ONE of the largest earthquakes yet to strike the planet sent huge tidal waves tearing into countries across Asia.

AT least 42 people, including foreign tourists, were killed yesterday after being swept away by tidal waves on a Malaysian resort island and in other areas, government officials and police said.

A member of the royal family of Malaysia’s northern state of Kedah has been beaten to death in a brawl outside a pub.

Police wielding canes and backed by water have broken up a rally of about 500 people against Malaysia's longtime leader Mahathir Mohamed.