UN experts are urging Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur to dismantle fraudulent recruitment networks and protect migrants from abuse. Growing indebtedness is a major factor. Migrants from Bangladesh are the largest group of foreign workers, with more than 800,000 active work permit holders as of June this year, or 37 per cent of the total foreign workforce.

In southern Malaysia, expansion of water-based cooling systems for data centres has been halted for 18 months. Among the causes are drought and the distribution of water resources, which are lacking in the south, where investments are concentrated. With 48 data centres, Johor would become a regional hub by 2030.

Invoking its anti-fake news law, Singapore has ordered corrections to an article written by the sister of a man who was executed in October. Failure to meet its order will result in access to the site being blocked. The news portal has rejected the order, expressing concern over cross-border censorship.

The measure follows a High Court ruling. Koh disappeared in 2017 in Petaling Jaya, abducted by a group of masked men. The Home Minister says the police will comply with the order. His wife Susanna Liew opposes the Attorney General's appeal. The similar case of activist Amri Che Mat.

A boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi citizens capsized off the coast of Langkawi in one of the worst accidents ever recorded. Malaysian authorities have reported seven victims and only 13 survivors so far. This year alone, the UNHCR has reported over 600 deaths or missing persons along the Gulf of Bengal routes.

Speaking at the regional summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on Asian countries to “close ranks” in the face of global challenges, primarily that of trade with the United States. Southeast Asia must maintain open markets while avoiding becoming embroiled in a trade duel between superpowers. The summit saw the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement upgraded. The Philippines will take over the association’s rotating presidency next year.