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.
Stay informed with The ASEAN Post.
Man accused of laundering over $10m in Covid-19 scam has case postponed after falling sick
A 40-year-old man who was to face charges over allegations that he had laundered more than $10 million in a Covid-19 scam had his case postponed after coming down with a fever. Defence lawyer Thong Chee Kun on Wednesday (Feb 24) told the court that his client, Thye Wee Boon, has to take a swab test. His case has been adjourned to March 3. Thye was to have faced 19 charges for offences including dealing with the benefits of criminal activities. To date, the authorities have managed to recover more than $6.4 million of the amount taken in the ruse - the largest single recovery since the formation of the Singapore Police Force's (SPF) anti-scam centre, which was set up in June 2019. Police were alerted in March last year that a French pharmaceutical company had been scammed of €6.636 million (S$10.64 million). According to the European Union's law enforcement agency Europol, a suspect had taken the identity of a legitimate company and advertised the fast delivery of surgical masks and hand sanitisers. "Once the pharmaceutical company transferred the funds to a bank in Singapore, the items were never delivered and the supplier became uncontactable," said the agency in a statement. It added that the EU authorities informed their Singaporean counterparts and asked them to act swiftly. "Having previously received a Suspicious Transaction Report from the recipient bank, Singaporean authorities were quick to act and were able to block part of the payment and to identify the man who had received the funds and subsequently arrested him on March 25 (2020)," said Europol. SPF said Thye's identity was established by the Commercial Affairs Department and he was arrested on his return to Singapore from overseas on March 25 last year. Preliminary investigations revealed that he had allegedly acquired the criminal proceeds and removed part of them out of Singapore. A police spokesman added: "Through quick intervention and close collaboration with seven banks, namely UOB, OCBC, DBS, SCB, CIMB, Maybank and HSBC, the police's anti-scam centre managed to recover more than $6.4 million of the amount scammed. "This is the biggest single recovery since the formation of the centre. Efforts are under way to trace and recover the remaining monies." For unlawfully dealing with the benefits of ill-gotten gains, an offender can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to $500,000. – The Straits Times
Expert: Don't fret, vaccine side effects can be managed
An expert believes that the Malaysian healthcare system is able to handle any possible adverse side effect resulting from the Covid-19 vaccination. Azrul Mohd Khalib, chief executive officer of The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, said based on a report by the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 6,994 adverse events were reported between Dec 14 and Jan 13 after 13.7 million doses were administered. "Of the total, 6,354 were classified into 'non-serious' and 640 'serious', which included 113 deaths. However, to date, none of those deaths reported have been directly linked to the Covid-19 vaccine. "Therefore, based on the frequency and what we have known so far, as well as what we can expect of the adverse side effects, I am confident that our healthcare system can handle and respond accordingly. "The people (vaccine recipients) must also assist by reporting these adverse events when they happen so that they can be addressed accordingly," he told the New Straits Times. He said 46 cases of anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, were also reported. "However, CDC said this reaction was in the range of those reported for the influenza vaccine." He said the most commonly reported side effects of the Covid-19 vaccine included swelling and redness at the injection site, tiredness, chills, joint pain, fever, nausea, headache and the swelling of the lymph nodes. The National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme Handbook stated that the Monitoring of Side Effects and Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) would be carried out by the Health Ministry through enhanced surveillance, where vaccine recipients will receive a scheduled notification or reminder through the MySejahtera application for them to report any AEFI experience. It said the AEFI report could also be made by healthcare workers via the existing public healthcare system. – New Straits Times
Jab arrivals signal new dawn
The first 317,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines from Sinovac and AstraZeneca will arrive in Thailand on Wednesday, with 200,000 of them to be distributed to the 13 provinces considered to be the highest-risk zones. The provinces with the highest infection rates are Samut Sakhon (a Covid-19 maximum and strict control zone) and eight provinces designated as Covid-19 control zones: Bangkok (western), Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Tak (Mae Sot district), Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram and Ratchaburi. Also prioritised are four provinces of economic significance: Chon Buri, Phuket, Surat Thani (including Koh Samui) and Chiang Mai. The doses arriving in Thailand are from two manufacturers – 117,000 from British-Swedish multinational AstraZeneca and an unspecified number from Chinese firm Sinovac. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's Facebook page said the first 200,000 doses from Sinovac will be given to priority groups within three days. Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the process could have been even faster. "Had there not been any drama, the vaccines would have arrived sooner," he said. He did not explain precisely what he meant but Progressive Movement founder Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit had earlier criticised the government's vaccine plan. The opposition Move Forward Party also brought up the issue during the no-confidence debate last week. Wednesday's shipment of the AstraZeneca vaccine has come as a surprise since there had been no mention before of that version being imported. It transpires that the director of the National Vaccine Institute procured the AstraZeneca vaccine. The first Covid-19 jab to be administered in Thailand will be given to the PM and it will be the AstraZeneca version, Mr Anutin declared. "It's important that Gen Prayut takes the first Covid-19 vaccine shot because he is the country's leader. There will naturally be a risk assessment process by the Department of Disease Control, which is an internationally accepted standard procedure," said Mr Anutin, who is also a deputy prime minister. "Gen Prayut will receive the vaccine that has no age restrictions – AstraZeneca." A Government House source said Gen Prayut was scheduled to be vaccinated at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Disease Institute on Saturday. Mr Anutin apparently wanted to clear up any confusion caused on Monday, when Gen Prayut declared he would take the first shot to boost public confidence in the vaccine. A doctor later warned the first batch of vaccines to arrive in Thailand Wednesday, the Chinese-made Sinovac, had been tested only on 18-59-year-olds and its efficacy and side effects were not known in other age groups. Since Gen Prayut is 67, that vaccine would seem to be unsuitable for him. He will be able to perform his duties normally after having his shot. The intervals between first and second jabs are 14-28 days for Sinovac and six weeks for AstraZeneca. The vaccination will initially take place at medical facilities, where people will have to wait 30 minutes after taking the shots so they can be monitored for any side effects. The first lot of vaccines to arrive were originally due to be 200,000 doses of Sinovac Wednesday, followed by 800,000 doses in March and 1 million more in April. – Bangkok Post
Amid flak over delayed jab delivery, gov’t ‘stands by’ vaccine cluster
Amid criticisms over the delayed delivery of Covid-19 vaccines to the Philippines, the government “stands by” its vaccine cluster negotiating and procuring the jabs for the country, according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles. “We stand by the vaccination cluster and negotiating panel that’s making all of the arrangements with different brands and they’ve been able to secure doses in terms of reserving doses,” Nograles said in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel on Wednesday when pressed if he sees any flaw in the government’s handling in procuring Covid-19 vaccines. “We’re moving along…we are getting our first shipment from Sinovac. Pfizer and AztraZeneca are coming and then magkakaroon na rin yung mga next batches na darating,” he added. Earlier, Nograles said President Rodrigo Duterte is not holding anyone accountable for the delay in the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines even as the chief executive expressed impatience over the hold up in the delivery of the jabs. “In our timelines, we’ve always been very clear, quite clear that these are the vaccine brands we are expecting to come by the first quarter. We’ve said kung ano yung ine-expect on the second, third, and fourth quarter,” Nograles went on. “We’ve been very transparent as far as the timeline is concerned,” he added. The government’s vaccination program was supposed to kickstart in mid-February with the arrival of 117,000 doses of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine through the World Health Organization-led Covax facility. However, the delivery was delayed due to a hitch in paperwork processing. It was later revealed that Pfizer-BioNTech had requested an indemnity agreement with the country. The Philippines has already signed and submitted an indemnity agreement, and the vaccine manufacturer still has to submit its counter-offer. Some 600,000 doses of the vaccine from the China-based drugmaker Sinovac were also supposed to arrive on Tuesday, Feb. 23, but were also delayed as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had only recently issued its emergency use authorization. The Chinese government would need at least three days to process its delivery of the vaccine doses. Meanwhile, Nograles thanked Congress for passing a bill seen to expedite the country’s purchase of the vaccine and establish an indemnity fund. “We hope and expect the president, who also certified that as an urgent bill, to sign that bill now that the Senate and the House have done their part,” the Cabinet secretary said. “Hopefully, that will also move things along, not just for the national government but including local government units and the private sector,” he added. – INQUIRER.net
PM proposes measures to galvanise int’l efforts to address climate-related risks to peace, security
Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc attended and delivered remarks at an open debate of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on addressing climate-related risks to international peace and security, which was held in the form of video conferencing on Tuesday. This is the first time the Vietnamese government leader has attended and spoke at an event in the framework of the UNSC, which demonstrates Việt Nam’s responsible role and contribution to the joint effort of the international community to respond to climate change, a leading global challenge at present. In his remarks, PM Phúc underlined the grievous impacts of climate change on Earth – the shared home of human kind, which have placed great burdens on the political and socio-economic life of many countries. They have caused unemployment and poverty, affected the livelihood of hundreds of millions of people, and risked creating instabilities or exacerbating present conflicts in many countries and regions, thus threatening international peace and security. He proposed that the UNSC, with its foremost mission being the maintenance of international peace and security, needs to galvanise collective and persevering efforts of the international community via four groups of measures to address climate-related risks. PM Phúc said a comprehensive and balanced approach is necessary in handling the connections between traditional and non-traditional security challenges, particularly in addressing the root causes of conflicts, such as poverty, inequality, power politics and unilateral interference and coercion. “Strict adherence to the UN Charter and international law must truly become a standard of behaviour for countries in international relations,” he said. The Vietnamese government leader asked the UNSC and the international community to allocate greater resources to support developing countries, least developed countries, small island developing states, and land-locked countries that are most detrimentally affected by climate change, and are also lacking expertise and resources, in order for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG-2030), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Paris Agreement (COP-21) to be effectively implemented. He hoped that the UNSC will continue to enhance its early warning capacity, and bolster its role in mediating, preventing and resolving conflicts in all regions, including through enhancing cooperation with regional organisations. At the same time, PM Phúc stressed that in order to harmoniously manage the connection between climate change and security, it is necessary to continue upholding the principles of respect for the sovereignty, national ownership and principal responsibilities of states. “The shared interests of communities and peoples, particularly vulnerable groups, must be placed at the heart of all national and global climate action strategies and plans,” he said. PM Phúc took the occasion to affirm that active and effective response to climate change is both a major guideline and a strong political resolve by the Vietnamese Government. He stressed that Việt Nam has made great efforts to fulfill its international commitments on climate change (SDG-2030 and COP-21). – Viet Nam News
47 locations in Phnom Penh now linked to February 20 Event
The list of locations in Phnom Penh linked to February 20 Event has grown again – with cases now spreading to Sihanoukville. Previously 13 locations had been identified: N8 Club near the corner of Street 217, Tuol Svay Prey commune, Casa By Meridian at Koh Pich, Le Gong Guan Hotel in Phsar Thmey III, Yi Lu Ling Xian in Tonle Bassac commune, City Comfort in Boeng Prolet commune, The Bridge in Tonle Bassac commune, The Pointe Serviced Apartments near Doeumkor market, Mekong Street in Chroy Changva commune, The Penthouse Residence in front of AEON I, Sky Line (Dumex) in Mittaheap commune, Somet Condominium in Veal Vong commune, Residence L Olympic near Olympic Stadium and Prince Plaza Center in Tonle Bassac commune. This was expanded to 11 more locations on Monday. They are: Diamond Twin in Koh Pich, Celeste Sky Bar in front of AEON I, Jinzun Karaoke in front of Phnom Penh International Airport, Coco Club and Hotel in Chaktomuk commune, Juhao Hotel in Tonle Bassac commune, The World Shop at the back of Ratana Plaza market, One Mention shop at the back of Ratana Plaza market, 168 club near Olympic Stadium, Love restaurant in Boeng Raing commune, Hun Sen Phnom Penh Thmey high school in Phnom Penh Thmey commune and SIS International school near Doeumkor market. Now, 23 more locations have been identified. They are: Kolab I primary school near Wat Phnom, American Intercontinental School in Chak Angre Loeu commune, Jinzun Karaoke in front of Phnom Penh International Airport, Borey Hitech in Niroth commune, Sela Whitehouse in Prek Eng commune, Borey Chip Mong Land in Sen Sok commune, Bali 2 in Chroy Changva commune, Bali 5 in Tonle Basac commune, Phariya Apartment in Tonle Bassac commune, Ngan Sophy ‘House in Kouk Khlaing commune, Resident Le Boeng Tompun in Boeng Tompun commune, Rotha’s Family near Wat Phnom, Wedding Party near Global Pary in Taing Krasaing commune, Romantic Restaurant near Wat Phnom, Golden Jazz in Koh Pich, Sous Tony’s Families in Tuol Sangke commune, Ey Luo Ling Seang’s Shop in AEON I, HH Hotel in the back of Wat Alangka, Diamond One in Koh Pich, Ny Ka Smy in Beung Trabek commune, Gold Class in Beung Keng Kang commune, CASA Villa in Beung Keng Kang, Elysee’ in Koh Pich. – Khmer Times
Frontline workers in Myanmar’s health crisis vow to keep up pressure on the regime
“Doctor Soe” was alone in his room on the afternoon of February 15 when police attempted to raid the housing compound for doctors at the Sao San Htun hospital in Taunggyi. He saw about 30 officers coming towards his room. He quickly locked the door and hid inside the bathroom, terrified. Keeping perfectly still, he listened as they banged on the door for several minutes. Apart from the sound of his heartbeat, there was complete silence in the room. The banging seemed to get louder and louder. After about 10 minutes, the police left. “It was the first time the police came for us. Previously, they were just patrolling around the hospital,” Doctor Soe told Myanmar Now. That night, Doctor Soe and other doctors at the hospital left the compound and went into hiding. The 28-year-old is one of over 100 doctors and nurses at the hospital who have been on strike since the military seized power on February 1. According to Thiha, another doctor who works at the hospital, no operations have been performed there since nearly the entire medical staff, except for the hospital’s superintendent and deputy, stopped going to work. Doctors said they didn’t know who the authorities wanted to arrest that day, but they seemed to be targeting one specific person, as the police didn’t knock on the doors of any of the other doctors’ rooms. They are among thousands of civil servants in Myanmar who chose to go on walkout rather than work under the country’s new dictatorship. This growing civil disobedience movement aims at toppling the regime’s government mechanism. At least one doctor who joined the movement has been arrested, while many others around the country have been intimidated by police or pressured by their superiors to return to work. A few others, including Prof Zaw Wai Soe, the vice chair of Yangon’s Covid-19 task force and rector of the University of Medicine (1) Yangon, have been charged with incitement for supporting the movement. Doctors and other healthcare workers were among the first in Myanmar to join the nationwide movement to resist the return to military rule. They have also been at the forefront of the country’s battle against Covid-19 since the deadly pandemic struck last year. Praised as heroes for risking their own lives to treat Covid-19 patients, they are now seen as champions of a very different fight. “We were so exhausted all last year. At the start of 2021, we were hopeful because people were going to start receiving Covid-19 vaccines and we wouldn’t have to fear the pandemic anymore,” said May Yamone, a 31-year-old general practitioner. “The military coup has ruined all our hopes,” she said. May Yamone said the authorities and those who call doctors “unethical” for going on strike are hypocrites, because the generals are the ones who have failed to uphold their real responsibilities. “We have no reason to work under a military dictatorship that tries to govern the country, because that is not the military’s job,” she said. “If the military returns to where it belongs and performs its own duty, which is defending the country, we doctors will also go back to our places.” – Myanmar NOW
Active cases in 7 regions dip as restrictions take hold
Indonesia has begun to feel the impact of public activity restrictions (PPKM), with many regions witnessing a decline in the number of active cases, spokesperson for the COVID-19 Response Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, said. Public activity restrictions at the district and municipal levels are currently entering their third phase and have coincided with micro-level social restrictions at the neighbourhood association and community unit levels, he informed at a press conference held by the COVID-19 Response Task Force at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Building in Jakarta on Tuesday. "Active cases in seven provinces still fluctuated and began to decline in the third phase of public activity restrictions," he said. Active cases in the provinces of Jakarta, West Java, Banten, Bali, and Yogyakarta showed a downward trend after the third phase of public activity restrictions kicked in, or five weeks after the public activity restrictions were enforced, he added. Active cases in East Java began to decline when the second phase of public activity restrictions came into effect, he added. However, active cases in Central Java have fluctuated and have even shown an upward trend since the first phase of public activity restrictions, he noted. "This suggests that the enforcement of public activity restrictions has, since the first phase, had a positive impact on the development of active cases in most regions," he said. As expected, the impact of the public activity restrictions could be felt in the fourth week, he added. Therefore, the positive impact of micro-scale social restrictions will be visible when they enter the third phase, he said. (INE) – AntaraNews.Com