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.
῾Wolf packs a common trend in I.S.᾽ - Counter-terrorism expert
The Islamic State (IS) group’s use of ‘wolf packs’ – small cells of radicalised people who are sympathetic towards its ideology – replicates most of the terrorist groups in Indonesia. Andrin said the emergence of wolf packs coincided with a re-emergence of Jemaah Islamiyah, which had come under the limelight in Indonesia. – New Straits Times.
Fake Lazada campaign on Instagram cheats victims of at least $14,000
The police issued a warning on Tuesday (May 14) about a series of scams involving fake Lazada campaigns taking place on Instagram.
Scammers would pretend to be friend or followers of the victims on Instagram, and would message victims claiming they would help them sign up for a Lazada campaign to win money. However, the campaigns, which scammers often named “Lazada Campaign”, “Lazada Raffle”, “Lazada Gift Money” and “Lazada Lucky Draw”, were actually fakes. – The Straits Times.
Jokowi launches master plan for Sharia economy
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo launched on Tuesday the country’s first master plan for a sharia economy for implementation from 2019 to 2024.
The master plan sets out four main strategies aimed at transforming the country into a net producer instead of simply a market for halal goods and services. – The Jakarta Post.
Senators seen as PM puppets
At least 160 or two-thirds of the 250 newly appointed senators are close associates of the regime with military or police backgrounds, sparking criticism that the Upper House is a tool to extend the regime’s rule, which critics say would renew political conflict and create a fresh impasse. – Bangkok Post.
Comelec to go after suppliers of faulty VCMs, SD cards after proclamation
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will go after the suppliers of defective election materials after proclaiming all the winning senators and party-list groups. – Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Measles forecast to rise in Hà Nội
Hà Nội recorded 1,193 cases of measles since the beginning of this year, however, there has been no death from this disease, according to the city’s health authorities. – Vietnam News.