Six injured in express bus crash in Malaysia

Southeast Asia

March 12, 2025

REMBAU (ANN/THE STAR) – Six passengers of an express bus were injured after the driver lost control and the vehicle crashed at KM245.5 of the North-South Expressway near Rembau, Negeri Sembilan.

A Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said the incident happened on the northbound stretch of the expressway at about 6am Wednesday (March 12).

“There were 40 people on board, including the driver, when the crash happened.

“Six passengers, all women, suffered light injuries and were given first aid at the scene by paramedics,” the spokesman said, adding that two of them were sent to Hospital Tuanku Jaáfar for further treatment.

He said personnel from the Rembau, Senawang, Tampin, Kota, Seremban 2 and Seremban stations were involved in the operation, which ended at around 7.30am.

Six hurt in express bus crash on NSE near Rembau. PHOTO: ANN/THE STAR

Harry Kane revels in a decisive victory for Bayern Munich in the Champions League

Sports

March 12, 2025

LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — Harry Kane is one step closer to being a Champions League winner, and he wants to enjoy Bayern Munich’s statement victory over German rival Bayer Leverkusen.

“To beat this team 5-0 over two legs shows the type of team that we are,” Kane told broadcaster Prime Video after scoring his 10th Champions League goal of the season in Tuesday’s 2-0 second-leg win.

“We’re in the quarterfinal now where Bayern Munich should be and we want to keep pushing,” Kane said. “We just want to enjoy this because it’s not easy. Especially when you play your domestic rivals, there’s a lot of pressure, there’s a lot of intensity that goes into it.”

Bayern’s Harry Kane celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Bayern Leverkusen and Bayern Munich at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2025. PHOTO: dpa via AP

Kane added that Bayern hadn’t wanted to protect its three-goal lead from the first leg, but instead wanted to put Leverkusen under more pressure by creating chances early on: “In the second half we knew they had to come out and try something and we punished them.”

Next stop in the Champions League is a quarterfinal meeting with Inter Milan.

“It will be tough,” Kane said. “The San Siro’s a really tough place to go but also, any team we play, we know that we can cause problems.”

Kane and Kompany

Kane’s career has been defined by an abundance of individual awards and a lack of team trophies. With Bayern leading the Bundesliga by eight points from Leverkusen and into the Champions League quarter finals, that wait could soon come to an end.

The coach who has got the best out of Kane and the players around him wasn’t Bayern’s first choice last year. Vincent Kompany isn’t getting carried away with success.

“I won’t surf on a hype wave, no chance,” Kompany said after beating Leverkusen on Tuesday.

He praised Kane’s contribution.

“It obviously helps when you have a top player who only wants to run and fight for the team like a youth player,” Kompany said. “That energy just helps.”

Bayern’s head coach Vincent Kompany, left, reacts during the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Bayern Leverkusen and Bayern Munich at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2025. PHOTO: AP

Leverkusen under strain

Xabi Alonso’s team is no stranger to a busy schedule — Leverkusen played 53 games last season, losing only the Europa League final — but the extra strain of the Champions League has seemed to take its toll on his relatively small squad.

Both Leverkusen and Bayern lost their Bundesliga games last week after their Champions League first-leg game. That defeat in itself was a blow to Leverkusen’s fading German title defense ambitions, but far worse was an injury to attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, who is set to be out for several weeks.

Against Bayern on Tuesday, Alonso tried to shake up his tactics with more long balls and a starting spot for tall striker Patrik Schick, but the Czech international’s main contribution ended up being an involuntary assist for Kane’s goal as Leverkusen didn’t have a shot on target until the 65th minute.

Alonso has more injury concerns after defender Mario Hermoso was taken to a hospital for scans on a shoulder injury that forced him off Tuesday.

“We need to wait a while for what happens with him,” Alonso said.

Leverkusen’s head coach Xabi Alonso reacts during the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Bayern Leverkusen and Bayern Munich at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2025. PHOTO: AP

Ex-Philippine leader Duterte bound for Hague over ICC drug war case

Southeast Asia

March 12, 2025

MANILA (AFP) – Lawyers for former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who is bound for The Hague following his arrest on an International Criminal Court warrant tied to his deadly crackdown on drugs, filed a petition Wednesday demanding he be sent back to Manila.

The 79-year-old faces a charge of “the crime against humanity of murder”, according to the ICC, for a crackdown that rights groups estimate killed tens of thousands of mostly poor men, often without proof they were linked to drugs.

On Wednesday morning, lawyers for the former president said they had filed a Supreme Court petition on behalf of his youngest daughter, Veronica, accusing the government of “kidnapping”, and demanding it be compelled “to bring him back”.

The office of Vice President Sara Duterte, another daughter, issued a statement saying she had left on a morning flight for Amsterdam, without offering further details.

President Ferdinand Marcos told a press briefing Tuesday evening that the plane carrying his predecessor had departed at 11:03 pm (1503 GMT).

“The plane is en route to The Hague in the Netherlands allowing the former president to face charges of crimes against humanity in relation to his bloody war on drugs,” said Marcos.

AFP correspondents in Dubai saw the flight land around 4:00 am (0000 GMT).

A plane carrying former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte lands at an airport in Dubai on March 12, 2025. PHOTO: AFP

Duterte was arrested at Manila’s international airport Tuesday after “Interpol Manila received the official copy of the warrant of the arrest from the ICC”, the presidential palace said.

Before his departure, Vice President Duterte said her father was being “forcibly taken to The Hague”.

“This is not justice — this is oppression and persecution,” she said in a statement.

The former president, meanwhile, said he believed the Philippine Supreme Court would step in and prevent his transfer.

“The Supreme Court will not agree to that. We do not have an extradition treaty,” Duterte said on Instagram live after his lawyers filed a petition.

But no reprieve materialised.

An ICC spokesman confirmed the arrest warrant Tuesday and said an initial appearance hearing would be scheduled when Duterte was in court custody.

While supporters dubbed his arrest “unlawful”, reactions from those who opposed Duterte’s drug war were jubilant.

One group working to support mothers of those killed in the crackdown called the arrest a “very welcome development”.

“The mothers whose husbands and children were killed because of the drug war are very happy because they have been waiting for this for a very long time,” Rubilyn Litao, coordinator for Rise Up for Life and for Rights, told AFP.

Philippine rights alliance Karapatan said Duterte’s arrest was “long overdue”.

A winding path

The Philippines quit the ICC in 2019 on Duterte’s instructions, but the tribunal maintained it had jurisdiction over killings before the pullout, as well as killings in the southern city of Davao when Duterte was mayor, years before he became president.

It launched a formal inquiry in September 2021, only to suspend it two months later after Manila said it was re-examining several hundred cases of drug operations that led to deaths at the hands of police, hitmen and vigilantes.

The case resumed in July 2023 after a five-judge panel rejected the Philippines’ objection that the court lacked jurisdiction.

Since then, the Marcos government on numerous instances said it would not cooperate with the investigation, but recently reversed course, saying it would be “obliged to follow” should Interpol ask for assistance.

Duterte is still hugely popular among many in the Philippines who supported his quick-fix solutions to crime, and his family remains a potent political force.

Asked Tuesday what he would say to Duterte supporters, Marcos said the government was “just doing its job” by living up to its international commitments.

“Politics doesn’t enter into it,” he added.

20% Off All Seats and Flights: Fly from Brunei to Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta with AirAsia

Lifestyle

March 12, 2025

Whether you are a food lover, adventure seeker, cultural explorer, history buff or nature enthusiast, travelling is your ticket to a wonderful world of discovery.

When you are on travel, every day is an adventure. There are new scenes to see, new foods to try, new people to connect, new cultures to experience and of course, new wonders to enrich your life.

Travel can make you a real storyteller

First of all, travel is so much more than just getting that perfect Instagram shot. It is all about those cherished moments and meaningful experiences that excite and inspire you.

As you cross borders and oceans, you land in foreign places and see different things straight away. Voila, your greatest stories have just begun! That is because travelling ignites storytelling, my dear!

Have you been longing for an overseas trip? Bingo! You can certainly make history come alive for you by visiting fascinating places across the region.

So, it’s finally your turn to travel… Your planning start at your fingertips. Travelling from Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta can be fun and eye-opening.

Let’s explore Kuala Lumpur for a start.

Explore the cultural mix of Kuala Lumpur

The capital city of Malaysia boasts a vibrant blend of modern skyline, cultural diversity, delicious street food, historical landmarks, and accessible green spaces.

People from all over the world come here for a number of reasons. It’s the gateway into Malaysia, which showcases the overall identity of this strategically located country. In

Knowing that food makes up an important part of any travel, so, when you are in Kuala Lumpur, feel free to savour your gastronomical fancy.

Being a melting pot of different ethnic groups, the city is likened to a food hub that serves practically anything that you can think of. The widely available Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes must be on your hunting list though.

Affordable and delicious, make sure you try Nasi Lemak (a traditional Malay food), Char Koay Teow (a popular Chinese dish), and Banana Leaf Rice (Indian origin), depending on preferences. The Nyonya food, a Malay-Chinese hybrid, is also highly recommended.

Apart from street eats, the city also houses many fine dining and high-end restaurants. There is something for everyone, rest assured.

Enjoy spectacular all-round “skyviews”

Apart from food, taking an insta shot of the iconic KLCC Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower (Menara KL) – is a must.

For a special and unforgettable thrill, get a ticket to the Sky Bridge that links the two KLCC towers with a spacious Observation Deck – for stunning and sweeping views of the city’s skyline.

To double the fun and “have the world at your feet” literally, head up to the Sky Deck of KL Tower for breathtaking 360° aerial views. That’s the icing on the cake oh yeah!

Both the KLCC and KL Tower “skyviews” are considered an experience of a lifetime that you should not miss.

Flying across South China Sea in just 2 hours and 30 minutes

Even though Brunei and Malaysia is separated by the vast South China Sea, fret not, you can cross it in just around 2 hours and 30 minutes!

Isn’t that lovely? It’s probably what you have been wanting to explore…

Hey, can you imagine, in less than three hours, not only you have landed in your chosen destination, you have also opened up a new path of discovery.

Forget about the aerial distance Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL) airports, which is close to 1,500 kilometers. Just focus on your travel.

If you are thinking of travelling beyond Kuala Lumpur, for example flying via Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok, Hangzhou, Labuan Bajo, Perth, Tokyo and other destinations, you can get all that done easily and conveniently with AirAsia!

Planning a trip to Jakarta?

With a population of over 11 million people, Jakarta is definitely a megacity to explore. Therefore, an itinerary planning prior to your trip is certainly important. Well, if are planning a trip to Jakarta, make sure you make use of the MRT stations to visit nearby attractions, in addition to malls and markets – all within walking distance.

Museums, art galleries, monuments, markets and shopping malls are among the key attractions. The two must-see attractions are the Monas (the National Monument of Indonesia) and Kota Tua (the ‘Old Town’ of Jakarta with Dutch colonial history).

The Monas is the symbol of national pride, built to commemorate the struggle for Indonesian independence. Located at Merdeka Square, Central Jakarta, its significance rivals that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The 132-metre obelisk structure with a viewing deck on the top, is possibly the best place to take a panoramic view of the skyline of Jakarta. Monas, together with Presidential Palace and the Indonesian National History Museum, plus other attractions within Merdeka Square – serve up a good dose of sightseeing for tourists.

Kota Tua in Fatahillah Square is another top attraction. Come here to explore the Old Batavia as you travel back to the 17th century. Surrounded by Dutch colonial buildings, some of them have been transformed into museums, cafes and art galleries, Kota Tua is a perfect spot for culture lovers and Insta shots!

20% off all seats on all flights

Book your AirAsia flights between now and 16 Mar 2025 to enjoy the promotional deals – for travel from 24 March to 30 November 2025.

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BTS’ J-Hope is set to drop two more singles this year

Entertainment

March 12, 2025

(ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – J-Hope of K-pop supergroup BTS will release two more solo singles this year, following his latest digital single, “Sweet Dreams,” last week.

The rapper-dancer shared the news during a live broadcast on the K-pop fan community platform Weverse on Tuesday.

“Interestingly, all three songs will have different styles,” he said. “While working on a new album, I wondered what kind of music you would enjoy, and the answer was simply ‘good music,'” he added.

J-Hope shared that the singles launched this year, along with those still to be released, are shaping the path of his musical journey and will likely influence his upcoming solo studio album.

BTS’ J-Hope is seen in this photo. PHOTO: BigHit Music via ANN/The Korea Herald

The BTS star held a 12-hour live broadcast on Weverse on the eve of the release of “Sweet Dreams.” On the release day on Friday, he hosted an online and offline event titled “Sweet Dreamland,” where he interacted with fans.

Following this, he traveled to the United States, where he held a pop-up event at Genesis House in New York on March 9-10. At the event, he showcased flowers he personally selected and presented handwritten message cards for fans.

J-Hope also collaborated with the famous American bakery Magnolia Bakery to launch cupcakes and banana pudding inspired by the mood of his new song. He has also appeared on South Korean TV variety shows, including MBC’s “I Live Alone” and JTBC’s “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator.”

He will embark on a North American tour, which will include a stop at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, making him the first Korean solo artist to perform there. – Yonhap

Avoid charging your smartphone in these locations

Technology

March 12, 2025

(ANN/AFP/THE STAR) – To avoid smartphone risks such as overheating, short-circuiting or even data hacks when charging your device, it is essential to avoid certain places and situations, whether at home or elsewhere.

At home

It is highly advised to avoid charging a smartphone on a flammable surface, like a bed, sofa, or cushions. The device may overheat during charging and, in the worst scenario, could potentially ignite a fire. The same is true for soft surfaces or beneath a pillow, as this might disrupt heat dissipation, significantly raising the risk of the device overheating. It’s essential to remember that plugging your charger into a power strip that’s already overloaded can lead to overheating, thereby raising the chances of a household fire.

It is also not advised to charge your smartphone, or any other electronic device, in your bathroom. The humidity in this room increases the risk of a short circuit, as any splash of moisture on the plug or charger can cause a dangerous electric shock.

Ultimately, it is crucial to avoid leaving your phone charging overnight. Not only does that mean the device is charging unattended, this habit can also lead to overheating. On top of that, it is not recommended to charge the battery to the maximum in order not to damage it.

Under certain conditions, it is sometimes better not to charge your smartphone rather than take unnecessary risks. PHOTO: Shutterstock/AFP Relaxnews via ANN/The Star

Outside the home

To avoid the obvious risk of overheating, never charge your phone in direct sunlight. This is especially true inside a car or just behind a window. In severe instances, this might even cause the battery to explode.

There is an additional risk that many people do not recognise – the danger of being hacked through a public charging station. Juice jacking is a cyberattack method that takes advantage of USB ports for charging mobile devices in public areas. When a device connects to a hacked USB port, cybercriminals can implant malware or steal sensitive information without the user’s awareness. In reality, using the USB charging stations found at train stations, airports, and on public transport is not advisable, even though the risk is quite low.

In any case, when you are not at home, remember to always use your own high-quality charger, certified to official standards.

One cat’s incredible reunion with its owner after the LA wildfires

World

March 12, 2025

It appears the tall tale that all cats have nine lives may be true for a California Maine coon named Aggie.

The beloved feline was feared dead for two months after the Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles left her family’s home in ashes. But her owner, 82-year-old Katherine Kiefer, held out some hope.

Over the weekend, Kiefer got a call from the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter. Her daughter Carolyn Kiefer shared their reunion Saturday in a TikTok video that quickly garnered more than 1 million likes. It shows tears pouring from Katherine Kiefer’s eyes as Aggie curled up in her arms.

82-year-old Katherine Kiefer holds Aggie. PHOTO: AP

“I was very much worried that I was going to wake up and (discover) it had been a dream,” she said.

Kiefer was at a medical appointment the day fire engulfed her neighborhood and her children couldn’t find Aggie — who was prone to hiding — when they tried to rescue her.

“The one thing my mom asked was: ‘Did you get Aggie?” Carolyn recalls.

Many pet owners struggled to reach their domesticated animals during the frantic rush to evacuate from the Palisades wildfire in January.

Aggie, who is about 5 years old, was gifted to Katherine Kiefer by a friend during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social media users have been so touched by the pair’s reunion video that many have been asking for daily updates. The family’s USD30,000 GoFundMe campaign for Aggie’s vet bills had topped USD21,000 by Tuesday afternoon.

The cat has undergone several blood transfusions and is now seeing a specialist.

“She was basically skin and bone, and in a state of absolute starvation,” Carolyn said.
The family will officially be reunited with Aggie when she is released from the hospital Thursday. Kiefer said she’s anxiously waiting, and she has a message for other pet owners: “Don’t underestimate cats,” she said.

Brunei actively promoting investment opportunities: Minister

National

March 12, 2025

The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), under the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE), is actively working to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by promoting investment opportunities at regional and international expos. Targeted countries include Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, and India.

This was highlighted by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, in response to a question raised by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim during the 9th day of the 21st Legislative Council meeting Tuesday.

To ensure that local entrepreneurs benefit from FDI, including opportunities in the supply chain, BEDB has consistently promoted these prospects. This initiative specifically encourages local MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) to act as suppliers and vendors for large FDI companies.

Through the DAreLINKS initiative, more than 600 contract opportunities have been made available to local businesses.

Notably, the downstream oil and gas sector has generated significant positive spin-off effects. For example, Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd’s operations have benefited from services and supplies provided by 121 local companies, Brunei Fertilizer Industries (BFI) by 230 companies, and Brunei Methanol Company (BMC) by 32 companies.

These spin-off effects not only create business opportunities for local MSMEs but also help to enhance their operational capabilities, leading to the establishment of new companies to meet the needs of large and FDI companies across various industries.

The companies involved have provided services in sectors such as IT, infrastructure, construction, facility maintenance, mechanical and electrical services, landscape maintenance, event management, safety, catering, HSE training, and the supply of products like clothing, PPE, and ICT equipment.

In addition, FDI projects such as the Acetic Acid Production and Aniline (AAA) project, a spin-off from the government-linked Polygel Organometallic Sdn Bhd, utilise petrochemical products from Hengyi, BFI, and BMC as raw materials.

Brunei Rotary Engineering Sdn Bhd has also been established to provide engineering services, procurement, and construction (EPC) support to existing factories and companies.

The BFI company has further potential to unlock new investment opportunities through its production of ammonia and urea, which can be used in the production of formaldehyde, melamine, and more.

The minister emphasised that FDI companies have had a positive impact by increasing business opportunities for local MSMEs, thereby enhancing their capabilities and meeting the service requirements of these foreign investors.

Last year, local entrepreneurs received over BND3.2 million for specialised services such as engineering, marine, maintenance, waste management, and security. The logistics sector for imports, exports, and warehouse services accounted for at least BND6.65 million, while suppliers of chemicals, machinery, and workforce services spent BND9.64 million.

This ongoing support from FDI companies has gradually enhanced the capacity of local entrepreneurs, positioning them for continued growth in line with Brunei’s expanding FDI landscape. – Lyna Mohammad

Do women need more sleep than men?

Lifestyle

March 12, 2025

(ANN/NYTIMES/THE STRAITS TIMES) – If you browse social media for information on healthy sleep habits, you might encounter various posts suggesting that women require more sleep than men – “dramatically more sleep”, some even claim.

The reasons given vary, including hormonal differences and the notion that women have faster-working brains than men do.

As it turns out, there is no legitimate research that suggests these claims are true.

On average, women do seem to spend several more minutes in bed every night than men do, but that does not mean they require more sleep, she said.

Men and women sleep differently

Only a handful of studies have evaluated differences in sleep duration among men and women.

In a landmark study from 2013, researchers analysed survey data from over 56,000 adults in the United States. When participants were asked about their activities during a recent 24-hour period, women reported allocating an average of 11 minutes more to sleep the previous night compared to men.

This did not specifically indicate that the women actually slept for 11 minutes more than men, however. As the study explained, the time participants reported also included the minutes they spent attempting to sleep – and women are far more likely than men to experience insomnia, said sleep scientist and assistant professor of medicine Rebecca Robbins at Harvard Medical School.

The 2013 study also found that women were nearly five times as likely as men to report sleep interruptions as a result of caregiving, usually for a child.

Research suggests that women experience lower-quality sleep, on average, than men do – whether they are caregivers or not. In a 2023 online survey of more than 2,000 adults from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, for instance, researchers found that women were nearly twice as likely as men to say they rarely or never wake up feeling well rested.

There is no evidence that there is a fundamental biological reason women need more sleep. PHOTO: NYTIMES via ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES

What sinks women’s sleep

Regarding the reasons women generally experience worse sleep than men, researchers lack definitive explanations. However, they possess some theories.

The hormone progesterone is linked with better sleep, and when progesterone dips just before menstruation, women tend to sleep more poorly, said Dr Shelby Harris, a clinical psychologist in New York City who specialises in sleep disorders.

Women frequently report sleep difficulties during the time leading up to and after menopause as hormone levels fluctuate.

Compared with men, women often take on more caregiving and housework, which might make it harder for women to fall and stay asleep.

Remembering to pick up the dry cleaning, check in with relatives, take the kids to school and schedule doctor’s appointments – “all of those little things can contribute to worry, and worry and stress are two of the biggest disruptions to our sleep”, Dr Robbins said.

How to know if you are getting enough rest

The length of time people sleep and the quality of that sleep do not tell people anything about how much sleep they should be getting. “Those aren’t necessarily the same thing,” Dr Robbins said.

The National Sleep Foundation says adults generally need somewhere between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, but the exact amount can vary from person to person, Dr Harris said. “There’s no one magic number,” she added.

Dr Robbins mentioned that using a smartwatch or other tracking devices to monitor your sleep can be beneficial to guarantee you receive at least seven hours a night.

But often, the best way to tell if you are getting adequate sleep is to gauge how you feel during the day.

Feeling consistently fatigued may indicate that you aren’t sleeping enough and might even have a sleep disorder.

“If you feel you get enough sleep, but you’re still tired or having problems staying awake, those are reasons to talk to your doctor,” said Dr Rachel Salas, a neurologist and sleep medicine specialist at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Marriage, childbirth evoke fear, not joy among young S Koreans

World

March 12, 2025

SEOUL (ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – Marriage and parenthood are increasingly associated with fear and anxiety among South Korea’s younger generation, according to an analysis released Tuesday.

According to an analysis of posts on Blind, an online community for young workers, two-thirds of marriage-related posts carried emotions of “sadness,” “fear” or “abomination.”

Of these, 32.3 per cent displayed feelings of “sadness” while 24.6 per cent exhibited “fear” and 10.2 per cent were categorized under “abomination.”

On the other hand, only 9.3 per cent of the posts expressed happiness.

A similar trend could be observed for childbirth and child-rearing. According to the institute, over 60 per cent of childbirth-related posts carried these negative emotions, with “abomination” leading at 23.8 per cent, followed by “fear” (21.3 per cent) and “sadness” (15.3 per cent). Nearly 70 per cent of posts about child-rearing exhibited such emotions.

The analysis was conducted by not-for-profit private-sector think tank Korean Peninsula Population Institute for Future. It was based on some 50,000 Blind posts combined from December 2017 to November last year about marriage, childbirth or child-rearing.

Despite government efforts to reverse the nation’s dwindling birth rate with various policies, the study revealed that negative perceptions toward family life persist, highlighting deep-rooted societal and economic issues.

The same analysis also showed that the word “money” appeared in nearly 30 per cent of all posts related to marriage and in 13.2 per cent of posts about childbirth.

Children play amongst water fountains on a street in Seoul on August 14, 2024. PHOTO: AFP via ANN/THE KOREA HERALD

Moreover, nearly 60 per cent of the marriage-related posts centered around the “preparations and conditions for marriage,” while almost 20 per cent of childbirth-related posts talked about “financial support related to childbirth.”

This came as South Korea’s fertility rate rebounded in 2024, with an average of 0.75 children per woman, marking the first increase in nine years. However, the institute noted that young people’s perceptions of marriage, childbirth and child-rearing remain negative. It warned that the recent rise in the birth rate might be temporary, potentially influenced by a base effect after the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that it’s premature to determine if the trend will persist.

Yoo Hye-jeong, director of the population research center at the KPPIF, called for robust policy measures to tackle the financial challenges facing younger generations and their struggle to maintain a work-family balance, ensuring that the increase in the birth rate persists.

A separate government survey also highlighted negative perceptions of marriage and parenthood.

According to the survey of some 15,000 people aged between 19 and 34 by the Office for Government Policy Coordination, those willing to get married amounted to 63.1 per cent in 2024, down by 12 percentage points compared with the same survey two years before. Those wishing to have a baby also slid 4 percentage points in two years to 59.3 per cent.

Meanwhile, acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday laid out a new batch of support plans for young married couples or couples willing to get married.

The government plans to provide families with at least three children priority passes in airport boarding processes in South Korea when traveling overseas, and affordable public housing to a wider range of newlywed couples or couples with a newborn child.

In May, Seoul and local authorities will collaborate on a pilot initiative where approximately 5,000 senior citizens will drop off children at schools and kindergartens due to the strong need for childcare staff among working parents.

Borneo Bulletin OnlineThe Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

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