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.
China virus death toll reaches 1,110; over 44,200 cases confirmed
The number of fatalities from China’s new coronavirus epidemic jumped to 1,110 nationwide on Wednesday after hard-hit Hubei province reported 94 new deaths.
In its daily update, Hubei’s health commission also confirmed another 1,638 new cases in the central province, where the outbreak emerged in December.
There are now more than 44,200 confirmed cases across China, based on previously released figures from the government. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
Singapore and Malaysia to form joint working committee on coronavirus
Singapore and Malaysia will set up a joint working group to strengthen cooperation in tackling the spread of the coronavirus.
The authorities from both countries announced the working group on Tuesday after a video conference between Singapore Health Minister Gan Kim Yong and his Malaysian counterpart, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. – The Straits Times
16 dead in refugee boat sinking in Bay of Bengal
An overcrowded boat carrying about 125 Rakhine State Muslims from refugee camps in Bangladesh sank early Tuesday in the Bay of Bengal, leaving at least 16 dead, Bangladeshi officials said Tuesday.
The coast guard, navy divers and other rescuers recovered the bodies of 14 women, one child and a man after the wooden boat capsized off St Martin’s Island, the top elected official on the island said. – Myanmar Times
Hun Sen to attend ASEAN-US Summit, meet President Trump in March, refuses to respond to opposition comments
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Tuesday that he will attend the ASEAN-US Summit, to be held in Las Vegas in March 2020.
The premier said he is going to meet with the President of the United States Donald Trump, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for rehabilitation project of National Road 2 and 22 held at Phnom Penh’s dangkor district. – Khmer Times
UK sees Malaysia as possible gateway to Asia-Pacific trade
Britain, promoting itself as a willing trade partner for the Asia-Pacific region, is seeking close alignment with Malaysia as its former colony considers ratifying an 11-member Pacific trade pact, the UK’s top diplomat said on Tuesday.
Pushing the tagline “Global Britain is open for business,” the UK has launched an aggressive campaign to set up new trade partnerships after it formally quit the European Union at the end of January. – The New Straits Times