These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today. Get up to speed with what’s happening in the fastest growing region in the world.
Higher borrowing cost?
Some banks have increased their base interest rate despite Bank Negara Malaysia having kept the benchmark overnight policy rate (OPR) at 3.25 percent for more than a year.
They did this without informing their clients in advance, although banks are not required to publicly announce any rate hike. – New Straits Times
Voyeurs may get caned following changes to Penal Code: Shanmugam
Concerns over the increasing problem of voyeurism have prompted law changes that will make it a separate sexual offence with heavier punishments, possibly caning, said Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam. – The Straits Times.
῾Satria᾽ to connect hospitals, schools
The country’s multifunctional satellite that will provide high-capacity internet to government organizations, military facilities, schools and hospitals in remote areas will enter production later this year. The satellite, called the Republic of Indonesia Satellite and nicknamed Satria (knight), will have a capacity of 150 gigabits per second, the largest in Asia in its class. – The Jakarta Post.
Shut down Chinese-only businesses, Lacson urges
The government should shut down restaurants and other businesses exclusively catering to Chinese nationals staying in the country, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said on Sunday.
The senator’s remarks came after netizens blasted on social media a restaurant in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, called China Food City that barred Filipinos from its premises as it was serving only Chinese workers employed in nearby online gaming companies. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
Streets lined with yellow as King greets loyal subjects
The chant of “Long Live the King” was heard all along the seven-kilometre route of His Majesty King Rama X’s post-coronation procession on Sunday. For the first time since he was crowned, the King granted an audience to his people. – Bangkok Post
Cambodian sanctuary ravaged by logging
Corruption is fuelling widespread destruction of protected forests; Beng Per Sanctuary north of Phnom Penh has lost 60% of its forest. – The Cambodia Daily.