This Week in Asia /

Health & Environment

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Coronavirus pandemic

A stray bobtail cat rests at a park in Nagasaki, southern Japan. Photo: AP

‘Overflowing with faeces, urine’: 150 dead cats found in Japanese woman’s home

The rescue group staff member had been taking in the cats without its knowledge.

12 Jun 2025 - 5:38PM

Indonesia’s green groups welcome move to axe mining permits in Raja Ampat

11 Jun 2025 - 5:40PM

Japan’s Osaka Expo water shows suspended as Legionella levels top safety limit

11 Jun 2025 - 3:07PM

Nara’s famed deer could face food crisis in winter as acorn trees cut down

A reduction in acorn trees, which provide food and shelter for the deer, could result in more aggressive food-seeking behaviour, researchers warn.

10 Jun 2025 - 1:22PMvideocam

Deer play at Nara Park in Japan’s Nara prefecture. Photo: AFP

Malaysia faces searing heatwave as temperatures hit high of 37 degrees

Health experts warn that the methods used in Malaysia to assess health risks from extreme heat are inadequate.

9 Jun 2025 - 7:27PMvideocam

SCMP Highlights

Singapore’s 1880 shuts in Hong Kong, Japanese men on staying young: 7 highlights

From Singapore’s 1880 club shutting in Hong Kong to Japanese men’s tips on staying young, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

6 Jun 2025 - 1:20PM

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Indonesian villagers urge China to stop funding mine project after permit loss

Residents in the earthquake-prone area have been protesting against the underground project since 2019.

6 Jun 2025 - 3:27PMvideocam

Dairi residents protest in front of the Ministry of Environment to demand the revocation of an environmental permit for a proposed China-funded mine in their region on May 22. Photo: Monica Siregar

The Philippines

Philippines urged to ratify UN marine resource treaty or risk being sidelined

France is seeking ratification of the High Seas Treaty by at least 60 countries ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice next week.

5 Jun 2025 - 7:30PM

Japan faces ‘critical’ demographic crisis as birth rate hits historic low

Record-low births and an ageing population are driving Japan to implement urgent measures to encourage marriage and boost fertility rates.

5 Jun 2025 - 5:22PM

Japan on alert as Hokkaido tremors reignite megaquake fears

While scientists stress earthquakes are impossible to predict, residents are being urged to prepare for a worst-case scenario.

4 Jun 2025 - 10:30AMvideocam

A damaged port in Anamizu, Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture, after a strong earthquake on January 1 last year. Photo: Kyodo

Calls grow for removal of Indonesia’s health chief as rift with doctors deepens

Criticism of Budi Gunadi Sadikin has surged in recent weeks, and analysts warn the tension risks undermining healthcare reform.

3 Jun 2025 - 5:37PM

Indonesia’s Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin in 2023. Photo: AFP

Malaysia’s AI speed trap plan sparks backlash as lorry crash deaths pile up

The government says the AI-based system will enhance safety, while detractors argue trucks pose a greater threat, as shown by recent accidents.

4 Jun 2025 - 5:24PMvideocam

Japan wants to reintroduce wolves to tackle marauding monkeys, deer damage

The Japan Wolf Association says returning wolves to the wild would help curb costly agricultural damage by deer, wild boar and monkeys.

3 Jun 2025 - 3:25PM

Rising snow and glacier melt puts almost 2 billion in South Asia at risk: report

The risks are aggravated by black carbon pollution, which could curb water supply from many rivers flowing through the Himalayan plains.

3 Jun 2025 - 3:43PMvideocam

Snow and glacier melt across the Himalayas has been accelerating, aggravated by black carbon pollution. Photo: EPA-EFE

Indonesia issues Covid-19 warning over surge in cases in Asia

There has been a rise in Covid-19 cases in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong as health officials warn about new strains emerging.

2 Jun 2025 - 7:00PM

Thai health authorities in May urged the public to remain cautious after a surge of COVID-19 cases was recorded. Photo: EPA-EFE

Thai restaurant owner calls for more public toilets after defecation issues

Pannatat Asawapitakchon says he saw a female tourist defecating behind the Buddha statues outside his restaurant.

29 May 2025 - 9:23PM

Japan reschedules iconic summer festivals to avoid increasingly extreme heat

Faced with record high temperatures and ageing communities, event organisers are adapting to keep traditions alive.

29 May 2025 - 6:42PMvideocam

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Thai river turns orange as dangerous toxins from Myanmar mines flush downstream

Authorities say arsenic levels in the Kok Thai river now exceed safety limits, sparking fears of ecological disaster.

28 May 2025 - 6:00PM

Authorities say arsenic levels in the Kok River have now reached dangerous levels. Photo: Earth Thailand

South China Sea tensions ‘won’t stop’ Asean’s blue economy growth: official

Despite a senior Asean official’s confidence, observers warn ongoing disputes could impede sustainable growth and vital marine conservation.

28 May 2025 - 11:00AMvideocam

What’s in the air? Australian state reels from deluge of dust

New South Wales is grappling with a widespread dust storm days after record flooding that killed five and displaced 50,000 people.

28 May 2025 - 11:14AM

Plague of flying pests adds to Osaka World Expo’s woes in Japan

Though the ‘chironomids’ do not bite or suck blood, they may cause asthma or allergic reactions, experts warn.

26 May 2025 - 2:58PM

A close-up of one of the insects swarming the Osaka World Expo. Photo: X/@TomoPlanz

The Philippines

Removal of Philippines’ beloved ‘sherpa cat’ Pugal sparks heated debate

Online users berate officials who extracted the animal from popular hiking trail over predatory concerns.

24 May 2025 - 1:06PM

Pugal the cat has gained online fame in the Philippines. Photo: Facebook/furventloveanimal

‘Very painful’: Indian mob kills and mutilates endangered Bengal tiger

This is the third recorded tiger death in as many months in Assam, which is home to only 227 of the big cats.

23 May 2025 - 3:17PM

Indonesia’s Bali bans small plastic bottles: bold move or industry killer?

Bali’s governor has banned small plastic bottles to combat waste, sparking debate on environmental impact versus industry concerns.

23 May 2025 - 3:39PM

The Philippines

Philippines to deploy Korean-speaking police in response to crime wave

Language-trained officers aim to better protect South Korean nationals in the Philippines from a recent spate of thefts, killings and scams.

21 May 2025 - 4:03PM

South Koreans living in the Philippines put on headbands with the South Korean national flag during an event in 2010. Photo: AFP

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