Explained

How the coronavirus spread at Malaysia’s tabligh Islamic gathering

Nearly 600 coronavirus cases in Southeast Asia have been linked to the event in Malaysia, which sees thousands gather for several days of communal prayers and meals.

19 Mar 2020 - 7:34PM
Explainer | What is herd immunity? And can it stop the coronavirus?

Last week, it was seemingly part of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s outbreak mitigation strategy. Then the likely death toll was revealed.

18 Mar 2020 - 4:05PM
Explainer | The big questions over Malaysia’s coronavirus partial lockdown

The measures, which will be in place from March 18-31, are mainly aimed at limiting large gatherings to decrease the chance of the virus spreading.

19 Mar 2020 - 12:35AM
Explainer | Will Singapore use its reserves to counter coronavirus?

Aid could follow a previously announced stimulus package and be the second time Singapore has tapped its reserves. Small and medium-sized businesses, as well as self-employed workers, would be the main beneficiaries.

17 Mar 2020 - 12:37AM
Explainer | Coronavirus is now designated a pandemic

The designation is not a reflection of its severity, but rather that the Covid-19 outbreak is spreading across the globe.

13 Mar 2020 - 2:48PM03571EC5-13F4-4283-B996-99444BE88411
Explainer | What just happened in Malaysia? A look at how it got its eighth prime minister

Muhyiddin Yassin is now the new premier after a week of events that some likened to the Game of Thrones TV series, but starring ex-leader Mahathir Mohamad, his on-again, off-again rival Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian king.

1 Mar 2020 - 3:09PM
Explainer | How Iran’s coronavirus death toll came to be the highest behind only China

Qom, south of the capital Tehran, has been identified as the centre of contagion, but Iran has warned it is possible the virus is present in all cities.

25 Feb 2020 - 5:05PM03571EC5-13F4-4283-B996-99444BE88411
Explainer | Fold, tie, wrap: the right way to dispose of your face mask

Experts predicted the virus, when left exposed, can survive between a few hours and a few days.

19 Feb 2020 - 7:09PM
Explainer | Coronavirus: are ‘super spreaders’ a cause for concern?

Poor hygiene, a weak immune system, or proximity to people vulnerable to illness are some reasons super spreading occurs.

18 Feb 2020 - 11:30AM03571EC5-13F4-4283-B996-99444BE88411
Explainer | Taal Volcano is the most deadly in the Philippines. How big is latest eruption?

Sunday’s explosion could develop into a more violent, destructive blast, a frightening prospect given Taal has claimed 6,000 lives before.

14 Jan 2020 - 3:19PM03571EC5-13F4-4283-B996-99444BE88411
Explainer | Australia’s bush fires are unprecedented. What’s the link to climate change?

Experts say the deadly fires ravaging the country are likely to become more common in future, yet the prime minister has dismissed calls for stronger action on emissions.

6 Jan 2020 - 6:54PM03571EC5-13F4-4283-B996-99444BE88411
Explainer | Can India and China get past their longstanding border dispute?

The 22nd round of talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was shrouded in secrecy amid a downward slide in bilateral ties.

23 Dec 2019 - 6:44PM
Explainer | Maguindanao massacre: verdict looms in Philippines’ bloodiest political killing

Powerful Ampatuan clan are charged with ordering the killings of 58 people, including 32 journalists. The verdict is due December 19.

19 Dec 2019 - 9:00AM
Explainer | The US has crippled the WTO appeal court. How will Asia react?

Washington’s decision to block the nomination of new judges to the court sees the organisation facing its biggest ever crisis, experts say.

18 Dec 2019 - 7:00AM
Explainer | Altantuya Shaariibuu’s murder: scandal that haunts Najib Razak

The translator was killed in 2006 but her case remains a source of intrigue due to her alleged links to a submarine deal and a former prime minister.

18 Dec 2019 - 10:16AM
Explainer | How Anwar Ibrahim and Azmin Ali went from unity to discord

The souring of the men’s mentor-protégé relationship bears a striking resemblance to the decoupling of Mahathir and Anwar’s political destinies years ago.

18 Dec 2019 - 1:48PM03571EC5-13F4-4283-B996-99444BE88411
Explainer | Asia’s deadliest volcanic eruptions – and four of the ones to watch

Volcanoes are an unpredictable, ever-present hazard that can sometimes erupt without warning, as explosion in New Zealand’s White Island. Here we list seven of the region’s biggest and most recent notable eruptions – and four volcanoes to watch.

12 Dec 2019 - 5:46PM03571EC5-13F4-4283-B996-99444BE88411
Explainer | White Island: why were tourists allowed to visit New Zealand volcano?

Perhaps it is time for the tourism industry, government and volcanic experts to review current rules. We can minimise the risk but never totally rule it out.

11 Dec 2019 - 11:05PM03571EC5-13F4-4283-B996-99444BE88411
Explainer | New Zealand volcano: why White Island erupted with no warning

At least five people have been confirmed dead and that toll is expected to rise, following the eruption on Monday at the popular tourist site.

11 Dec 2019 - 5:04PM03571EC5-13F4-4283-B996-99444BE88411