Hot off the press

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. 

Brace for even more warmer days

Malaysians can expect “higher than normal” temperatures within the next two months caused by the El Nino phenomenon.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Centre for Earth Sciences and Environment chairman Professor Dr Fredolin Tangang said the “weak El Nino” had affected weather patterns in the region, causing a warmer climate. – New Straits Times

Singaporeans should be ready for challenges but need not be overly pessimistic, says Chan Chun Sing after lower GDP growth forecast

Singaporeans should brace for economic challenges ahead but they need not be overly pessimistic, said Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing. Mr Chan's comments on Tuesday (13 Aug) came after the official growth forecast for the year was revised to between 0 percent and 1 percent, down from 1.5 to 2.5 percent.

Mr Chan said in a Facebook post: "The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely because every economic cycle is different and we must apply the right measures in order to effectively support our businesses and workers." – The Straits Times

Opposition ups pressure on Prayut

Pheu Thai MP for Nan and opposition whip Cholnan Srikaew said on Tuesday that the opposition will renew its bid to have the premier explain the oath-taking issue after the move was postponed from last week when Gen Prayut was visiting the South. 

"Sitting on the issue is not a solution," he said, adding that the opposition has sent its representatives to file complaints with relevant agencies. – Bangkok Post

After perjury, KPK slaps ex-lawmaker Miryam with second charge in e-ID case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has opened a new chapter in its investigation into the e-ID corruption case with the naming of four new suspects, including former lawmaker Miryam S. Haryani. A former Hanura Party politician, she is suspected of accepting a bribe from the e-ID procurement project, which incurred Rp 2.3 trillion (US$160 million) in state losses. – The Jakarta Post

Workers slam plan to hike ATM fees

Workers in the government and private sectors are balking at any increase in the fee for withdrawing cash from automated teller machines (ATM) that banks are expected to implement as a result of the lifting of a six-year moratorium on fee increases.

Government worker Karen said raising ATM fees was “unfair” to rank-and-file employees like her. As a public employee, her salary goes into her account in the government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank). – Philippine Daily Inquirer