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.
Cabinet approves acquisition of US drones worth RM80 million
Cabinet has approved the acquisition of twelve ScanEagle drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), from the United States, valued at almost RM80 million.
However, the drones were acquired at no cost to the Malaysian government, as they were sponsored by the US for inclusion in the Maritime Security Initiative (MSI). – New Straits Times.
Youth gets 18 months’ probation for molesting girl, aged 12
Lester Ong Pei Cong, lured a 12-year-old girl to a staircase and molested her. The 18-year-old, who is now a full-time national serviceman, was yesterday sentenced to 8 months’ supervised probation. – The Straits Times.
Prayut’s order seeks to bring illegal hotels into line
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has exercised the all-powerful Section 44 to bring more than 20,000 illegal hotels and accommodation services nationwide under better state control and boost safety for guests. – Bangkok Post.
Govt may limit social media access again during first election dispute hearing
The Communications and Information Ministry has informed the public that is might limit access to social media yet again to curb misinformation during the first presidential election dispute hearing at the Constitutional Court on Friday. – The Jakarta Post.
Chinese vessels continue clam harvest in Panatag
Chinese fishing vessels continue to gather giant clams at Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea despite protests from maritime officials, according to Pangasinan fishermen who sailed there in late May. – Philippines Daily Inquirer.
Some 30K child workers saved
A senior official of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training said on Wednesday that around 30,000 Cambodian children had been rescued from the most serious forms of hard labour in the Kingdom over the past five years. – Cambodia Daily.