These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today.
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Singapore resident spending in 2020 held at 2019 level; gradual price increases expected: MAS
Consumer spending in Singapore by those residing here was resilient last year and at a similar level to 2019 despite the Covid-19 pandemic. This was likely because those living here turned to domestic expenditure in the face of global travel restrictions, which was reflected in the plunge in spending by Singapore residents abroad. However, private consumption overall remained below the pre-pandemic level, as residents increased their savings, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said in its biannual macroeconomic review released on Wednesday (April 28). Government support for incomes in Budget 2020 contributed partly to the 13 per cent increase in Sing dollar deposits of resident individuals and non-bank corporates last year, the fastest pace since 2009. "The rise in saving likely reflects both a precautionary reaction to the increase in economic uncertainty and constraints on households' and firms' ability to make desired purchases due to public health restrictions," MAS noted in its review. Both headline and core inflation are expected to rise in the months ahead, reflecting the recovery in global oil prices and low base effects from the fall in prices seen in the second quarter of 2020. The projected rise in core inflation in the quarters ahead is likely to be more gradual than in the aftermath of the downturn in 2008 to 2009 following the global financial crisis, MAS said. This is due to several factors, including the slower and more uneven economic recovery this time around and structural factors that existed prior to Covid-19. – The Straits Times
'Cross the line and risk closure'
The presence of huge crowds and snaking queues at Ramadan bazaars and night markets have not gone unnoticed by the authorities, who expressed concern over the potential Covid-19 cases which could arise if safety protocols aren't followed. Local authorities told the New Straits Times that they were aware of the situation and are keeping a close eye on the operations of these bazaars as well as the compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP) among both traders and visitors. One source within Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) warned traders associations managing the markets that they would not hesitate to close down the market operations if there was any evidence of SOP violations. "Pasar malam (night markets) are managed by traders associations. If the organiser cannot control the crowd and ensure that the SOP are followed, we will cancel their permit," said the source. He was commenting on a viral video of crowds teeming along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. The video showed some patrons eating and not wearing masks properly on the fringes of the area, cordoned off by tape. A large crowd was also seen gathered on the kerb opposite the Sogo shopping mall. The source said the authorities would also do the same for the Aidilfitri bazaar on Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman, which was organised by DBKL. Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman Hawkers and Traders' Association president Azkhalim Suradi downplayed the numbers depicted in one of the videos on social media, saying that it only appeared overcrowded from afar. He said despite the crowds milling around the festive market, the pasar malam was not the reason for the packed condition. This, he said, was instead due to the gating system as well as narrow and dense area outside. "We rigorously control the entry into the pasar malam through the checkpoints. "If we see that it is crowded, we wait for the crowds to thin and only then allow people into the market. Police are also on site to monitor the situation." City Hall Licensing and Business Development Department director Khairul Anuar Mohd Juri said that only 800 were allowed within the pasar malam at any one time, including a maximum of two people to man each of the 200-odd stalls. He said DBKL was reliant on the Health Ministry's input on infections and clusters, which are expected to be gleaned from the MySejahtera app. Meanwhile, the Shah Alam City Council also responded to queries over videos and images of long queues at its Ramadan bazaar at Stadium Melawati Shah Alam last week. Its Corporate and Public Relations Division head, Shahrin Ahmad, said the SOP for the bazaars had been overhauled since the incident. "We have barred children under 12 from coming in. There is only one entry and exit point now. Also, those coming in will have to take a number for crowd control purposes." – New Straits Times
60 Myanmar border crossers arrested
A total of 60 Myanmar job seekers were arrested after sneaking illegally across the border into Muang district on Tuesday. They arrived in two groups and were rounded up by border-watch patrols of the army's Lat Ya Task Force. The first group comprised 21 men and 27 women. They were found about 2.30pm hiding in forest near Ban Pratudan, Moo 4, in tambon Ban Kao. They said they walked seven days from Dawei in Myanmar along natural paths and arrived at the border on Tuesday morning. Led by two Myanmar job brokers who arranged the trip, they crossed the border to Ban Pratudan and were told to wait in the forest and they would be taken to their destinations. They had each paid 13,000 - 20,000 baht to the brokers. They were expecting to work in Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon or Bangkok. Around 5pm, a second group, this time three men and nine women, were spotted by soldiers on patrol near Ban Phu Nam Ron in tambon Ban Kao in Muang district. All nine were from Moulmein. They said they had paid 15,000 baht each to job brokers for work in Pathum Thani and Samut Sakhon. The 60 migrants went through a health screening process before being handed over to Muang district police for legal action. They were charged with illegal entry and violating the emergency decree and the Communicable Disease Control Act. – Bangkok Post
Metro Manila mayors recommend ‘flexible’ MECQ – MMDA
Metro Manila mayors have agreed to recommend a “flexible” modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) over their localities in a bid to keep COVID-19 infections under control while slowly opening up the economy, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos said Wednesday. Abalos said a flexible MECQ is a “middle ground” between MECQ and a looser general community quarantine (GCQ), meaning strict border control and health protocols will still be implemented but more activities, such as construction, will be allowed. “You get the best characteristics of an MECQ and GCQ. That’s the middle ground. I think it’s a good transition,” he told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview. Abalos said mayors weighed the advice of health experts and economic experts in coming up with their recommendation. “There are fears of health experts that opening up the economy will increase infections. On the other hand, sabi naman ng economic experts, there’s now hunger and so much work displacement,” he said. Abalos also said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez will release the list of industries that will be opened should the flexible MECQ is allowed. With the flexible MECQ, Abalos said “fears on both sides will vanish.” Metro Manila mayors have submitted their recommendation to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), which, in turn, will submit its recommendation to the President. Aside from the quarantine classification, mayors have also agreed to shorten curfew hours from the previous 8:00 pm to 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. to 4:00 am, Abalos said. – INQUIRER.net
PM calls for vigilance against COVID-19
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked ministries, agencies, localities, units and individuals to remain vigilant against COVID-19 and raise their sense of responsibility for public health. He made the request during a Cabinet meeting on COVID-19 prevention and control on Monday, which was held amid the complex developments of the pandemic globally. According to a document on the meeting issued by the Government Office, the PM pointed out the high risk of pandemic resurgence in Viet Nam as its neighbouring countries were facing spikes in cases. Given this, it was hard to complete the dual tasks of socio-economic development and fighting the pandemic, he said. The leader urged ministries, agencies and localities to stay updated on the COVID-19 situation at home and in foreign countries, and seriously implement prevention and control measures. He reiterated the need to follow the Ministry of Health’s 5K message: khau trang (face mask), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distance), khong tu tap (no gathering) and khai bao y te (health declaration). Any violations must be strictly punished in line with the regulations of the Party and laws of the State, the PM noted. The Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, provincial-level People’s Committees and other ministries and agencies must step up inspections over the observance of quarantine regulations, he said. He called for limiting mass gatherings and wearing masks in public places, especially at festivals. North western border provinces should work with the Ministries of National Defence and Public Security and closely co-operate with neighbouring countries to control immigration via roads and sea routes. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health should enhance international co-operation to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines and quick testing techniques, while facilitating vaccine production at home, the PM said. – Viet Nam News
All of Phnom Penh – starting with Red Zones – to be vaccinated
In a voice message last night, Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen ordered that all people in Phnom Penh and Kandal province – about 3 million people according to him – must be vaccinated. The process will start with people who are 18 years old and over and living in Red zones, including foreigners. The Premier agreed to use the 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in stock and the 400,000 doses of China-donated Sinopharm vaccine, which will arrive in Cambodia tonight, for the inoculations. Samdech Techo Hun Sen also advised the deployment of military forces to provide vaccines to people in the Red zones. If possible, the Prime Minister underlined, the first dose could start before May 5. Red zones are areas with serious community spread of COVID-19. According to Phnom Penh municipal administration, 9 Sangkats of five Khans have been identified as Red zones. They include Sangkat Boeung Salang of Khan Tuol Kok; Sangkat Prey Sar and Sangkat Dangkor of Khan Dangkor; Sangkat Stung Meanchey 1, 2, 3 and Sangkat Boeung Tompun 1 of Khan Meanchey; Sangkat Tuol Sangke 1 of Khan Russey Keo; and Sangkat Chom Chao 1 of Khan Pursenchey. – Khmer Times
NUG says it will pay salaries of striking civil servants
Myanmar’s interim civilian government is working to pay the salaries of civil servants taking part in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) against military rule, according to the newly formed cabinet’s finance minister. The National Unity Government (NUG) is drafting a budget that will include the salaries of civil servants participating in the CDM, the minister for planning, finance, and investment, Tin Tun Naing, told Myanmar Now on Monday. “Our NUG will give them their full salaries. It is included in our budget estimation,” he said, adding that the cabinet has been compiling a list of civil servants who are on strike. The NUG was formed earlier this month by the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), which consists of elected lawmakers who were unable to take their seats after the military seized power on February 1. According to Tin Tun Naing, the salaries will be paid from funds donated to the CRPH by the people of Myanmar. He added that the parallel government will also seek access to state-owned assets frozen by the United States soon after the military ousted Myanmar’s elected civilian government. On March 5, Reuters reported that US officials put a freeze on about $1 billion held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York by the Central Bank Myanmar after military rulers attempted to move the funds days after the coup. Tin Tun Naing said that if the NUG gains access to the money, it will be used to assist Myanmar people whose lives have been devastated by the military takeover. Regarding payment of salaries, he said that details would need to be worked out before transfers can begin. “It will not be like a monthly transfer at the end of every month. If we can only transfer every three months, we may combine and send three months’ salary at a time,” he said. Tin Tun Naing said that more than 200,000 civil servants have gone on strike since the coup, representing half of all public employees in the country. Myanmar Now was unable to verify these figures independently. The junta has been using various means to pressure striking workers to return to work, including threats of dismissal, arrests, and forced eviction from government housing. The CRPH announced in late February that civil servants are not obliged to follow the coup regime’s orders. It also stated that fired employees would be given back their jobs when the elected government assumes power. – Myanmar NOW
Nearly 12 million Indonesians vaccinated against COVID-19
A total of 11,981,034 Indonesians have been administered the COVID-19 vaccine as of Tuesday, according to the Task Force for COVID-19 Handling. As many as 136,455 people received their first vaccine dose in a single day on Tuesday, while the tally of fully vaccinated recipients (who have received both the doses) reached 7,178,768, including 180,464 people who got their second vaccine jab in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 Task Force is targeting to inoculate 40,349,049 Indonesian citizens as part of efforts to achieve herd immunity against the coronavirus. Meanwhile, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has said that Indonesia has received additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Sinovac and AstraZeneca. Indonesia received 3.8 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX facility, coordinated under the GAVI scheme, on April 26, 2021. In May, 2021, it is expecting to receive another 2 x 3.8 million doses of the vaccine, Sadikin informed. With the arrival of the additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to Indonesia, the government is planning to again accelerate the pace of the mass vaccination program, the minister said. It had earlier reduced the intensity of vaccinations to maintain the availability of vaccine stocks in the country. Meanwhile, state-run pharmaceutical firm PT Bio Farma said it is awaiting the Health Ministry’s instructions to distribute AstraZeneca’s 3.8 million vaccine doses, received as part of the second batch of vaccines from the British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical firm based in Britain. "We are waiting for instructions from the Health Ministry to distribute the vaccines," Bio Farma's corporate secretary, Bambang Heriyanto, informed in a statement released here on Tuesday. On March 3, 2021, the company had received 1.1 million doses of the first batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine and distributed them to regions. In the second batch, the company has obtained 3.852 million doses of the vaccine packed in 38,520 boxes. "After receiving the second batch supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine, we will keep them in a special storage and maintain the temperature between two and eight degrees Celsius," Heriyanto, concurrently the government's spokesperson for the vaccination program, stated. With the delivery of the second vaccine batch, the government, as of Tuesday, has obtained a total of 67,465,600 doses, including Sinovac's vaccine from China. – AntaraNews.Com