INDONESIA
1.RI REMOVES FIVE MILLION UNDER-AGE ACCOUNTS UNDER DIGITAL CHILD POLICY -- ANTARA
Indonesia has removed approximately five million underage accounts from digital platforms under the Government Regulation on Electronic System Governance for Child Protection, locally known as PP Tunas, Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid announced.
2.INDONESIA CONCLUDES SAR OPERATIONS FOR MUTIARA SENTOSA II FERRY FIRE -- ANTARA
Indonesian Deputy Transportation Minister Suntana has announced that the search and rescue (SAR) operations for the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II passenger ferry fire have officially concluded following the successful evacuation of all passengers.
LAOS
1.VIENTIANE, HANOI SET RM41 BILLION TRADE AMBITION -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Laos and Vietnam have set an ambitious target of US$10 billion (RM41 billion) in bilateral trade by 2030. Both governments discussed measures to deepen economic cooperation during a meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam on July 31.
2.PROGRESS IN REDUCING CHILD MALNUTRITION -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The government has made major progress in reducing child malnutrition, cutting the number of provinces with severe malnutrition rates above 40 per cent from eight in 2017 to four in 2023. Meanwhile, the school lunch programme has reached 3,353 schools.
MYANMAR
1.ASEAN LAUNCHES DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Myanmar is hosting an ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team course in Nay Pyi Taw from August 3 to 7 to strengthen the region’s capacity for effective disaster response and recovery.
2.SUPPORT FOR FLOOD-HIT AYEYARWADY FARMERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Myanmar Rice Federation is discussing recovery plans for flood-affected paddy acres in Ayeyarwady Region. The federation highlighted stockpiling of fertilisers, pesticides and other agricultural inputs to sustain yields once water recedes.
PHILIPPINES
1.MAYMAY NOW A TROPICAL STORM -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
Tropical cyclone Maymay (international name Kujira) has intensified into a tropical storm, the weather bureau said Wednesday.
2.JAPAN OKS P11.54-B LOAN TO BOOST UHC IN PH -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
Japan is extending a USD187.82 million or approximately PHP11.53 billion loan to help strengthen the Philippines' implementation of its Universal Health Care (UHC) program, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
SINGAPORE
1. LAW PASSED TO LOWER DRINK-DRIVING LIMITS, IMPOSE HARSHER PENALTIES FOR DANGEROUS DRIVING CAUSING GRIEVOUS HURT - CNA
A law was passed in parliament on Tuesday to lower the alcohol limits for drink-driving and impose harsher penalties for dangerous driving causing grievous hurt.
2. BESIDES NATIONAL CANCER CENTRE, 11 OTHER MOH PROJECTS HAVE UNDECLARED SAVINGS: ONG YE KUNG -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Eleven other Ministry of Health (MOH) development projects, in addition to the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), did not declare savings after major construction tenders closed, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Aug 4.
THAILAND
1. FIVE NEW SAFETY STANDARD PREPARE THAILAND FOR AUTOMATED CARS -- THE NATION
The Royal Gazette has published five Ministry of Industry announcements introducing new Thai Industrial Standards for intelligent transport systems involving driver-assistance and automated-driving technologies.
2. DSI MOVES AGAINST FOREX SUSPECTS -- BANGKOK POST
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has formally charged four people, including People's Party (PP) list MP Pawoot Pongvitayapanu and actor Rattapoom "Film" Tokongsup, in connection with an alleged online forex investment scheme.
VIETNAM
1.LAWMAKERS DISCUSS STRINGENT DEFENCE LAWS -- VIETNAM NEWS
The National Assembly reviewed proposed laws that would strengthen controls on weapons of mass destruction and update the country’s defence regulations. Lawmakers also called for a more technology-driven legal education system.
2.LOCAL CONSUMPTION, TOURISM DRIVE GROWTH -- VIETNAMPLUS
Robust domestic consumption and a thriving tourism sector propelled Vietnam’s economic growth in the last seven months. Retail sales, consumer services and international visitor arrivals fuelled growth during the period.
-- BERNAMA