Several areas of Bali, Indonesia were submerged by flooding. Continuous rainfall triggered severe flooding in many districts of Indonesia’s tourist island of Bali, including the provincial capital, Denpasar since 23 February 2026. As of 24 February 2026, around 350 people were evacuated, including 30 foreign tourists. After the waters receded, most people returned to their homes and hotels. There were no fatalities. Some facilities, such as cafes and gas stations, were also inundated.

Source: The Straits Times. (2026, Feb 24). Bali flooding prompts tourist evacuation: Official.

Strong earthquake jolted Malaysia. On 23 February 2026, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia. No aftershocks or tsunami were reported. The epicentre was located about 49 km west of Kudat, Sabah. The tremors were felt in Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia. Local authorities were carrying out field monitoring to ensure safety.

Source: The Star. (2026, Feb 24).  Sabah earthquake the strongest to hit Malaysia.

Madagascar remains the largest rice importer of Myanmar, followed by the Philippines. According to the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF), Myanmar exports rice to 31 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and ASEAN, with Madagascar as the largest buyer, followed by the Philippines and China. Myanmar’s rice exports are dominated by lower-grade and broken rice categories, with broken rice (A+B) accounting for the largest share at up to 41 percent of total monthly shipments. 25-point rice accounts for about 34 percent, while higher-quality 5 percent and 10 percent broken rice from local Aemahta and Ngasein varieties contribute about 22 percent. Meanwhile, parboiled rice accounts for a small share of exports, at approximately 3 percent.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar. (2026, February 18). Madagascar Emerges as Top Buyer of Myanmar Rice, Followed by Philippines.

The average price of rice decreased in early February 2026. Rice retail prices in the Philippines fell in early February compared with the same period last year, but increased from mid-January levels, despite rising farm-gate prices for palay (unmilled rice). According to the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), regular milled rice averaged 45.54 PHP (0.79 USD) per kilogramme (1 – 5 February), down 4.7 percent compared to 2025 but 4.1 percent higher than the 15 – 17 January average price. Regionally, the highest price of 50.67 PHP (0.88 USD) per kilogramme was recorded in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, while the lowest price of 40.29 PHP (0.70 USD) per kilogramme was in Mimaropa. In addition, despite lower retail prices compared with 2025, farm-gate prices of palay continued to rise due to a temporary rice import ban (September – December 2025), which helped farmers recover after prices had previously fallen due to excessive imports.

*1 USD = 57.59 PHP

Source: Inquirer.net. (2026, February 18). Retail prices of rice lower in early February, says PSA.

Thailand faces rice export pressure driven by the strong baht and rising domestic prices. Thailand’s rice export outlook has weakened in February 2026 due to relatively high export prices compared with other Asian suppliers. The higher prices are mainly driven by a strong baht and high domestic rice prices, reducing the country’s competitiveness in global markets. According to the Thai Rice Exporters Association, Thai rice prices remain above competitors across major categories. Thai 5 percent broken white rice is quoted at 410 USD per tonne, compared with 363 – 367 USD per tonne for Vietnam, 350 – 354 USD per tonne for India, and 365 – 369 USD per tonne for Pakistan. Premium Thai Hom Mali jasmine rice stands at 1,171 per USD tonne, far exceeding Vietnam’s at 433 – 437 USD per tonne and Cambodia’s at 834 USD per tonne. Similarly, Thai parboiled rice is priced at 445 USD per tonne, higher than India and Pakistan equivalents.

Source: Nation Thailand. (2026, February 23). Strong baht and high prices curb Thai rice exports as global trade hits record.