N. Korean missile test a failure, says report

SEOUL • North Korea apparently test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile yesterday in the Sea of Japan, but the test was a failure, said Yonhap news agency.

It quoted a South Korean official as saying the missile, KN-11, was fired between 2.20pm and 2.40pm local time. "The North appears to have failed in its launch," said the official who did not want to be named.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Toymaker VTech hit by cyber attack

BOSTON • Electronic toymaker VTech Holdings said on Friday that it was the victim of a cyber attack that compromised information about customers. VTech, which sells children's tablets, electronic learning toys and baby monitors, gave news of the attack in a statement on its website.

REUTERS

Japan to resume Antarctic whaling

TOKYO • Japan will resume "research" whaling in the Antarctic by the end of March next year, local media reported yesterday, despite a call by global regulators for more evidence that the expeditions have a scientific purpose.

It comes after a one-season suspension of its hunting in the ocean, as the United Nations' top legal body judged last year that Japan's whaling there was a fig leaf for a commercial hunt.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Umno leaders call for Najib to face party polls

KUALA LUMPUR • Around 200 rebel Umno branch leaders have called for their president, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, to face a party election at next year's general assembly meet.

Their spokesman and Kampung Railway Umno branch member Mohamad Said Midon said the vote is necessary as members have lost confidence in Mr Najib, said Malaysiakini.