The unit will serve as an intermediary between startups and government ministries in the 17 strategic fields identified by Japan's government.

Malaysian international passport holders whose passports have a validity period of more than 10 years would be given a free replacement.

The choice of Putrajaya, the country’s administrative capital, as the conference venue reflected the party leadership’s determination to remain in federal power. The result cemented its commitment to staying in the Anwar government.

Both sides pledge stronger ties in trade, defence, energy.

In his eulogy, Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith recalled Xaysomphone Phomvihane's more than five decades of dedication to the common cause of the Lao Party and State, highlighting his strong political mettle, revolutionary ethics, patriotism and loyalty to the Party, nation and people.

As of 6pm on Monday, a total of 39 deaths had been confirmed from the 7.1-magnitude July 28 temblor, which registered up to 7, the highest level on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, according to the prefectural government’s disaster response headquarters.

A strict ban on carrying firearms in public is being enforced, requiring even legally licensed guns to be kept at home, with no exceptions for sport shooters.

Former Nonthaburi MP Chalong Riewrang has surrendered to police after being identified as the gunman in the shooting incident. Riewrang claimed the motive was anger over an alleged unpaid debt and betrayal with the victim.

Japan upholds the three non-nuclear principles, and as the only country to have experienced the horror of nuclear devastation in war, has the mission to continue persevering in its efforts to realise a world free of nuclear weapons.