Hot off the press

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.  

Govt tackling nurse shortage

The Health Ministry is pulling out all the stops to resolve the shortage of nurses in government clinic and hospitals.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry has sought the Public Service Department’s (PSD) approval to allow the employment of nurses, in spite of the moratorium placed on their appointment. – New Straits Times.

Singapore shares open lower on Monday; STI down 0.42% to 3,259.66

Singapore shares slipped when trading began at the start of the week, along with other Asian markets, amid growing anxiety over whether the United States and China would be able to reach a trade deal after Washington sharply hiked tariffs last Friday. – The Straits Times.

Policy loopholes turn RI into dumping site

Environmentalists have called on the Trade Ministry to immediately revise its 2016 regulation on waste imports, saying it contains several loopholes that have turned Indonesia into a dump site for developed countries. The activists argued that even though developed nations, excluding the United States, had recently agreed to restrict global waste trade, Indonesia still needed to tighten its policies to prevent plastic waste smuggling. 

A Greenpeace report issued in April shows that there has been an increase in the shipment of plastic waste from developed countries to developing nations, including Indonesia, since China banned waste imports. – The Jakarta Post.

Anutin eyed for PM role

The idea of setting up a “third” alliance is gathering steam with Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul touted as a surprise contender to become prime minister. The move is seen as a bid to draw Bhumjathai away from an alliance led by the Palang Pracharath (PPRP) which now seems to have an advantage over the Pheu Thai Party camp. – Bangkok Post.

Vote-buying mars midterm elections

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Sunday reminded voters in Monday’s midterm elections to fully shade the ovals on their ballots, not to overvote and not to take selfies with their accomplished ballots inside polling precincts. 

But it belatedly advised them not to accept money from politicians, only after the Inquirer sought it out for comment on President Rodrigo Duterte’s criticism of its “unrealistic” regulations. – Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Passenger plane makes emergency landing in Mandalay, no one hurt

A Myanmar National Airlines plane made an emergency landing at Mandalay International Airport on Sunday but all 89 people aboard were unhurt, an airport official said. – Myanmar Times.