Xinhua Asia Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, Jan. 23

JAKARTA -- The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry on Tuesday handed over two hostages released by Philippine-based Abu Sayyaf-linked terrorist group to their families.

The two Indonesian hostages were released last Friday in southern Philippine province of Sulu.

The crew of a fishing boat were kidnapped by the terrorist group in Malaysia's waters of Sabah on Nov. 5 2016. (Indonesia-Hostages-Release)

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KUALA LUMPUR -- Seabed Constructor, the vessel used by U.S. firm Ocean Infinity to locate the missing MH370 aircraft, has arrived at the search area and begun the search operation, said Malaysia's Department of Civil Aviation on Tuesday.

It said Ocean Infinity began its operation by launching the first autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) at 02:55 Malaysia time (1855 GMT) on Monday. (U.S. Firm-MH370-Search)

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YANGON -- Myanmar authorities voiced readiness to start on Tuesday to receive displaced people repatriated from Bangladesh fleeing Rakhine conflict.

Speaking at a press conference in Nay Pyi Taw in the day, Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye said Myanmar will receive the verified returnees at Taung Pyo Letwe and Nga Khu Ya reception centers, while adding Hla Pho Kaung as a transit camp for the returnees. (Myanmar-Displaced People-Receiving)

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BANGKOK -- Roasted seahorses are no longer allowed at a food market in eastern Thailand's Pattaya.

Manat Meephong, manager of Pattaya Floating Market, said on Tuesday he had practically banned the sales of roasted seahorses at the market in the world-renowned seaside resort though the business of selling seahorses for food may not be considered illegal in Thailand as yet. (Thailand-Pattaya-Roasted Seahorse) Enditem