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. 

῾Not repaying PTPTN loans will affect other students᾽

Refusing to settle National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans will lead to non-sustainable higher education financing, said economist Dr Madeline Berma. 

Not only that, she said defaulters who failed to fulfil their responsibility would cost future borrowers a chance to get better education and this, in turn, would affect the economy in the long term. – New Straits Times

Singapore, Malaysia to defer Johor Baru-Woodlands RTS Link till Sept 30

Singapore and Malaysia have signed an agreement to defer construction of a cross-border MRT link up till Sept 30 this year.

As part of the deal, Malaysia will also reimburse Singapore more than US$600,000 for abortive costs incurred as a result of the six-month suspension of the planned Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link. – The Straits Times.

Commerce Ministry warns on prices

The Commerce Ministry is once again warning private hospitals of severe legal repercussions for overcharging patients, after several probes found that many medical facilities often mark up the prices of their medicines by as much as 900%. – Bangkok Post.

Regions heighten security, call for peace amid planned rallies

Authorities across the country are heightening security measures and calling on people to maintain peace and refrain from participating in street protests in the capital city. The call comes amid reports that supporters of losing ticket Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno are planning to take to the streets if the KPU announces that the Joko “Jokowi” Widodo-Ma’ruf Amin ticket won the presidential election. – The Jakarta Post

Duterte won’t be at proclamation of new senators

President Rodrigo Duterte will not attend the proclamation of newly-elected senators at the Philippine International Convention Center (IPCC) in Pasay City on Tuesday. 

If he decided to be at the proclamation, Duterte’s attendance could be his first public appearance after his prolonged absence. – Philippine Daily Inquirer.