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.
Indonesia announces $35 billion coronavirus budget, anticipates 5% deficit in historic move
Indonesia will issue a government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) that will boost state spending by up to 405.1 trillion rupiah (S$35.1 billion) and widen the budget deficit to 5.07 per cent of gross domestic product in the nation's fight against COVID-19.
President Joko Widodo said on Tuesday (March 31) that the Perppu would serve as a foundation for the government as well as banking and financial authorities to carry out "extraordinary measures to ensure the people's health, safeguard the national economy and financial system stability".
Of the extra spending, the government will allocate 75 trillion rupiah for healthcare spending, 110 trillion rupiah for social protection and 70.1 trillion rupiah for tax incentives and credit for enterprises. The biggest chunk, 150 trillion rupiah, will be set aside for economic recovery programmes including credit restructuring and financing for small and medium businesses. – The Straits Times
City Hall denies full lockdown rumours
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on Tuesday dismissed as untrue reports that it will announce a full lockdown and keep city residents at home in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
City Hall spokesman Pol Capt Pongsakorn Kwanmuang said the rumour about a full lockdown might have been triggered by Monday's meeting of BMA executives. – Bangkok Post
Stolen money belongs to my parents and I - Syed Saddiq
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's (Bersatu) youth (Armada) chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman today denied the cash stolen from his house belonged to the party.
He said he had stated in the police report lodged on the break-in on March 28, that the money actually belonged to him and his parents. – The New Straits Times
COVID-19: No new cases, Recovered increases to 25
While no new Coronavirus virus infections were reported today by the Ministry of Health, it announced that two infected patients have recovered and discharged.
The number recovered to date is now at 25, leaving another 84 COVID-10 patients still receiving medical treatment in the capital, Kep, Kampot, Kompong Cham, Battambang, Koh Koh, Sihanoukville, Banteay Meanchey and other areas. – Khmer Times
State Counsellor says lockdown will be used only if needed
State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said on Tuesday that Myanmar will be locked down only if needed to slow the spread of COVID-19, which has infected 14 people and killed one in the past week.
“For the benefit of the country, a community quarantine will be imposed only where it is necessary,” she said in a televised address to the nation. – The Myanmar Times