Phnom Penh (VNA) – The Cambodian authorities arrested more t𝔉han 1,000 people in raids on internet scam centres, the police said on July 16.
Over three days, the authorities raided sites across the country, including in the capital Phnom Penh, the Thai border city of Poipet and the coastal city of Sihanoukville.
The vast majority of the reported arrests were foreign nationals – including at least 271 from Indonesia and 75 from China’s Taiwan.
Many of those freed from Southeast Asian scam centres said they were trafficked or lured there under false pretences./.
The Cambodian leader was quoted as stating that leaders of cities and provinces, along with police forces, are responsible for eradicating all online scam operations within their jurisdictions in compliance with local laws and regulations.
She highlighted the alarming rise in child trafficking and sexual exploitation, both online and offline. Among the rescued victims, 230 were minors under 18, accounting for nearly 44% of the total.
Currently, fully imported EVs in Malaysia enjoy import and excise duty exemptions until December this year, while locally assembled EVs benefit from additional tax incentives until 2027. EV owners are also exempt from road tax until the end of 2025, with further incentives offered for home charging infrastructure and industry investments.
Thailand's House of Representatives on July 16 passed the updated Labour Protection Act, granting female employees an astounding 120 days of paid maternity leave. Additionally, fathers will enjoy 15 days of paid leave to assist with newborn care.
Amid global uncertainty and geopolitical developments, ASEAN nations must stay united under the spirit of one vision, one identity, and one community, said Second Vice-President of the Cambodian Senate Thun Vathana.
Among the cases, 3,086 were related to drug trafficking, transport and storage, resulting in the detention of 6,079 people, and eight cases involved drug processing and production, with 31 people detained.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said key decisions regarding the APG roadmap were expected to be finalised at the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in Kuala Lumpur this October, following encouraging progress made during the recent Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME).
According to Ramli, within the framework of ASEAN, AIPA will remain an important mechanism because each country’s parliament will decide on laws, policies and way forward and this will have an impact on ASEAN.
Over the last 10 years, US-Vietnam collaboration has led to the identification of 35 missing personnel, 19 from joint field work, one from a US partner mission, and 15 from Vietnamese sources.
Programmes like ‘Spice & Soul of Malaysia’ not only help market more local food products internationally and domestically but also have the potential to attract more visitors.
Five proposals from three power companies of Singapore have been selected by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) to receive co-funding for carbon capture and storage (CCS) research at specific sites.
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The central pagoda of Wat Arun Ratchawararam, situated along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, stands as one of the country’s most iconic architectural landmarks, holding profound cultural and historical significance.
A range of drone-enabled technologies was trialled during the exercise, including 3D imaging to assess vessel damage and a water curtain misting system to limit the spread of chemical plumes.
This is the world’s first centre dedicated to policy research and capacity development specifically for the Asia-Pacific region, helping countries pursue both economic development and sustainability goals.
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Singapore also launched new training programmes for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with the first course for Caribbean officials to be held in 2026, and announced an extension of the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme, including 1.8 million USD in scholarships and support over the next three years.
The recognition not only raises awareness of biodiversity conservation but also paves the way for deeper cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in eco-tourism development and sustainable management of nature reserves.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Indonesia and the EU will open up broader access for Indonesian exports to the EU, describing it as a vast market with over 460 million people, a substantial GDP, and significant trade activity.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on July 14 that the country will begin enforcing its long-dormant compulsory military service law starting in 2026.
