Story Archive

Ships drive global trade but what happens when they’re no longer seaworthy? In shipbreaking yards, every nut, bolt and sheet of metal can be recycled. Bangladesh is the top destination for old ships and it recycles up to 3 million tons of steel annually. However, dismantling these giants comes at a heavy price. Who should be held accountable for the dangers and destruction caused by shipbreaking?

On January 12, 2025, residents of Kampung Pengkalan Maras in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, woke up to devastation. Powerful monsoon waves wiped out roads, destroyed homes, and ruined businesses. For over a decade, villagers have watched the sea creep closer—but in recent months, erosion has accelerated at an alarming rate. Now, many fear government action may have come too late. Could breakwaters and other protective measures have saved their community?

This village in Terengganu, Malaysia, has seen its beach recede over the past 10 years, but in recent months - the coastal erosion has accelerated rapidly. The sea is encroaching on their graveyard, their shops, homes, and their beloved surau (prayer hall). Villagers worry that without concrete action, the sea will soon claim whatever remains.

This year, BenarNews video journalists were on the ground capturing pivotal moments—from the turmoil in Bangladesh and the rising tensions in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China, to the political twists that led to Prabowo Subianto’s rise as Indonesia’s president. Here are the stories that resonated with you and left a lasting impact.

On Boxing Day 20 years ago, a massive earthquake off the coast of Sumatra triggered a powerful tsunami that struck Banda Aceh first. The tsunami affected 14 countries and claimed about 230,000 lives. But Banda Aceh suffered the most, with over 167,000 deaths. BenarNews revisits Banda Aceh and meets survivors committed to ensuring their community is prepared to face another disaster.

It’s been 20 years since a powerful earthquake off the Indonesian coast triggered a deadly tsunami that killed over 220,000 people in 14 countries. Thailand has the fourth-highest death toll, with 8,200 people killed. Ban Nam Khem was one of the hardest hit, with half its population wiped out. BenarNews revisits the small fishing village to examine if they are ready for another disaster.

You might have heard of Jeju’s Haenyeo, the women who free-dive for seaweed and seafood. But have you met the oyster divers of Muar, Malaysia? These divers plunge 9-10 meters deep into murky rivers to harvest rare wild oysters – without any diving gear, just a pair of goggles. Find out why these oysters are to dive for.

For decades, Abu Sayyaf, an Islamic militant group, struck fear across Sulu province. Besides banditry, they kidnapped foreigners for ransom, and, in some cases, executed them. Today, many former Abu Sayyaf members want to leave that life behind, and make an honest living through farming instead.

Cici Jueco’s marriage turned into a 19-year nightmare when she was routinely verbally abused, repeatedly beaten and raped by her husband. But these days, Jueco has found a reason to be optimistic for those similarly trapped in abusive relationships, because the Philippine House of Representatives in June finally transmitted a proposed law on absolute divorce to the Senate.

After the closure of the Burmese student learning center in Surat Thani Province, it has affected many other learning centers in Thailand, and many parties are concerned about the inequality of educational rights for migrant children.