Calls to sue Indonesia over haze; Pinduoduo craze sweeps Malaysia: 7 Asia highlights

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. ‘Forgive us’: Indonesians urge Singapore, Malaysia to sue Jakarta over haze

Many Indonesians are urging foreign governments on social media, including those of neighbouring countries affected by the haze, to take action against Jakarta over its handling of the fires.

2. Cloudy outlook? How haze crisis is testing Singapore’s events economy

The haze blanketing Singapore’s skies over the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix raised fears of disruption. A day before racing began, motorsport governing body FIA said the conditions could potentially restrict entertainment acts and outdoor activities.

3. Laos private jet bust reveals how Mekong meth slips past borders

A private jet hired from Malaysia – seemingly destined for the Philippines – but stopped on the tarmac by Laos’ drug police who found suitcases stuffed with 512kg of crystal methamphetamine, has returned the spotlight to the unrelenting flow of narcotics from the Mekong’s drug laboratories.

4. Indonesia’s Bali hit by fuel crisis as huge queues form at petrol stations

Motorists have been left queuing for hours at petrol stations across Indonesia’s resort island of Bali in recent days amid reports of a crippling fuel shortage.

5. Malaysia’s shoppers love Chinese e-commerce. But is the bargain worth it?

Since the Pinduoduo app’s launch in the country last December, social media has been awash with delighted shoppers showing off their hauls, from smartphones to sofas, rolls of toilet paper and even bags of cement.

6. Why younger Japanese now fear Trump’s America more than China

A growing number of Japanese regard the United States as the greatest threat to world peace ahead of traditional rival China, according to a new survey.

7. No ‘new model’: Philippines stands firm on cutting maritime hotlines with China

The Philippine military has rejected calls to restore direct communication channels with its Chinese counterpart, despite warnings from Beijing that their absence risks “miscalculation” during confrontations and could further escalate tensions in the South China Sea.