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.
39 haze hotspots identified
39 hotspots were detected yesterday compared to 31 on Friday, which escalated the transboundary haze in the region. Data from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) revealed 36 hotspots in Indonesia’s Kalimantan, namely 13 areas in its western region, central (10), southern (eight) and eastern (five). The air quality readings nationwide up to 6pm yesterday were at moderate levels. – New Straits Times
Singapore has to adopt targeted, long-term view to tackle economic challenges: Chan Chun Sing
Singapore has to adopt a targeted and long-term perspective in its economic strategies, even as it tackles short-term headwinds posed by a challenging global environment, said Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing.
The Government is monitoring developments closely as Singapore's economic growth slows, and stands ready to support Singaporeans - particularly the most vulnerable – should conditions worsen, he said. – The Straits Times
Furore over TM30 forms
Long-term foreign residents are crying foul at the strict implementation of the TM30 reporting rules, saying that it will only penalise law-abiding foreigners and have little effect on ill-intentioned criminals and other wrongdoers who skirt the law and evade the requirements.
The reinforcement of regulations regarding the so-called TM30 form is outlined in the 1979 Immigration Act. – Bangkok Post
Where is privacy? Personal data on spreading spree in Indonesia
Despite the existence of a number of laws, Indonesia is the Wild Wild West when it comes to personal privacy and how companies collect data. Data theft and trading is so rampant that anyone can easily get text messages, phone calls and e-mails offering loans and other items from unknown individuals or companies.
The Home Ministry's population and civil registration director general Zudan Arif Fakrulloh said personal data leaks happened because many companies still asked people to fill in forms for identification, which made it easier for anyone to collect, copy and sell it. – The Jakarta Post
Death toll in capsized motorboats rises to 31
Rescuers on Sunday plucked more bodies in rough seas where three motorboats capsized after being buffeted by strong wind and big waves off Iloilo and Guimaras provinces on Saturday, bringing the death toll to 31, the Philippine Coast Guard said. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
Bruneians get to name planet, star
Bruneians will get the opportunity to name a selected exoplanet and its host star to commemorate the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) 100th anniversary celebration. There are over 4,000 confirmed planets that orbit stars outside the solar system known as exoplanets. Most exoplanets have no proper names.
NameExoWorlds is offering the opportunity to all countries including Brunei Darussalam to name one exoplanet and its hosting star. – Borneo Bulletin