Hot Off The Press

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.  

ASEAN Chairman issues statement on response to COVID-19

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, as Chairman of ASEAN in 2020, issued a statement on ASEAN’s joint response to the outbreak of the acute respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The statement expressed concerns raised by ASEAN leaders about the complicated development of the epidemic, which has seriously impacted people’s lives and the development of ASEAN countries as well as the region and the world as a whole. 

Stressing ASEAN solidarity and spirit of a “cohesive and responsive” community, ASEAN leaders affirmed their strong commitment to joining hands to control the spread of the epidemic to ensure public safety. – Viet Nam News

Coronavirus: WHO warns against ‘blanket measures’ over outbreak, says 'every scenario on the table'

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday (17 Feb) warned against “blanket measures” over the novel coronavirus outbreak, pointing out the epidemic outside of China was only affecting a “tiny” proportion of the population.

WHO also said that – with a mortality rate of around two percent – COVID-19 was “less deadly” than other coronaviruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). – The Straits Times

More Westerdam passengers cleared of COVID-19

41 passengers of the MS Westerdam who arrived in Malaysia and Thailand tested negative for COVID-19, commonly known as novel coronavirus.

Malaysia’s national news agency Bernama reported that six passengers of the cruise ship had not been infected with the virus as revealed by laboratory results from the Institute for Medical Research on Sunday. – Khmer Times

Myanmar groups seek restoration of internet access in Rakhine

More than 100 local civil society organisations urged on Monday (17 Feb) the government to restore as soon as possible internet access to five townships in troubled Rakhine and Chin states.

U Khaing Kaung San from Rakhine State civil society organisations for peace said denying internet access to people is a violation of their human rights. – Myanmar Times

Lao to experience electricity shortage during hot season

Electricity generation will not be sufficient to supply all areas in Lao during times of peak consumption from March to June, according to authorities, who are urging the public to cut energy usage during this period.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines has announced that less power can be generated while reservoirs are only half full, Vientiane Times reported. – The Laotian Times