Altantuya's father to meet Malaysian A-G

PETALING JAYA • The father of murdered Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu is meeting with Malaysian Attorney-General Tommy Thomas today, to discuss how the case could be reopened.

Ms Altantuya, 28, was believed to have been shot dead before her body was blown up with explosives in a secondary forest in Shah Alam in 2006.

Mr Setev Shaariibuu is hoping that the new Malaysian government might reconsider opening the case, a family lawyer said.

THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Philippine troops, Maute rebels in clash

MANILA • Government troops have clashed with militants in Lanao del Sur province in southern Philippines, forcing over 700 families to flee.

The clashes with the Maute group broke out on Sunday in Guiarong village and continued yesterday, with the military launching air strikes and artillery fire targeting Maute militant leader Owayda Benito Marohombsar, with some 40 armed followers.

XINHUA

Jail, hefty fine for flying big balloons

JAKARTA • Indonesians caught launching big, unmanned hot-air balloons could face up to two years in jail or a fine of up to US$35,000 (S$47,300), the authorities said, after balloons launched to celebrate the end of the Muslim fasting month forced pilots to divert flights.

Balloons have long been part of festivities in the nation, but with modern materials and designs, some are up to 10m in diameter and over 20m high.

REUTERS