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.
PM: Govt to look into fishermen’s concerns on PSR project
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said action would be taken if it was true the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project has a negative impact on the public and environment. He said the government would study claims that the project was affecting the livelihood of local fishermen and assured that their concerns would be addressed duly. – New Straits Times
Private sector sees economic light
Political uncertainties clouding the economy will likely ease to some extent with the new cabinet in place, but the private sector remains concerned about the ability of the 19-party coalition government to deliver policies. – Bangkok Post
Toxic waste smuggling at Indonesian ports takes toll on local plastics industry
The plastic industry has begun to feel the pinch of the government’s crackdown on imports of plastic scraps, which are frequently smuggled into the country along with hazardous and toxic waste. Plastic tray producer PT Royal Citra Bersama, one of the companies whose containers were deemed illegal for containing toxic waste, abandoned operations on 6 July, leaving 300 of its labourers unemployed. – The Jakarta Post
Call for a new ministry of ageing to deal with emerging challenges
A new ministry of ageing, coordinating closely with the manpower and education ministries, could help the authorities resolve emerging challenges such as the displacement of mature professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) because of automation. – The Straits Times
Minimum wage set to increase by 5.5 percent in 2020: National Wage Council
Starting next year, minimum wage in the private sector will increase by 5.5 percent after three-party negotiations between representatives of the State, employers and employees ended yesterday. – Viet Nam News
UN rights body narrowly passes resolution in Philippines
The United Nations’ top human rights body has narrowly passed a resolution that includes calls for greater scrutiny in the Philippines. The measure, presented by Iceland, cites allegations of thousands of killings since President Rodrigo Duterte launched a campaign against illegal drugs in mid-2016. – Philippine Daily Inquirer