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.
SGD1.89 billion of palm oil is in the crossfire as Malaysia's Mahathir angers India
A brewing diplomatic spat between India and Malaysia has got an unusual victim in the crossfire: palm oil.
New Delhi abruptly restricted imports of refined palm oils this month, apparently irked by Malaysian Premier Mahathir Mohamad's comments on steps taken by the administration of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that affect Muslims in India.
The South Asian country is the world's biggest palm buyer and is a major market for Malaysia, the No. 2 producer. – The Straits Times
Myanmar President U Win Myint seeks prosecution of Rakhine abuses
President U Win Myint will seek the prosecution of those involved in human rights abuses against Muslims in Rakhine State and has sent the report by the Independent Commission of Enquiry (ICOE) to the Attorney General, his office said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The President has sent the full report with the annexes to the Union Attorney General for further investigation and prosecution of any property destruction, looting, or other serious crimes committed by civilians during the internal armed conflict in Rakhine,” the statement said. – Myanmar Times
US confirms first case of China virus as death toll reaches six
The United States on Tuesday announced its first case of a new virus that has claimed six lives in China and sickened hundreds, joining countries around the world in ramping up measures to block its spread.
The man, a US resident in his 30s who lives near Seattle, is in good condition, according to federal and state officials, and approached authorities himself after reading about the SARS-like infection in news reports. – The New Straits Times
FFP on defensive as loan battle looms
Despite being acquitted by the Constitutional Court of seeking to overthrow the constitutional monarchy, the Future Forward Party (FFP) is not out of the woods yet, with a case involving a multi-million-baht loan from its leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit pending in court.
The court on Tuesday ruled to reject a petition submitted by Natthaporn Toprayoon, a lawyer and former adviser to the chief state ombudsman, seeking the disbandment of the FFP for violating Section 49 of the constitution. – Bangkok Post
Semarang named cleanest tourist destination in Southeast Asia
Semarang, a Central Java city known for its acculturation of Javanese and Chinese cultures, has been named as the cleanest tourist destination in Southeast Asia.
The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard (ACTCS) bestowed the title on Semarang for the year of 2020 to 2022. – The Jakarta Post