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.
Internet connectivity may soon be listed under utilities
The Communications and Multimedia Ministry is proposing for internet connectivity to be listed under utilities on par with water and electricity supply, as part of its efforts to expand broadband penetration nationwide. - The New Straits Times
Anger as Malaysian cleared of murdering Indonesian maid
A Malaysian woman has reportedly been cleared of murdering her Indonesian maid, who was allegedly tortured and forced to sleep outside with a dog, with activists Monday criticising the "shocking" decision. - The Jakarta Post
Singapore and US energy regulators to boost bilateral cooperation
Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will be enhancing their bilateral cooperation towards greater energy security and resilience. The agencies on Monday (April 22) inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide the partnership framework. - The Straits Times
Sa Kaeo-Poipet train line opened, to boost border trade
The repaired rail link between Aranyaprathet (Thailand) and Poipet (Cambodia) was reopened on Monday, 46 years after it was closed by a civil war that destroyed Cambodia's railway infrastructure. - Bangkok Post
Earthquake death toll in Pampanga climbs to 11
Eleven fatalities have so far been reported in Pampanga on Tuesday, in the wake of Monday afternoon’s magnitude 6.1 earthquake that jolted the province and other parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila. - The Philippine Daily Inquirer
Myanmar rice exports face backlash in African market
The Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) guaranteed the quality of Myanmar-produced rice after the Ivory Coast last week said it had destroyed over 18,000 tonnes of rice originating from Myanmar, deeming the produce unfit for human consumption. - Myanmar Times
Court hears two cases against CNRP’s Rainsy
Phnom Penh Municipal court on Monday heard two cases against Sam Rainsy, “acting president” of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), on charges of inciting the military and insulting King Norodom Sihamoni. The verdicts are expected to be announced next Thursday. - The Phnom Penh Post
Firefighters battle to keep Brunei peatland fires under control
The Fire and Rescue Department’s Operation ‘B’ Branch is currently battling a huge peatland fire which has destroyed an estimated 50 hectares of peatland forest, according to a statement from the Fire and Rescue Department. - Borneo Bulletin