The extension will run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, allowing Ocean Infinity additional time to complete the search of a remaining 7,428.54-square-kilometre area in the southern Indian Ocean, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said in a statement.

Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members, disappeared on March 8, 2014, while traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Despite multiple international search operations, the aircraft has never been located.

Ocean Infinity previously conducted an unsuccessful search until 2018. Under a new agreement signed last year, the company resumed operations across a 15,000-square-kilometre search zone under a “no find, no fee” arrangement that provides for a payment of $70 million only if the wreckage is successfully located.

Loke said the extension reflected the government’s continued commitment to providing answers for the families of those aboard the flight.

“This decision is a manifestation of the government’s continuous and unwavering commitment to provide closure for the next of kin of the passengers aboard flight MH370,” he said.

According to the ministry, the additional time also accommodates Ocean Infinity’s commercial obligations, which will require its primary search vessels and equipment to be temporarily redeployed to another project between November 2026 and April 2027 before returning to complete the remaining search area.

The disappearance of MH370 remains one of the most enduring mysteries in modern aviation, with previous multinational search efforts in the southern Indian Ocean yielding only scattered debris confirmed to have originated from the aircraft.

The annual Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index ranked Indonesia alongside Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in second place this year, up three positions from 2025, while Malaysia retained the top ranking.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism said it would strengthen Muslim-friendly tourism by improving destination infrastructure, service quality, accessibility and collaboration with industry stakeholders to meet increasing international demand.

The GMTI described Indonesia as one of the strongest-performing destinations in 2026, highlighting the country’s adoption of smart tourism technologies and artificial intelligence to improve visitor experiences.

Masruroh, senior adviser for digital transformation and tourism innovation at the tourism ministry, said the improved ranking reflected Indonesia’s continued efforts to innovate and deepen cooperation with international partners.

Officials are also using the 2026 International Islamic Expo, which concludes on Sunday, to promote investment opportunities and showcase leading halal tourism destinations, including West Sumatra, Lombok, Banten, West Java, East Java and South Sulawesi.

“Our next target is to become number one in the world. For that reason, we will continue to boost quality service for Muslim travelers,” Vinsensius Jemadu, an expert staff member at the Ministry of Tourism, said.

Indonesia is seeking to capitalize on the rapid expansion of the global Muslim travel market, which the GMTI projects will generate 262 million international arrivals and approximately $310 billion in annual tourism spending by 2030. The report said Muslim international travel reached 196 million arrivals in 2025 and is expected to increase to 208 million this year, exceeding earlier growth forecasts.

The initiative, implemented by the ministry as part of Saudi Arabia’s global religious outreach efforts, will be carried out in four phases during the Islamic year 1448H. The program is designed to facilitate Umrah and religious visits for selected guests from Muslim communities worldwide.

The first phase will include 250 pilgrims and Umrah performers from 16 Asian countries: Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mongolia.

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, who also serves as general supervisor of the program, said the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to serving Islam and Muslims around the world.

He expressed appreciation for the support provided by King Salman and Crown Prince , stating that Saudi Arabia continues to prioritize enabling Muslims to perform Umrah and visit the holy sites under organized and comprehensive arrangements.

According to the ministry, participants will receive a range of services throughout their stay, including assistance with performing Umrah rituals, visits to the in Madinah, tours of Islamic and historical landmarks, and meetings with scholars and imams associated with the Two Holy Mosques.

Saudi officials said the program aims to strengthen ties among Muslim communities, promote cultural and religious exchange, and enhance communication between scholars, religious leaders and influential figures from different parts of the Islamic world.

The ministry noted that since its establishment, the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program has hosted participants from more than 140 countries. Authorities said the initiative has developed an extensive operational framework to provide accommodation, transportation, religious guidance and logistical support to visiting guests.

The program forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to expand religious services and reinforce its role as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites while promoting engagement with Muslim communities across multiple regions.

The ministry said preparations are underway to receive the first group of pilgrims and ensure the delivery of services in accordance with established operational and hospitality standards.

Guterres, widely known by his nom de guerre “Lu Olo,” died at Prince Court Medical Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he had been receiving intensive care treatment, according to a statement posted on his official Facebook account. The cause of death was not disclosed.

His death marks the passing of one of the most prominent leaders of Timor-Leste’s independence generation, whose political career spanned the resistance movement, constitution-building process and the presidency of Southeast Asia’s youngest nation.

Guterres served as president from 2017 to 2022 after decades of involvement in the campaign that culminated in Timor-Leste’s independence in 2002.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim paid tribute to Guterres, describing him as a leader who remained devoted to the ideals of freedom and democratic nation-building throughout his life.

The Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin), the political party Guterres led for many years, said his death represented a profound loss for those committed to a sovereign and democratic Timor-Leste. The party credited him with promoting national unity, dialogue, peace and political stability during his years in public service.

Born on Sept. 7, 1954, in Ossu in the Viqueque district of what was then Portuguese Timor, Guterres emerged as a key figure in the resistance movement following Indonesia’s invasion in 1975. He later became one of the leading political figures guiding the territory through its transition toward independence after the United Nations-backed referendum of 1999.

In 2001, Guterres was elected president of the Constituent Assembly, overseeing the drafting of the country’s constitution ahead of formal independence. Following independence in 2002, he became the first speaker of the National Parliament.

After several unsuccessful presidential campaigns, Guterres secured victory in the 2017 election and served a single five-year term. In 2022, he was defeated in his bid for re-election by current President Jose Ramos-Horta, another veteran of the independence movement and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

His political career reflected the trajectory of Timor-Leste itself, from anti-colonial and resistance struggles to democratic governance and state institution-building.

Guterres is survived by his wife, Cidalia Lopes Nobre Mouzinho Guterres, and their children. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

The commitment comes amid growing scrutiny of labor practices affecting Bangladeshis, who comprise Malaysia’s largest foreign workforce and play a critical role in sectors ranging from construction and manufacturing to plantations and services.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Putrajaya, Anwar said cooperation on labor issues was essential to both countries and stressed that worker exploitation for corporate or personal gain would not be tolerated.

Around 800,000 Bangladeshi nationals are employed in Malaysia, accounting for roughly one-third of the country’s migrant workforce. Many have faced challenges including unpaid wages, excessive recruitment costs and fraudulent employment schemes that have left workers burdened with debt and, in some cases, without promised jobs.

Anwar said Malaysia was committed to improving conditions for foreign workers and ensuring that labor migration systems operate fairly and responsibly.

Rahman called for recruitment procedures to become more transparent, affordable and accountable, urging authorities to reduce the role of intermediaries that often increase costs for prospective workers.

The issue has drawn international attention. In late 2025, United Nations human rights experts warned of continued exploitation, deception and debt bondage affecting Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia. The experts urged both governments to strengthen oversight, protect workers from further victimization and hold fraudulent recruitment agencies accountable.

The labor discussions formed a central component of Rahman’s visit, which also reflects Bangladesh’s efforts to deepen economic engagement with key Asian partners following political changes in the country over the past two years.

Rahman, who became prime minister after elections in February, is scheduled to travel to China later on Monday for talks focused on trade, investment and infrastructure cooperation, according to Bangladeshi officials.

His decision to make Malaysia and China the destinations of his first official overseas trip highlights evolving regional diplomatic priorities for Dhaka.

Relations between Bangladesh and India have remained sensitive since the 2024 uprising that removed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from power. Hasina, a longtime partner of New Delhi, fled to India following her ouster, and Bangladeshi authorities have repeatedly requested her extradition.

Although ties between Dhaka and New Delhi have improved since Rahman assumed office, unresolved political issues continue to shape bilateral relations.

Against that backdrop, labor mobility and economic cooperation featured prominently during Monday’s discussions, with both governments signaling a desire to strengthen safeguards for migrant workers while maintaining one of Southeast Asia’s most important labor migration corridors.

The event marked an expansion of the government’s efforts to position the Philippines as a preferred destination for Muslim travelers through improved halal services, dedicated tourism infrastructure and faith-sensitive travel experiences.

Organized by the Department of Tourism, the conference, known as RIHLAH, followed the successful launch of SALAAM, the country’s first halal travel and trade expo, in 2024. Officials said the initiative reflects a broader strategy to strengthen the Philippines’ competitiveness in one of the fastest-growing segments of the global tourism industry.

“Through the sharing of knowledge, experiences and success stories, we hope to inspire greater collaboration and innovation in advancing halal and Muslim-friendly tourism in the Philippines and beyond,” Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar said during the forum.

The conference featured speakers and tourism specialists from Oman, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, who discussed international best practices and emerging trends in Muslim-friendly travel.

Government officials outlined plans to expand standards for Muslim-friendly restaurants, improve tourism facilities, develop specialized travel packages and support promotional campaigns highlighting halal-friendly destinations across the archipelago.

Tourism remains a major pillar of the Philippine economy, accounting for more than 8 percent of gross domestic product in 2025. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector contributed nearly 13 percent of economic output, equivalent to about $44 billion.

The Philippines has steadily improved its standing among Muslim travelers. According to the 2026 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index, the country ranks fifth among non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation destinations, reflecting progress in accessibility, halal services and visitor experience.

Industry forecasts indicate the Muslim travel sector will continue to expand significantly over the next decade. The Global Muslim Travel Index projects 262 million international Muslim traveler arrivals worldwide by 2030, generating an estimated $310 billion in annual spending. The market recorded 196 million travelers in 2025 and is expected to reach 208 million this year.

Business groups view the sector as a major growth opportunity. Ruby Banarea-Victorino, president of the Makati chapter of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said local enterprises must adapt to meet rising demand from Muslim visitors.

She noted that while the Philippines already offers internationally recognized beaches, shopping destinations and cultural attractions, further investment in halal-certified facilities and Muslim-friendly services will be essential to unlocking the market’s full potential.

Officials said continued collaboration between government agencies and private-sector stakeholders would be key to transforming the Philippines into a leading Muslim-friendly destination in Asia.

Jaslinda Saludin, 49, was discovered on Saturday in a forested area near the town of Tapah in Malaysia’s Perak state, several kilometers from the location where she was last seen, local media reported.

The experienced hiker had been missing since embarking on a section of the challenging Trans Spencer Chapman trail, a 34-kilometer route that traverses rugged terrain along the Titiwangsa mountain range, which forms the backbone of Peninsular Malaysia.

Saludin was last seen after leaving a rest camp alone to ascend Gunung Batu Putih, commonly known as White Rock Mountain. When she failed to return, authorities launched a large-scale search involving helicopters, specialized rescue teams and indigenous community trackers familiar with the dense rainforest landscape.

Her disappearance quickly became one of Malaysia’s most closely followed rescue operations, generating extensive media coverage and widespread public concern.

According to local reports, Saludin was located by fishermen on Saturday afternoon. She told rescuers she survived by drinking water from rivers and streams and eating berries and other edible plants found in the forest.

Friends and relatives expressed astonishment that she had managed to endure nearly two weeks in the harsh environment.

“When we heard that she had been found safe, it felt like our prayers had been answered. It is truly a miracle,” her friend Hishammuddin Ahmad said.

Following her rescue, Saludin was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.

Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad, assistant director of operations at the Perak Fire and Rescue Department, told local media that she suffered relatively minor injuries, including insect bites and wounds to her head, despite her extended ordeal in the wilderness.

The successful rescue highlighted the role played by indigenous Malaysian communities, whose knowledge of the terrain assisted search teams navigating the dense forests of central Malaysia.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the outcome and thanked all those involved in the operation. In a message posted on social media, he expressed gratitude to rescuers and community members who participated in efforts to locate the missing hiker.

Authorities have not yet provided further details on how Saludin became separated from the trail or how she survived for nearly two weeks before being found.

The men were among seven villagers trapped in a semi-submerged cave in central Xaysomboun province on May 20 when flash floods blocked the exit. The group had entered the cave while hunting bats and searching for gold in former mining areas.

Five survivors were located alive a week later. One was rescued on May 29, while four others were guided out the following day after rescuers pumped water from the cavern.

Malaysian cave diver Lee Kian Lie, who joined the operation, said unstable conditions near the cave entrance and the increasing danger to rescue personnel forced authorities to halt the search.

“We were so close,” Lee told AFP, adding that the cave had become too hazardous for divers despite improved water levels.

Thai rescue coordinator Kengkad Bongkawong said no further entries into the cave would be permitted because of the risks posed by flooding and unstable structures. Water-pumping operations, however, will continue outside the cave.

Rescuers had stocked food and survival supplies at various points inside the cave in the hope that the missing men might still be alive.Heavy rainfall forecast for the coming days further complicated rescue efforts.

International cave specialists from Malaysia, Finland and Japan participated in the operation, which rescuers described as one of the most challenging cave missions in recent years.

The two state elections, which must be held within 60 days, will not affect Anwar’s parliamentary majority but could provide a key measure of public support for his government ahead of a general election due by early 2028.

Anwar said last month he could consider an early national election if divisions within his coalition continue to widen. His alliance brings together his Pakatan Harapan bloc, former rival Barisan Nasional and several smaller parties.

Tensions have emerged over ethnic and religious issues, while some reform-minded allies have expressed frustration over the pace of promised changes. Anwar has also faced pressure from the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a key coalition partner, over calls for a royal pardon for former prime minister Najib Razak, who is serving a prison sentence linked to the 1MDB scandal.

In a sign of strains within the alliance, Barisan Nasional said it would contest the Johor election independently rather than alongside Pakatan Harapan.

The outcomes in Johor and Negeri Sembilan are expected to be closely watched as an indicator of the coalition’s electoral strength and cohesion ahead of future state and national contests.

Indonesian journalist Rahendro Herubowo said activists were beaten, shocked with tasers and held in overcrowded detention containers after Israeli forces seized the flotilla near Cyprus on May 18-19. He alleged detainees were denied adequate water and medical assistance during their confinement.

Sri Lankan activist and medic Sameera Mahboobdeen said dozens of activists suffered injuries, including suspected fractures and head wounds, while requests for medical treatment were ignored. She also alleged that several women reported sexual assault during detention.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of around 50 boats and 400 activists, was attempting to deliver food and medical aid to Gaza by challenging Israel’s maritime blockade.

Malaysia-based group Sumud Nusantara said it has documented allegations of excessive force, sleep deprivation, restricted access to food and water, and prolonged interrogations. The group is coordinating with Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry to pursue legal action and seek an investigation through the International Criminal Court.

Israeli authorities had not publicly responded to the specific allegations contained in the activists’ accounts.