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.
At least 8 killed in shootings in Hanau, Germany
At least eight people were killed and several others injured after shootings at multiple locations on Wednesday night (19 Feb) in the central German city of Hanau, east of Frankfurt, police said.
Authorities said they were hunting for multiple suspects, who remain at large.
The local public broadcaster, Hessischer Rundfunk, reported the suspects opened fire at a hookah bar in the centre of the city, killing three people, then drove to a hookah bar in another neighbourhood, where they opened fire, killing five. – The Straits Times
ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Retreat opens, adopts declaration on fighting COVID-19
The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Retreat (ADMM Retreat) officially opened in Hà Nội on Wednesday morning, under the chair of Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngô Xuân Lịch.
In his opening remarks, Minister Lịch thanked ASEAN member countries for supporting Việt Nam in performing its role as chair of ASEAN. He expressed his belief that the defence-military cooperation channel will continue to contribute to the building of the ASEAN Community in 2020, bringing a better life for people in ASEAN. – Viet Nam News
Hundreds trapped, transport remains closed in Myanmar troubled town
Over 200 ethnic Chin from Paletwa township in Chin State are stranded in Kyauktaw in Rakhine State, as armed clashes continue between the Tatmadaw (military) and Arakan Army (AA), cutting off transportation, a non-governmental organisation said Wednesday.
The fighting has trapped hundreds of Chin people in Kyauktaw since the start of the month, said the Paletwa-based Khumi Affairs Coordination Council. – Myanmar Times
Lao Official Urges Clarity in Hiring of Lao Workers for China Railway Project
A senior Lao government official has urged better management of the recruitment process of Lao workers and information about the jobs available for the construction of the Laos-China railway to ensure workers’ rights.
Lao Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Dr. Khampheng Saysompheng said last week provincial departments, district authorities, and labour recruitment agencies should work closely together to publicise job vacancies and prepare workers for the construction of the railway, Vientiane Times reported. – The Laotian Times
Airlines reviewing flights due to restrictions, weak demands
Owing to the Covid-19 epidemic, fewer passengers are travelling abroad these days, leading to some airlines reviewing their flights.
Malaysia Airlines (MAS), for one, said it was reviewing the capacity of its flights and would make the necessary adjustments because of fears arising from the COVID-19 outbreak. – The Star