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.
'RM5b for entrepreneurs should go to one ministry, not divided'
The RM5 billion expected to be allocated for entrepreneur development under the 12th Malaysia Plan should be parked under the Entrepreneur Development Ministry.
Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Yusof said this was to ensure the government’s plan to transform the country into a fully-developed as well as an entrepreneurial nation by 2030 could be realised. – New Straits Times
Firm faces 56 more charges for illegal e-scooter sharing service; man in court for riding PMD on road
Local e-scooter sharing start-up Neuron Mobility has been slapped with 56 additional charges for providing the devices in public places without a licence or exemption.
The company, represented in court on Thursday (1 Aug) by its chief executive officer Zachary Wang Zizi, had been charged earlier with two counts of the same offence under the Parking Places Act in February. This brings the total number of charges to 58. – The Straits Times
First cannabis drugs in three weeks
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said hospitals under his ministry will be allowed to prescribe drugs containing cannabis extract within three weeks.
"While the drugs are in production now, I have asked that laws be amended to accommodate this move. Within 2-3 weeks, hospitals under the ministry will be allowed to prescribe drugs containing cannabis extract. Assuming good results from treatment, the policy on cannabis then will move on to the next step," he said. – Bangkok Post
Young adulthood blues in Indonesia: Graduating universities and still dependent on parents
There is no survival guide for adulting. And for young adults in Indonesia, where millions are still unemployed, breaking free from parents’ financial support is not always an easy thing to do. For Nuri, 31, the financial support from her parents is still her lifeline. Nuri still lives with her parents in Jakarta while trying to finish her master’s degree, which is fully funded by her parents. – The Jakarta Post
Panelo: Duterte may place Negros Oriental under martial law
President Duterte may place Negros Oriental under martial law to quell lawless violence on the island and put an end to the killings allegedly carried out by communist rebels, a Palace official said.
“He has many options under the Constitution. He can call the Armed Forces of the Philippines to quell lawless violence. He can declare martial law,” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Thursday. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
Positive signs for VN's economy: PM
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said the national socio-economic situation experienced positive changes in July. Addressing the Government’s regular meeting in Hanoi on Thursday, the leader said the consumer price index (CPI) in the month increased 0.18 percent as compared with June. – Viet Nam News