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.
Health Ministry rejects claim of being 'late' in tackling coronavirus crisis
The Health Ministry has dismissed claims that it has been ‘late’ in taking action against the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in the country.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, said Malaysia’s facilities and relief teams were at their best state of preparedness even prior to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) announcement that the virus – which originated in Wuhan, China – was a global health emergency, Bernama reported.
“We understand the people’s concerns, but if (they are saying) that the Ministry is slow to act, (I must point out that) our National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) at Sungai Buloh was activated on 5 January, right after we were made aware of the crisis, even before the WHO held its meeting (on the outbreak),” Dr Dzulkefly said on TV3’s Bulletin Utama, last night. – New Straits Times
Coronavirus contributes to 17.9 percent drop in foreign tourist arrivals in January
Cambodia’s famed Angkor Archeological Park attracted a mere 222,561 foreign tourists in January this year, down 17.9 percent compared to the same month last year.
The ancient park registered a gross revenue of US$10.5 million from ticket sales in January this year, also down 14.8 percent when compared with the same period last year, the state-owned Angkor Enterprise’s statement read. – Khmer Times
Private sector forecasts deeper export decline
The slowing world economy, widespread domestic drought and the deadly virus outbreak have prompted the private sector to lower the export forecast to a 1.8% contraction this year.
Sanan Angubolkul, vice-chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce, said representatives from many trade associations were consulted before the forecast of US$242 billion for export value was decided. – Bangkok Post
Laos Vulnerable as Microsoft Stops Windows 7 Support
Laos may be vulnerable after Microsoft’s decision to cease support for its Windows 7 operating system, with the latest figures showing more than 35 percent of desktop users in the country continue to use the system.
Microsoft announced it will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs with Windows 7 after 14 January, 2020. – The Laotian Times
Historic legal battle starts Monday
A watershed moment in Sarawak’s history begins tomorrow (3 Feb) as the High Court here is set to hear the judicial review application filed by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) against the imposition of the state sales tax (SST) by the Sarawak government.
The three-day trial before Justice Azhahari Kamal Ramli is the culmination of more than a year of disagreements between Sarawak, the Federal government and the national oil company over the tax. – The Borneo Post