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.
AG: RM237m returned to Malaysia
The United States government has made the first instalment of funds recovered from asset seizures related to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) under its Department of Justice’s (DoJ’s) Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative.
Attorney-General Tommy Thomas said the first tranche of returned funds of US$57,036,688.68 (RM236.56 million) was credited into the 1MDB asset recovery account, a segregated trust account opened specifically for the purpose. – New Straits Times.
Ministry guarantees healthcare service amid suspension
The recent decision of the Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) to suspend collaboration with hundreds of hospitals that have not renewed their accreditation has raised concerns particularly among patients and triggered complaints from hospital managements.
In the past week, hospitals in several regions have announced that they would suspend services for BPJS Kesehatan card holder patients due to the policy. – The Jakarta Post
Older generation developing brighter outlook, research suggests
The prevalence of clinically depressive symptoms in older Singaporeans fell from 15 per cent in 2009 to 12 per cent in 2017.
This was accompanied by a decrease in the proportion of respondents who felt somewhat or mostly alone – from 51 per cent in 2009 to 34 per cent in 2017. – The Straits Times.
No US visa for stateless pupil
A stateless student is now seeking assistance from the National Human Rights Commission after her application for a visa to attend a science competition in the US was rejected. – Bangkok Post
Minister calls for policy change in power sector to address outages
A regional minister on Tuesday underscored the need to revamp the country’s energy policy in order to address the perennial problem of power outages, especially during the summer months when the demand for electricity soars.
Mandalay Region Electricity, Energy and Construction Minister U Zarni Aung apologised to the people for the frequent blackouts over the past two months as these are caused by insufficient power supply. – Myanmar Times.