underground. The findings of the study were published in the journal <em>PALMS</em>&nbsp;on Monday. Given the plant’s unique characteristics, researchers have named the new-to-science species <em>Pinanga subterranea</em>, which means ‘underground’ in Latin.</p>

<h2><strong>Where was the plant found?</strong></h2>

<p>The plant and its fruit are native to the tropical island of Borneo in Southeast Asia where it is well-known to locals, some of whom even consume the bright-red fruit which is said to be sweet and juicy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, <em>P.subterranea</em> was overlooked by scientists for years now, who have found some 300 different species of palm on the island. The plant is known in at least three Bornean languages under the names, Pinang Tanah, Pinang Pipit, Muring Pelandok, and Tudong Pelandok, by the locals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The international team of researchers said that the plant can be found across the primary rainforests of western Borneo and scattered across the borders from Malaysia’s Sarawak to Indonesia’s Kalimantan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Need for collaboration</strong></h2>

<p>According to researchers, the plant was hiding in plain sight and has been overlooked by the scientific community for years now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Without the tip-off from our Malaysian colleague Dr Paul Chai, we probably would have mistaken this exciting new species for an unremarkable palm seedling and would have walked right past it,” said Dr Benedikt Kuhnhäuser a future leader fellow at RGB, Kew, who was also a part of the research team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Instead, we have scientifically described an incredibly rare case of geoflory&nbsp;that is underground flowering, and the very first known example of its kind in the entire palm family. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime discovery.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What makes the plant so unique?</strong></h2>

<p>While a majority of flowering plants have evolved to develop their flowers and fruit above ground since it helps with pollination and the dispersal of seeds, there is a small subset of plants that have evolved to carry out this process underground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, <em>P.subterranea</em> not only joins the more than 2,500 species of palm (that the scientists know about so far) but also at least 171 species across 89 genera and 33 plant families, which are known to flower and fruit underground through the process of geoflory and geocarpy, respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, <em>P. subterranea</em> is a case of a dual instance of geocarpy and geoflory, which has been all the more baffling for the researchers since the Pinanga genus is typically pollinated by insects and cannot move around as easily below ground as above.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The international team of scientists found a high number of seeds and fruit set by the plant which indicates that there has been a successful pollination mechanism&nbsp;which remains unknown to the researchers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have been studying palms for 30 years and am amazed at how they continue to surprise us,” said Dr William Baker, senior research leader at Tree of Life at RBG Kew.</p>

<p>He added, “This unexpected find poses many more questions than it answers. What is pollinating the palm? How does the pollinator find the flowers underground? How did this phenomenon evolve and what on Earth will palms surprise us with next?”</p>

<h2><strong>Not the first discovery</strong></h2>

<p>It is also worth noting that while the recent team of international scientists collected specimens and ascertained that the species was new to science, Agusti Randi, an Indonesian researcher from the National University of Singapore and lead author of the study conducted had also encountered a couple of specimens of the palm back in 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Randi’s study, at least one of the samples collected appeared to have been dug up by wild pigs while others were most likely eaten or crushed by the animals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The first time I encountered this dwarf palm in 2017 in a forest in West Kalimantan, a group of wild boars were digging in the soil around a population of <em>P. subterranea</em>, and I found several ripe fruit&nbsp;with a striking, bright red colour lying on the ground,” said the lead author about the findings.</p>

<p>He also spoke about how he noticed that the stems of the palm were dug up by the wild boars to find the fruit which was underground. “Their faeces were also strewn around in puddles with the seeds contained in them,” said Randi.&nbsp;<br />
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Researchers at the Royal Botanic Gardens (RGB), Kew and their partners have found what is described as the only known member of the palm family which flowers and fruits almost entirely underground.

Researchers at the Royal Botanic Gardens (RGB), Kew and their partners have found what is described as the only known member of the palm family which flowers and fruits almost entirely underground. The findings of the study were published in the journal PALMS on Monday. Given the plant’s unique characteristics, researchers have named the new-to-science species Pinanga subterranea, which means ‘underground’ in Latin. Where was the plant found? The plant and its fruit are native to the tropical island of Borneo in Southeast Asia where it is well-known to locals, some of whom even consume the bright-red fruit which is said to be sweet and juicy. However, P.subterranea was overlooked by scientists for years now, who have found some 300 different species of palm on the island. The plant is known in at least three Bornean languages under the names, Pinang Tanah, Pinang Pipit, Muring Pelandok, and Tudong Pelandok, by the locals. The international team of researchers said that the plant can be found across the primary rainforests of western Borneo and scattered across the borders from Malaysia’s Sarawak to Indonesia’s Kalimantan. Need for collaboration According to researchers, the plant was hiding in plain sight and has been overlooked by the scientific community for years now. “Without the tip-off from our Malaysian colleague Dr Paul Chai, we probably would have mistaken this exciting new species for an unremarkable palm seedling and would have walked right past it,” said Dr Benedikt Kuhnhäuser a future leader fellow at RGB, Kew, who was also a part of the research team. He added, “Instead, we have scientifically described an incredibly rare case of geoflory that is underground flowering, and the very first known example of its kind in the entire palm family. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime discovery.” What makes the plant so unique? While a majority of flowering plants have evolved to develop their flowers and fruit above ground since it helps with pollination and the dispersal of seeds, there is a small subset of plants that have evolved to carry out this process underground. Therefore, P.subterranea not only joins the more than 2,500 species of palm (that the scientists know about so far) but also at least 171 species across 89 genera and 33 plant families, which are known to flower and fruit underground through the process of geoflory and geocarpy, respectively. However, P. subterranea is a case of a dual instance of geocarpy and geoflory, which has been all the more baffling for the researchers since the Pinanga genus is typically pollinated by insects and cannot move around as easily below ground as above. The international team of scientists found a high number of seeds and fruit set by the plant which indicates that there has been a successful pollination mechanism which remains unknown to the researchers. “I have been studying palms for 30 years and am amazed at how they continue to surprise us,” said Dr William Baker, senior research leader at Tree of Life at RBG Kew. He added, “This unexpected find poses many more questions than it answers. What is pollinating the palm? How does the pollinator find the flowers underground? How did this phenomenon evolve and what on Earth will palms surprise us with next?” Not the first discovery It is also worth noting that while the recent team of international scientists collected specimens and ascertained that the species was new to science, Agusti Randi, an Indonesian researcher from the National University of Singapore and lead author of the study conducted had also encountered a couple of specimens of the palm back in 2017. According to Randi’s study, at least one of the samples collected appeared to have been dug up by wild pigs while others were most likely eaten or crushed by the animals. “The first time I encountered this dwarf palm in 2017 in a forest in West Kalimantan, a group of wild boars were digging in the soil around a population of P. subterranea, and I found several ripe fruit with a striking, bright red colour lying on the ground,” said the lead author about the findings. He also spoke about how he noticed that the stems of the palm were dug up by the wild boars to find the fruit which was underground. “Their faeces were also strewn around in puddles with the seeds contained in them,” said Randi. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Once-in-a-lifetime discovery’: Scientists find rare palm that flowers and bears fruits underground

<p>Facebook's parent company Meta has been threatened by the Malaysian government with legal action for failing to remove undesirable and harmful content from its social media platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in a statement said Facebook had been "plagued by"a significant volume of undesirable content relating to race, religion, royalty, impersonation, online gambling and scam advertisements in recent months. The commission said it had reached out to Meta on multiple occasions to remove harmful content but it was to no avail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Meta’s response, which has been sluggish and unsatisfactory, has not met the urgency of the matter and has led to increasing public concern and scrutiny,” read the statement.</p>

<p>“As there is no sufficient cooperation from Meta, MCMC has no option but to take definitive steps or legal action against Meta as a measure to ensure that people are secure and protected in the physical sphere.”</p>

<p>Since last year's national election, there has been a rise in ethnic tensions across the country. Prime Minister&nbsp;Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to curb the situation by setting the social media platforms straight.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-third-of-domestic-workers-in-malaysia-working-in-forced-labour-conditions-604977"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;A third of domestic workers in Malaysia working in forced labour conditions</strong></a></p>

<p>Moreover, the statement by MCMC comes weeks ahead of the regional elections&nbsp;scheduled in six states where Anwar's multi-ethnic coalition is expected to go toe-to-toe against a conservative Malay Muslim alliance. Though the state elections have no bearing on the federal government's position and stability, all eyeballs are on Anwar if his unity government can stitch together another victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crackdown could have negative financial implications for Facebook&nbsp;as the platform is used by 60 per cent of Malaysia's 33 million-strong population.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Telegram received a similar threat</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, Facebook is not the only social media platform targeted by the Malaysian government. Earlier this month, Telegram received a similar threat after it refused to cooperate over complaints regarding content and misuse of the app.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysia-elections-palace-names-pakatan-harapan-leader-as-prime-minister-537082"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Malaysia elections: Palace names Pakatan Harapan leader as Prime Minister</strong></a></p>

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<p>The sale of pornographic materials, drugs and investment scams prompted the Malaysian authorities to take a stringent stance. According to reports, since January 2020, the Telegram scams have cost Malaysians as many as $9.6 million in losses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>After taking a cavalier stance initially, Telegram later agreed to work with local authorities to curb illegal activities. Since then, the government has eased down on the crackdown.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Facebook's parent company Meta has been threatened by the Malaysian government with legal action for failing to remove undesirable and harmful content from its social media platform.

Facebook's parent company Meta has been threatened by the Malaysian government with legal action for failing to remove undesirable and harmful content from its social media platform. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in a statement said Facebook had been "plagued by"a significant volume of undesirable content relating to race, religion, royalty, impersonation, online gambling and scam advertisements in recent months. The commission said it had reached out to Meta on multiple occasions to remove harmful content but it was to no avail. “Meta’s response, which has been sluggish and unsatisfactory, has not met the urgency of the matter and has led to increasing public concern and scrutiny,” read the statement. “As there is no sufficient cooperation from Meta, MCMC has no option but to take definitive steps or legal action against Meta as a measure to ensure that people are secure and protected in the physical sphere.” Since last year's national election, there has been a rise in ethnic tensions across the country. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to curb the situation by setting the social media platforms straight. Also read | A third of domestic workers in Malaysia working in forced labour conditions Moreover, the statement by MCMC comes weeks ahead of the regional elections scheduled in six states where Anwar's multi-ethnic coalition is expected to go toe-to-toe against a conservative Malay Muslim alliance. Though the state elections have no bearing on the federal government's position and stability, all eyeballs are on Anwar if his unity government can stitch together another victory. The crackdown could have negative financial implications for Facebook as the platform is used by 60 per cent of Malaysia's 33 million-strong population. Telegram received a similar threat Notably, Facebook is not the only social media platform targeted by the Malaysian government. Earlier this month, Telegram received a similar threat after it refused to cooperate over complaints regarding content and misuse of the app. WATCH | Malaysia elections: Palace names Pakatan Harapan leader as Prime Minister × The sale of pornographic materials, drugs and investment scams prompted the Malaysian authorities to take a stringent stance. According to reports, since January 2020, the Telegram scams have cost Malaysians as many as $9.6 million in losses. After taking a cavalier stance initially, Telegram later agreed to work with local authorities to curb illegal activities. Since then, the government has eased down on the crackdown. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'No option but to take action...': Malaysia threatens Meta over harmful content on Facebook

Key ASEAN members have decided to stay away from a meeting being hosted by Thailand over the invitation being hosted Thailand extended by the host nation to Myanmar's ruling Junta, according to reports while Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore outrightly rejected the possibility of joining the meet.

Thailand invites ASEAN Foreign Ministers including Myanmar official for talks | World News | WION

<p>A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that nearly one-third of migrant workers employed as carers, cleaners, and cooks in Malaysian households are trapped in forced labour. The study, based on a survey of 1,201 domestic workers, highlights that 29 per cent of these migrants experience involuntary work and face penalties or threats if they try to leave their employment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In comparison, the figures for Singapore and Thailand are 7 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively. The report also notes that domestic workers across all three countries work longer hours than legally allowed in other industries and are not paid the minimum wage.</p>

<h2><strong>Forced labour in Southeast Asia largely goes unnoticed</strong></h2>

<p>Globally, around 1.4 million adults working as domestic workers are estimated to be in situations of forced labour, accounting for approximately 8 per cent of the sector, according to previous ILO estimates. While abusive conditions in the Middle East, primarily due to the kafala system, have received significant attention, experts caution that similar scenarios are unfolding in Southeast Asia.</p>

<p>Experts attribute the high rates of forced labour in Malaysia to factors such as visa regulations, the prevalence of live-in arrangements, and pre-existing societal perceptions and expectations. The report reveals that over 40 per cent of surveyed domestic workers in Malaysia had experienced having their mobile phones or documents confiscated, being locked in, or being under constant CCTV surveillance.</p>

<h2><strong>The way ahead</strong></h2>

<p>Anna Olsen, a technical specialist at the ILO's regional office for Asia and the Pacific, highlights the extreme dependence of migrant domestic workers on their employers, who control aspects of their lives and livelihoods, making them vulnerable to exploitation. She suggests that governments and employers often view migrants as risks rather than valuable contributors, leading to tighter control and potential abuses.</p>

<p>The report identifies certain groups as being at higher risk, with 57 per cent of Cambodian migrants working in Malaysia found to be in situations of forced labour, likely due to their irregular work status. It calls for domestic work to be recognised as skilled labour and emphasises the need for greater protections in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-germany-a-third-of-men-find-violence-against-women-acceptable-study-603237"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;In Germany, a third of men find violence against women ‘acceptable`: study</strong></a></p>

<p>This includes the introduction of a minimum wage, regulations on working hours, and inclusion in social protection systems, rights that workers in other industries already enjoy.</p>

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A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that nearly one-third of migrant workers employed as carers, cleaners, and cooks in Malaysian households are trapped in forced labour.

A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that nearly one-third of migrant workers employed as carers, cleaners, and cooks in Malaysian households are trapped in forced labour. The study, based on a survey of 1,201 domestic workers, highlights that 29 per cent of these migrants experience involuntary work and face penalties or threats if they try to leave their employment. In comparison, the figures for Singapore and Thailand are 7 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively. The report also notes that domestic workers across all three countries work longer hours than legally allowed in other industries and are not paid the minimum wage. Forced labour in Southeast Asia largely goes unnoticed Globally, around 1.4 million adults working as domestic workers are estimated to be in situations of forced labour, accounting for approximately 8 per cent of the sector, according to previous ILO estimates. While abusive conditions in the Middle East, primarily due to the kafala system, have received significant attention, experts caution that similar scenarios are unfolding in Southeast Asia. Experts attribute the high rates of forced labour in Malaysia to factors such as visa regulations, the prevalence of live-in arrangements, and pre-existing societal perceptions and expectations. The report reveals that over 40 per cent of surveyed domestic workers in Malaysia had experienced having their mobile phones or documents confiscated, being locked in, or being under constant CCTV surveillance. The way ahead Anna Olsen, a technical specialist at the ILO's regional office for Asia and the Pacific, highlights the extreme dependence of migrant domestic workers on their employers, who control aspects of their lives and livelihoods, making them vulnerable to exploitation. She suggests that governments and employers often view migrants as risks rather than valuable contributors, leading to tighter control and potential abuses. The report identifies certain groups as being at higher risk, with 57 per cent of Cambodian migrants working in Malaysia found to be in situations of forced labour, likely due to their irregular work status. It calls for domestic work to be recognised as skilled labour and emphasises the need for greater protections in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Also read: In Germany, a third of men find violence against women ‘acceptable`: study This includes the introduction of a minimum wage, regulations on working hours, and inclusion in social protection systems, rights that workers in other industries already enjoy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

A third of domestic workers in Malaysia working in forced labour conditions

A comedian's joke about the missing Malaysia airlines flight MH370 has triggered a massive row. Malaysia is now seeking Interpol's help to track down the comedian. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Malaysia wants Interpol's help to track down comedian

<p>A Singaporean-American standup comedian has been drawing backlash in Malaysia and Singapore after people took offence to one of her comedy skits where she could be heard joking about the disappearance of 2014 Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.</p>

<p>Malaysia has now decided to prosecute her, with Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani saying that the police would request Interpol’s assistance for their investigation on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Jocelyn Chia, a Boston-born woman, had performed a comedy sketch at Manhattan’s Comedy Cellar back in April.</p>

<h2><strong>The joke</strong></h2>

<p>During her performance, Chia said that Malaysia had “dumped” Singapore, referring to the separation of the island state from Malaysia in 1965, but said Singapore had the best “break up revenge” as it had become a “first world country” while Malaysia was “still a developing country”.</p>

<p>She then equated the separation of the two countries to a romantic breakup and imagined Malaysia trying to woo Singapore back, saying that it hadn’t visited because “my airplanes cannot fly,” she said in the video clip, adding: “What? Malaysia Airlines going missing not funny?”</p>

<p>She then quipped, “Some jokes don’t land.”</p>

<h2><strong>Strong backlash</strong></h2>

<p>Though the joke drew chuckles at that time, but when the clip was shared on social media nearly two months later, it was widely criticised.</p>

<p>According to New York Post, Comedy Cellar's website was hacked and nearly 4,000 one-star reviews were posted on Google. Another venue, the West Side Comedy Club, said they were threatened with bad reviews after offended parties from the other side of the world found Chia had performed there.</p>

<p>“You can get away [onstage] with saying stuff that’s kind of outrageous,” Comedy Cellar owner&nbsp;Noam Dworman told the New York Times.</p>

<p>“You can’t put that same moment into a small screen that you’re watching over morning coffee.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-meddle-in-taiwan-issue-chinese-foreign-minister-qin-tells-us-antony-blinken-604232">'Don’t meddle in Taiwan issue': China's Qin tells Blinken</a></p>

<p>The joke was removed from TikTok and labelled “hateful behaviour,” in violation of community guidelines.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gambia-syrup-deaths-indian-govt-probes-bribery-claim-in-syrup-tests-604250">Gambia syrup deaths: Indian govt probes bribery claim in syrup tests</a></p>

<h2><strong>Reactions</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, the United Malays National Organisation, one of Malaysia’s biggest political parties, lodged a protest at the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Singapore has distanced itself from Chia, who held dual citizenship until adulthood.</p>

<p>“The Singapore government does not condone words or actions that cause harm or hurt to others and Chia,” said Vanu Gopala Menon, Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, in a statement.</p>

<p>“[Chia] does not in any way reflect our views.&nbsp;I sincerely apologise to all Malaysians for her hurtful remarks.”</p>

<h2><strong>‘Won’t back down'</strong></h2>

<p>Chia has remained steadfast and said that she completely backs herself, adding there is no malice behind the bit.</p>

<p>“I do stand by my joke but with some caveats — I stand by it in its entirety, when viewed in a comedy club. Upon reflection, I do see that having this as a clip that gets viewed out of a comedy club context was risky,”&nbsp;Chia told CNN.</p>

<p>Chia said she remains unbothered.</p>

<p>“I didn’t want the haters to think they had won and got me to back down. Audiences at the Comedy Cellar see the best comedians and they love it, so how can I be embarrassed by it?” she said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Singaporean-American standup comedian has been drawing backlash in Malaysia and Singapore after people took offence to one of her comedy skits where she could be heard joking about the disappearance of 2014 Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.

A Singaporean-American standup comedian has been drawing backlash in Malaysia and Singapore after people took offence to one of her comedy skits where she could be heard joking about the disappearance of 2014 Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. Malaysia has now decided to prosecute her, with Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani saying that the police would request Interpol’s assistance for their investigation on Wednesday. Jocelyn Chia, a Boston-born woman, had performed a comedy sketch at Manhattan’s Comedy Cellar back in April. The joke During her performance, Chia said that Malaysia had “dumped” Singapore, referring to the separation of the island state from Malaysia in 1965, but said Singapore had the best “break up revenge” as it had become a “first world country” while Malaysia was “still a developing country”. She then equated the separation of the two countries to a romantic breakup and imagined Malaysia trying to woo Singapore back, saying that it hadn’t visited because “my airplanes cannot fly,” she said in the video clip, adding: “What? Malaysia Airlines going missing not funny?” She then quipped, “Some jokes don’t land.” Strong backlash Though the joke drew chuckles at that time, but when the clip was shared on social media nearly two months later, it was widely criticised. According to New York Post, Comedy Cellar's website was hacked and nearly 4,000 one-star reviews were posted on Google. Another venue, the West Side Comedy Club, said they were threatened with bad reviews after offended parties from the other side of the world found Chia had performed there. “You can get away [onstage] with saying stuff that’s kind of outrageous,” Comedy Cellar owner Noam Dworman told the New York Times. “You can’t put that same moment into a small screen that you’re watching over morning coffee.” Also read | 'Don’t meddle in Taiwan issue': China's Qin tells Blinken The joke was removed from TikTok and labelled “hateful behaviour,” in violation of community guidelines. Also read | Gambia syrup deaths: Indian govt probes bribery claim in syrup tests Reactions On Friday, the United Malays National Organisation, one of Malaysia’s biggest political parties, lodged a protest at the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, Singapore has distanced itself from Chia, who held dual citizenship until adulthood. “The Singapore government does not condone words or actions that cause harm or hurt to others and Chia,” said Vanu Gopala Menon, Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, in a statement. “[Chia] does not in any way reflect our views. I sincerely apologise to all Malaysians for her hurtful remarks.” ‘Won’t back down' Chia has remained steadfast and said that she completely backs herself, adding there is no malice behind the bit. “I do stand by my joke but with some caveats — I stand by it in its entirety, when viewed in a comedy club. Upon reflection, I do see that having this as a clip that gets viewed out of a comedy club context was risky,” Chia told CNN. Chia said she remains unbothered. “I didn’t want the haters to think they had won and got me to back down. Audiences at the Comedy Cellar see the best comedians and they love it, so how can I be embarrassed by it?” she said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US comedian’s joke creates furore in Singapore and Malaysia; Interpol's help sought

<p>Another world record of the largest-ever gathering of people donning a Spider-Man costume was set by Sony Pictures Malaysia. On June 3, around 685 people wearing Spider-Man costumes gathered at the AEON Mall Bukit Tinggi to create a new world record.<br />
<br />
“Sony Pictures Entertainment Malaysia decided to attempt this record title to celebrate the release of a new Spider-Man movie: Across the Spider-Verse, which was released on 1 June, 2023,” stated the Guinness World Records website.<br />
<br />
As per the Guinness World Records (GWR), Sony Pictures Malaysia and AEON Mall organised a recent event to celebrate the release of Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse on June 1.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-spider-man-beyond-the-spider-verse-everything-to-know-601839">Spider-Man Beyond the Spider-Verse: Everything to know</a></p>

<p>The video was shared on AEON Mall's Facebook page with the caption, “Yes, Malaysia! We did it! Guinness World Record: largest gathering in Spider-Man costume, 685 participants. Thank you, Malaysians. You are truly a Superhero!”<br />
<br />
In the video, people were seen dressed up as various versions of Spider-Man. The famous meme of Spider-Man pointing at Spider-Man was also recreated by a group of people.<br />
<br />
As the video continues, people are seen posing for the camera. The children were seen having fun decorating Spider-Man-themed cupcakes.</p>

<h2><strong>India's record of Spider-Man mass-gathering surpassed</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Sony Pictures India had created the Guinness World Record for organising the largest gathering of people who were wearing Spider-Man costumes.<br />
<br />
The record was created on 15 December 2021 in Mumbai after 601 people wearing Spider-Man costumes gathered at the same place and at the same time.<br />
<br />
The gathering in India was organised ahead of the release of Spider-Man No Way Home.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Movie Review: Was Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse worth the wait? | Critically Speaking</strong></p>

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<p>The new movie sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, has been released in 10 languages in India. The languages include Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi and Bengali.<br />
<br />
Since its release, the movie has been ruling the box office and it has achieved the biggest opening weekend ever for an animated film in India so far.<br />
<br />
The next sequel, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, is slated to release in 2024. As per a report published in Deadline, the movie collected $209 million merely in its opening weekend.<br />
<br />
The recently released movie's story picks up from the events that occurred in its 2018-released predecessor, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.<br />
<br />
Sharing similarity with the last film, the sequel is based in a shared multiverse however it has brand new adventurous missions, and it is much more flashier and filled with loads of humour.</p>

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Another world record of the largest-ever gathering of people donning a Spider-Man costume was set by Sony Pictures Malaysia. On June 3, around 685 people wearing Spider-Man costumes gathered at the AEON Mall Bukit Tinggi to create a new world record.

Another world record of the largest-ever gathering of people donning a Spider-Man costume was set by Sony Pictures Malaysia. On June 3, around 685 people wearing Spider-Man costumes gathered at the AEON Mall Bukit Tinggi to create a new world record. “Sony Pictures Entertainment Malaysia decided to attempt this record title to celebrate the release of a new Spider-Man movie: Across the Spider-Verse, which was released on 1 June, 2023,” stated the Guinness World Records website. As per the Guinness World Records (GWR), Sony Pictures Malaysia and AEON Mall organised a recent event to celebrate the release of Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse on June 1. ALSO READ | Spider-Man Beyond the Spider-Verse: Everything to know The video was shared on AEON Mall's Facebook page with the caption, “Yes, Malaysia! We did it! Guinness World Record: largest gathering in Spider-Man costume, 685 participants. Thank you, Malaysians. You are truly a Superhero!” In the video, people were seen dressed up as various versions of Spider-Man. The famous meme of Spider-Man pointing at Spider-Man was also recreated by a group of people. As the video continues, people are seen posing for the camera. The children were seen having fun decorating Spider-Man-themed cupcakes. India's record of Spider-Man mass-gathering surpassed Earlier, Sony Pictures India had created the Guinness World Record for organising the largest gathering of people who were wearing Spider-Man costumes. The record was created on 15 December 2021 in Mumbai after 601 people wearing Spider-Man costumes gathered at the same place and at the same time. The gathering in India was organised ahead of the release of Spider-Man No Way Home. WATCH | Movie Review: Was Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse worth the wait? | Critically Speaking The new movie sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, has been released in 10 languages in India. The languages include Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi and Bengali. Since its release, the movie has been ruling the box office and it has achieved the biggest opening weekend ever for an animated film in India so far. The next sequel, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, is slated to release in 2024. As per a report published in Deadline, the movie collected $209 million merely in its opening weekend. The recently released movie's story picks up from the events that occurred in its 2018-released predecessor, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. Sharing similarity with the last film, the sequel is based in a shared multiverse however it has brand new adventurous missions, and it is much more flashier and filled with loads of humour. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Malaysian Spider-Verse | 685 people dressed as Spider-Man gather at mall, break India's record

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<p>The Paris Court of Appeal upheld the Malaysian government's challenge against reinforcing a partial award to the Filipino heirs of a former sultan who won $15 billion in an arbitration over a colonial-era land deal. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday (June 7), the government said on Tuesday the court's decision implied the final award would be annulled and the descendants' efforts to seize Malaysian assets would end.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Malaysia's Law Minister Azalina Othman Said, "This decision, which is final and binding, is a decisive victory for Malaysia in its ongoing pursuit of legal remedies, which Malaysia is confident will result in comprehensive defeat for the claimants and their funders."</p>

<p>Last year, the heirs of the last Sultan of Sulu won a $14.9-billion award in the court in a dispute over the deal, after a partial award was first issued in May 2020. The Malaysian government said on Tuesday the court found the case arbitrator had wrongly upheld his jurisdiction.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The dispute stems from an 1878 deal&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The long-running dispute stems from an 1878 deal between the Sultan of Sulu and European colonists for the use of his territory which spanned islands in the southern Philippines and parts of present-day Malaysia on Borneo island. Reuters reported that the government paid a token sum annually to the heirs to honour the deal but stopped in 2013 when the supporters of the former sultanate launched an incursion to reclaim the land from Malaysia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The heirs, meanwhile, said they were not involved in the incursion and sought arbitration over the suspension of payments. The Filipino claimants would now consider their options before the French Supreme Court.</p>

<p>The claimants and their lawyers also requested protection from their respective foreign ministries over concerns that there could be further actions against them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Paris Court of Appeal upheld the Malaysian government's challenge against reinforcing a partial award to the Filipino heirs of a former sultan who won $15 billion in an arbitration over a colonial-era land deal.

The Paris Court of Appeal upheld the Malaysian government's challenge against reinforcing a partial award to the Filipino heirs of a former sultan who won $15 billion in an arbitration over a colonial-era land deal. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday (June 7), the government said on Tuesday the court's decision implied the final award would be annulled and the descendants' efforts to seize Malaysian assets would end. According to Malaysia's Law Minister Azalina Othman Said, "This decision, which is final and binding, is a decisive victory for Malaysia in its ongoing pursuit of legal remedies, which Malaysia is confident will result in comprehensive defeat for the claimants and their funders." Last year, the heirs of the last Sultan of Sulu won a $14.9-billion award in the court in a dispute over the deal, after a partial award was first issued in May 2020. The Malaysian government said on Tuesday the court found the case arbitrator had wrongly upheld his jurisdiction. The dispute stems from an 1878 deal The long-running dispute stems from an 1878 deal between the Sultan of Sulu and European colonists for the use of his territory which spanned islands in the southern Philippines and parts of present-day Malaysia on Borneo island. Reuters reported that the government paid a token sum annually to the heirs to honour the deal but stopped in 2013 when the supporters of the former sultanate launched an incursion to reclaim the land from Malaysia. The heirs, meanwhile, said they were not involved in the incursion and sought arbitration over the suspension of payments. The Filipino claimants would now consider their options before the French Supreme Court. The claimants and their lawyers also requested protection from their respective foreign ministries over concerns that there could be further actions against them. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French court upholds Malaysia's appeal against partial award in $15 billion claim by former sultan's heirs

In Pics | Nepali sherpa saves Malaysian climber in rare Everest 'death zone' rescue

In Pics | Extreme weather conditions hit several nations

<p>A Boeing 777 aircraft of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was seized by authorities in Malaysia reportedly over a lease dispute on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan-based news outlets reported that after a court order, the aircraft, which was acquired on lease from Malaysia, was seized at Kuala Lumpur International Airport over non-payment of dues worth $4 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the airline refuted the claims, stating that it owned the aircraft. It noted that the leasing company only owned one of the mounted engines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by DAWN, PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan said that the actual due amount is $1.8mn and it has been apparently paid to the company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, for the same issue, the same aircraft was seized by the airport authorities in 2021 as well. However, it was released later after an assurance from Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AerCap Holdings NV, which is reportedly the lessor, didn't comment on the matter yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>DAWN report mentioned that the passengers of the flight were accommodated on an alternative aircraft. The PIA spokesman concluded that the disputed aircraft will operate as a normal commercial flight from Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The leasing business said the Pakistani flag carrier stopped making payments in July 2020, according to a report in Simple Flying.</p>

<p>It stated that it had launched a case against PIA in the London High Court in October for failure to pay a lease fee of around $14mn, which had been outstanding for six months.&nbsp;</p>

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A Boeing 777 aircraft of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was seized by authorities in Malaysia reportedly over a lease dispute on Tuesday. Pakistan-based news outlets reported that after a court order, the aircraft, which was acquired on lease from Malaysia, was seized at Kuala Lumpur International Airport over non-payment of dues worth $4 million.

A Boeing 777 aircraft of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was seized by authorities in Malaysia reportedly over a lease dispute on Tuesday. Pakistan-based news outlets reported that after a court order, the aircraft, which was acquired on lease from Malaysia, was seized at Kuala Lumpur International Airport over non-payment of dues worth $4 million. However, the airline refuted the claims, stating that it owned the aircraft. It noted that the leasing company only owned one of the mounted engines. As reported by DAWN, PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan said that the actual due amount is $1.8mn and it has been apparently paid to the company. Notably, for the same issue, the same aircraft was seized by the airport authorities in 2021 as well. However, it was released later after an assurance from Pakistan. AerCap Holdings NV, which is reportedly the lessor, didn't comment on the matter yet. DAWN report mentioned that the passengers of the flight were accommodated on an alternative aircraft. The PIA spokesman concluded that the disputed aircraft will operate as a normal commercial flight from Kuala Lumpur. The leasing business said the Pakistani flag carrier stopped making payments in July 2020, according to a report in Simple Flying. It stated that it had launched a case against PIA in the London High Court in October for failure to pay a lease fee of around $14mn, which had been outstanding for six months. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan International Airlines aircraft seized in Malaysia over unpaid dues

<p>The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) announced on Thursday (May 25) that the El Niño&nbsp;weather pattern might reduce crude palm oil production by 1 to 3 million tonnes next year.</p>

<p>El Niño&nbsp;was unlikely to have an impact on production this year, according to MPOB Director-General Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What could be the toll of an El Niño in 2023?</strong></h2>

<p>Climate experts now predict that an El Nino&nbsp;weather trend will prevail until the end of this year and the early months of 2024. And they're warning that it might be a powerful one.</p>

<p>If such is the case, the consequences might be substantial. Scientists have previously warned that with growing emissions and a strong El Nio, there is a 66 per cent&nbsp;probability that the globe will breach a critical 1.5°C global warming limit at least once between now and 2027, reported the BBC.&nbsp;However, it may also bring destructive extreme weather, including as heavy rain and floods, to towns in the United States and worldwide during winter.</p>

<p>"We're projecting an above 90 per cent&nbsp;probability that there will be El Niño conditions through the winter," says David DeWitt, director of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center.</p>

<p>"There's an 80 per cent&nbsp;probability that we're going to be in El Niño in July," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The impacts of this might last for a long time; according to a recent analysis by academics at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, an El Nio commencing in 2023 could cost the world economy up to $3.4 trillion (£2.7 trillion) over the next five years. And they claim that after two earlier extremely significant El Nio episodes in 1982-83 and 1997-98, the US GDP was 3 per cent&nbsp;lower half a decade later than it would have been otherwise. They projected that if a catastrophe of this size occurred now, it would cost the US economy $699 billion (£565 billion).</p>

<p>However, coastal tropical nations such as Peru and Indonesia had a 10 per cent&nbsp;reduction in GDP following the same El Nio episodes, according to the study. They estimate that if climate change increases the frequency and ferocity of El Nio episodes, global economic losses would total $84 trillion (£68 trillion) this century.</p>

<p>"El Niño is not simply a shock from which an economy immediately recovers. Our study shows that economic productivity in the wake of El Niño is depressed for a much longer time than simply the year after the event," said&nbsp;Justin Mankin, co-author of the study and assistant professor of geography at Dartmouth College, who spoke to the BBC.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) announced on Thursday (May 25) that the El Niño weather pattern might reduce crude palm oil production by 1 to 3 million tonnes next year.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) announced on Thursday (May 25) that the El Niño weather pattern might reduce crude palm oil production by 1 to 3 million tonnes next year. El Niño was unlikely to have an impact on production this year, according to MPOB Director-General Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, as reported by Reuters. What could be the toll of an El Niño in 2023? Climate experts now predict that an El Nino weather trend will prevail until the end of this year and the early months of 2024. And they're warning that it might be a powerful one. If such is the case, the consequences might be substantial. Scientists have previously warned that with growing emissions and a strong El Nio, there is a 66 per cent probability that the globe will breach a critical 1.5°C global warming limit at least once between now and 2027, reported the BBC. However, it may also bring destructive extreme weather, including as heavy rain and floods, to towns in the United States and worldwide during winter. "We're projecting an above 90 per cent probability that there will be El Niño conditions through the winter," says David DeWitt, director of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center. "There's an 80 per cent probability that we're going to be in El Niño in July," he added. The impacts of this might last for a long time; according to a recent analysis by academics at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, an El Nio commencing in 2023 could cost the world economy up to $3.4 trillion (£2.7 trillion) over the next five years. And they claim that after two earlier extremely significant El Nio episodes in 1982-83 and 1997-98, the US GDP was 3 per cent lower half a decade later than it would have been otherwise. They projected that if a catastrophe of this size occurred now, it would cost the US economy $699 billion (£565 billion). However, coastal tropical nations such as Peru and Indonesia had a 10 per cent reduction in GDP following the same El Nio episodes, according to the study. They estimate that if climate change increases the frequency and ferocity of El Nio episodes, global economic losses would total $84 trillion (£68 trillion) this century. "El Niño is not simply a shock from which an economy immediately recovers. Our study shows that economic productivity in the wake of El Niño is depressed for a much longer time than simply the year after the event," said Justin Mankin, co-author of the study and assistant professor of geography at Dartmouth College, who spoke to the BBC. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Malaysia's palm oil production could fall by 1-3 mn tonnes in 2024 due to El Niño

<p>Swiss watchmaker stated that their 164 rainbow-coloured watches, worth a total of US$14,000, were seized by the Malaysian authorities from its Pride collection.</p>

<p>People from the LGBTQ community face discrimination in Malaysia where homosexuality remains forbidden and people caught engaging in sodomy can face imprisonment as well as corporal punishment, although the law is rarely enforced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities raided 11 shopping malls which had Swatch outlets across Malaysia, including the ones present in the capital Kuala Lumpur, on May 13-14, stated the company said. Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek said, “We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful. This has nothing political."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Will replenish the stock, says Swatch's marketing manager</strong></h2>

<p>Marketing manager for Swatch Malaysia Sarah Kok said, “As per instruction from Switzerland HQ, we will still replenish the stock and display them on-shelf. We wonder how the home ministry's enforcement unit will confiscate the many beautiful natural rainbows that are showing up thousand times a year in the sky of Malaysia."</p>

<p>A summons notice was sent against one Swatch outlet, in which the law enforcement unit of Malaysia's home affairs ministry stated "22 Swatch watches with LGBT elements" were confiscated, AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/target-holds-emergency-meeting-over-lgbtq-merchandise-relocates-pride-displays-report-595764">Target holds ‘emergency’ meeting, relocates LGBTQ merchandise from June Pride month displays: Report</a></p>

<p>As per the notice, the authorities seized the watch on the basis of the Printing Presses and Publications Act of 1984 which has been condemned by the critics as draconian. Often, the law is used to ensure that content does not undermine or offend race relations.</p>

<p>A ministry official, defending the seizing of watches, said that the items letters “LGBT” and had six colours and not seven in a rainbow.</p>

<p>Unsettling level of intolerance: LGBTQ-rights group</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Malaysian LGBTQ-rights advocacy group JEJAKA posted a statement on Twitter which condemned the raid and stated that it revealed “a deeply unsettling level of intolerance”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Uganda passes most extreme anti-LGBTQ laws, US fumes</strong></p>

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<p>Malaysia's Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution, speaking to the Associated Press news agency, said that a full report on the incident is awaited and that he will comment on the matter only after going through it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In October 2022, an LGBTQ-friendly Halloween party in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown was raided by the police and 20 Muslim men were arrested for cross-dressing.</p>

<p>The six-colour pride flag has been the most famous LGBT symbol across the world.</p>

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Swiss watchmaker stated that their 164 rainbow-coloured watches, worth a total of US$14,000, were seized by the Malaysian authorities from its Pride collection. People from the LGBTQ community face discrimination in Malaysia where homosexuality remains forbidden and people caught engaging in sodomy can face imprisonment as well as corporal punishment, although the law is rarely enforced.

Swiss watchmaker stated that their 164 rainbow-coloured watches, worth a total of US$14,000, were seized by the Malaysian authorities from its Pride collection. People from the LGBTQ community face discrimination in Malaysia where homosexuality remains forbidden and people caught engaging in sodomy can face imprisonment as well as corporal punishment, although the law is rarely enforced. The authorities raided 11 shopping malls which had Swatch outlets across Malaysia, including the ones present in the capital Kuala Lumpur, on May 13-14, stated the company said. Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek said, “We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful. This has nothing political." Will replenish the stock, says Swatch's marketing manager Marketing manager for Swatch Malaysia Sarah Kok said, “As per instruction from Switzerland HQ, we will still replenish the stock and display them on-shelf. We wonder how the home ministry's enforcement unit will confiscate the many beautiful natural rainbows that are showing up thousand times a year in the sky of Malaysia." A summons notice was sent against one Swatch outlet, in which the law enforcement unit of Malaysia's home affairs ministry stated "22 Swatch watches with LGBT elements" were confiscated, AFP reported. ALSO READ | Target holds ‘emergency’ meeting, relocates LGBTQ merchandise from June Pride month displays: Report As per the notice, the authorities seized the watch on the basis of the Printing Presses and Publications Act of 1984 which has been condemned by the critics as draconian. Often, the law is used to ensure that content does not undermine or offend race relations. A ministry official, defending the seizing of watches, said that the items letters “LGBT” and had six colours and not seven in a rainbow. Unsettling level of intolerance: LGBTQ-rights group Meanwhile, the Malaysian LGBTQ-rights advocacy group JEJAKA posted a statement on Twitter which condemned the raid and stated that it revealed “a deeply unsettling level of intolerance”. WATCH | Uganda passes most extreme anti-LGBTQ laws, US fumes Malaysia's Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution, speaking to the Associated Press news agency, said that a full report on the incident is awaited and that he will comment on the matter only after going through it. In October 2022, an LGBTQ-friendly Halloween party in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown was raided by the police and 20 Muslim men were arrested for cross-dressing. The six-colour pride flag has been the most famous LGBT symbol across the world. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Malaysian authorities confiscate ‘LGBT’ rainbow-coloured Swatch watches

Thousands of Buddhists gathered in Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the Buddha Purnima, which is also known as Wesak Day.

Malaysian Buddhists pray and pay homage to Buddha on Wesak Day

Instant noodles in the name of Indomie, makes a comeback after being declared as unfit for consumption. This comes after a week's turmoil between Taiwan and Malaysia for alleged traces of cancer-causing chemicals.

Indonesian regulator's green light to Indomie, safe for consumption | World News | WION

<p>India and Malaysia have agreed to settle trade-related payments in Indian rupees, the New Delhi government has announced.</p>

<p>The Indian foreign ministry made the announcement on Saturday and follows the directive of the country’s central bank—the Reserve Bank of India—which has been pushing for the settlement of international trade in Indian currency.</p>

<p>The move comes in the wake of India making efforts to shift away from US dollars—the dominant reserve currency for international trade—as it has been appreciating against the local currency in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war.</p>

<p>“Trade between India and Malaysia can now be settled in Indian Rupee (INR) in addition to the current modes of settlement in other currencies,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.</p>

<p>“This follows the decision by the Reserve Bank of India in July 2022 to allow the settlement of international trade in the Indian Rupee (INR). This initiative by RBI is aimed at facilitating the growth of global trade and to support the interests of the global trading community in Indian rupees.”</p>

<p>To facilitate settlement in Indian rupee, the Union Bank of India has opened a Special Rupee Vostro Account through its “corresponding bank” in Malaysia — India International Bank of Malaysia, based in Kuala Lumpur.</p>

<p>Vostro accounts are used to make payments in domestic currency.</p>

<p>In a separate statement, the India International Bank of Malaysia said, "IIBM now offers the facility to settle India-Malaysia bilateral trade in Indian Rupee (INR)...This new mechanism is also aligned with Malaysia's foreign exchange policies (FEP) as part of which Malaysian banks are allowed to undertake the settlement of international trade in goods or services in any foreign currency, subject to the rules and regulations of Bank Negara Malaysia."</p>

<p>"Under this facility, exporters and importers from India and Malaysia can now invoice the trade in Indian Rupee (INR) and achieve better pricing for goods and services traded. IIBM will facilitate the traders in Malaysia for settlement of this trade in Indian Rupee (INR). For this purpose, IIBM has opened a Special Rupee Vostro Account through its Corresponding Bank in India i.e. Union Bank of India," IIBM said.</p>

<p>Malaysia is the 27th largest investor in India with foreign direct investment of $ 300 million between April 2000 and June last year. The total FDI into India totalled around $ 298.8 million.</p>

<p>While the bilateral trade between both countries touched $13.86 billion in April-November 2022.</p>

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India and Malaysia have agreed to settle trade-related payments in Indian rupees, the New Delhi government has announced. The Indian foreign ministry made the announcement on Saturday and follows the directive of the country’s central bank—the Reserve Bank of India—which has been pushing for the settlement of international trade in Indian currency.

India and Malaysia have agreed to settle trade-related payments in Indian rupees, the New Delhi government has announced. The Indian foreign ministry made the announcement on Saturday and follows the directive of the country’s central bank—the Reserve Bank of India—which has been pushing for the settlement of international trade in Indian currency. The move comes in the wake of India making efforts to shift away from US dollars—the dominant reserve currency for international trade—as it has been appreciating against the local currency in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war. “Trade between India and Malaysia can now be settled in Indian Rupee (INR) in addition to the current modes of settlement in other currencies,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. “This follows the decision by the Reserve Bank of India in July 2022 to allow the settlement of international trade in the Indian Rupee (INR). This initiative by RBI is aimed at facilitating the growth of global trade and to support the interests of the global trading community in Indian rupees.” To facilitate settlement in Indian rupee, the Union Bank of India has opened a Special Rupee Vostro Account through its “corresponding bank” in Malaysia — India International Bank of Malaysia, based in Kuala Lumpur. Vostro accounts are used to make payments in domestic currency. In a separate statement, the India International Bank of Malaysia said, "IIBM now offers the facility to settle India-Malaysia bilateral trade in Indian Rupee (INR)...This new mechanism is also aligned with Malaysia's foreign exchange policies (FEP) as part of which Malaysian banks are allowed to undertake the settlement of international trade in goods or services in any foreign currency, subject to the rules and regulations of Bank Negara Malaysia." "Under this facility, exporters and importers from India and Malaysia can now invoice the trade in Indian Rupee (INR) and achieve better pricing for goods and services traded. IIBM will facilitate the traders in Malaysia for settlement of this trade in Indian Rupee (INR). For this purpose, IIBM has opened a Special Rupee Vostro Account through its Corresponding Bank in India i.e. Union Bank of India," IIBM said. Malaysia is the 27th largest investor in India with foreign direct investment of $ 300 million between April 2000 and June last year. The total FDI into India totalled around $ 298.8 million. While the bilateral trade between both countries touched $13.86 billion in April-November 2022. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India and Malaysia dump dollar, to settle trade in Indian rupee

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