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.
Prawit wants 'fake news' crackdown
The Defence Ministry and armed forces have been told by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon to take legal action to curb the spread of so-called "fake news" and information online.
The dissemination of news and information distorted with the intent to provoke violence in society and generate hatred was Gen Prawit's primary concern and he wants all units of the Defence Ministry as well as those of the armed forces concerned to take part in the monitoring programme. – Bangkok Post
Families of Amri, Pastor Koh unhappy with task force members
The families of activist Amri Che Mat and Pastor Raymond Koh have expressed concern over the composition of the task force to probe the alleged involvement of Special Branch members in the “enforced disappearance” of the duo.
Both families, in separate statements, questioned the appointment of former and serving police officers in the six-member task force, as announced by Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin earlier.
“It is with regret that the family notes that three out of six task force members are (former and serving) police officers, and to make matters much worse, Datuk Moktar Mohd Noor who was at the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) hearing submitting on behalf of the police, was appointed as a member. – New Straits Times
Five projects found lacking permits in wake of deadly building collapse
Days after Prime Minister Hun Sen created a committee tasked with inspecting construction permits in Preah Sihanouk province, Interior Minister Sar Kheng yesterday reported that it has already found five projects operating without proper permits.
The committee is tasked with reviewing technical aspects, standards, and safety of construction buildings. It has the authority to draft and file a report to the land Management Ministry. – Khmer Times
Interference hampering repatriation: top official
Despite honest action taken by the government to resolve the Rakhine issue, political interference has stymied the efforts of the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine (UEHRD), a senior government official said.
The Union government and private sector have set up camps for refugees who want to return, and resettlement arrangements could be used immediately if the conflict ends, he said. – Myanmar Times
Stiffer fines sought for firms over Metro Manila water shortage
Harsher penalties must be imposed on the water concessionaires because the shortage in Metro Manila is due to their incompetence and greed, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said on Wednesday.
Brosas dismissed the claim of Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc. that the shortage was due to “force majeure,” or an uncontrollable event, as just an alibi. – Philippine Daily Inquirer