Already in 2023 cases rose by 86.3 per cent compared to 2022. Experts note that weather changes favour the spread of mosquitoes. In April, a trial began on an herbal extract to reduce symptoms.

Tech giants plan to invest heavily in South East Asia, boosting regional economies, from Singapore to Malaysia. Demand is expected to grow by about 20 per cent per year for the next five to seven years. Microsoft has already pledged over two billion dollars in Malaysia for cloud infrastructure and AI.

A Malaysian judge has upheld the appeal of a small tribal group in Pahang State, ordering the case to be heard by the High Court. They claim that they have always professed a traditional animist religion and that they have been misled because of their lack of knowledge of the Malay language, in violation of the Aboriginal Peoples Act.

In a letter, Beijing called upon Kuala Lumpur to stop oil and gas activities in Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone, which China challenges. In addition to the Philippines and Vietnam, tensions are bound to rise with Malaysia as well, with Chinese coast guard vessels permanently patrolling the Luconia Shoals.

Malaysia has been shaken by an investigation into sexual offences against minors in some 20 homes run by a company linked to the late preacher whose movement was outlawed by Mahathir in 1994. Also arrested were the founder's son and the managing director of the group, which is present in 20 countries and also has operations in London, Paris, Dubai and Mecca.

Teresa Kok, a six-time MP with the Democratic Action Party, which is part of the ruling coalition, is in the crosshairs for questioning a proposal seen as too burdensome for small businesses. During questioning, she stressed that she did not “disrespect Islam”.