News@9: Today's top headlines - May 20, 2025 [WATCH]

Here are today's biggest stories.
Traffic disruption
Six highways and 25 major roads in the Klang Valley will be closed or diverted in stages this week for the 46th Asean Summit.
Fraudulent transactions
Accountant-General Nor Yati Ahmad said fraudulent transactions involving RM10.4 million by civil servants were uncovered at a federal department.
Sidestepped
Thailand Open champs Pearly Tan - M. Thinaah sidestepped questions about their contract status with the Badminton Association of Malaysia, choosing instead to focus on this week's Malaysia Masters.
That's it for News@9.

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Malaysia strengthens Asean role

MALAYSIA recently reaffirmed its regional leadership by hosting the 46th Asean Summit, echoing its steadfast commitment to unity and cooperation across Southeast Asia. As one of Asean's five founding members in 1967, Malaysia has played a crucial role in shaping the regional bloc's direction, advocating values of peace, stability and mutual respect. Over the decades, this commitment has translated into real benefits that continue to uplift Malaysian lives and businesses. Malaysia's place at the Asean table has always been more than symbolic. As a founding member, the nation helped shape the bloc's identity, rooted in diplomacy, peace and cooperation. These core principles remain as relevant today as they were in 1967. The country's ongoing advocacy for regional stability is evident in initiatives like the Asean Power Grid, which strengthens cross-border energy infrastructure. By supporting renewable and stable energy sources, Malaysia reinforces both environmental sustainability and regional security. As the Asean chair for 2025, Malaysia is steering discussions on key priorities, including digital advancement, climate sustainability and inclusive growth. Malaysia has long been a driver of regional economic collaboration. Its role in launching the Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA) in 1992 marked a turning point for intra-Asean commerce, slashing tariffs and improving market access for businesses and consumers alike. This spirit of economic cooperation continued with the 2020 signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in Kuala Lumpur. As the world's largest trade pact, RCEP boosts job creation and investment across the region, further embedding Malaysia into global trade flows. Malaysia has also contributed to Asean's economic identity by leading the establishment of its first regional Halal standard. This move elevated the international profile of Malaysian Halal products, giving local businesses a competitive edge across Southeast Asia. MOBILITY & CONNECTIVITY Asean membership offers Malaysians visa-free access to nine other member states, facilitating easier travel for tourism, education and commerce. Malaysia's commitment to digital connectivity is another area of progress. By backing Asean-wide initiatives to reduce roaming charges, the country helps lower communication costs for travellers and expatriates. In the fintech space, Malaysia has emerged as a leader in digital payment innovation. With platforms like GrabPay, Malaysians can make secure and seamless transactions while abroad in Asean, reflecting the country's strong regional digital integration. WHAT IS KERANA ASEAN? To bridge the gap between policy and public understanding, the Kerana ASEAN campaign was launched in May 2025. Spearheaded by Grab Malaysia in partnership with the Foreign Ministry, the initiative showcases how regional cooperation directly benefits Malaysians — embracing inclusivity, innovation and sustainability. Throughout the year, the campaign will roll out a series of digital and on-the-ground activations, making Asean's initiatives accessible and relatable to everyday citizens.