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
E-scooters banned on footpaths
Restricting the use of electric scooters on footpaths is a step in the right direction, but building a network of pedestrian walkways is also crucial for first-and last-mile commutes.
Current sidewalk infrastructure - pedestrian paths and park connector networks - are not viable for personal mobility devices (PMDs) and pedestrians to co-exist because of reckless riders who endanger pedestrians. - The Straits Times
Dr Mahathir 'very disappointed' with stalled RCEP negotiations
Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that he is disappointed with negotiations held for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) at the 35th Asean Summit, where a long-awaited deal on the world’s largest trade pact failed to materialise.
According to reports, the signing of the trade agreement involving 16 countries has been delayed until Feb 2020. - New Straits Times
Suspected trafficking money launderer caught
A man allegedly playing a key role in laundering money for human traffickers was sent to jail on Monday after his four-year flight to Malaysia and then Cambodia came to an end on Saturday.
Police of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) escorted Supat Santipiyakul from Thung Song Hong police station to the Criminal Court to seek approval for further detention for another 12 days. The court approved the request and denied bail. - Bangkok Post
Indonesia’s economic growth expected to slow to 4.9 percent in Q3
Indonesia’s economic growth is expected to slow to 4.9 percent in the third quarter of this year as weak global demand affects trade and weakens manufacturing industry, while commodity prices continue to decline, according to a local research house.
"We predict GDP to grow more slowly at 4.9 percent in Q3 2019. We also revise our projection for 2019 as GDP will grow at 5 to 5.1 percent," says the University of Indonesia's Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM UI) study on Indonesia’s 2020 economic outlook. - The Jakarta Post
Textile and garments likely to hit US$40 billion in exports this year
Vietnam’s textile and garment industry was likely to reach its target of US$40 billion in export turnover this year despite facing difficulties in some markets.
The statement was made by Cao Huu Hieu, managing director of the Vietnam National Garment and Textile Group (Vinatex) after the industry reported export earnings of US$29.3 billion in the first nine months of the year. - Vietnam News
China to finance Preah Sihanouk development
Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang has agreed to a request from Cambodia to provide financial support for the development of Preah Sihanouk province.
The request was made on Sunday by Prime Minister Hun Sen on the sidelines of the 35th Asean Summit and Related Summits under the theme “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability” in Bangkok. - The Khmer Times