These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today.
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PM Lee Hsien Loong calls on global community to work together in war against diabetes
Over the past five years, Singapore's war on diabetes has been fought on many fronts, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a speech where he called on countries to work together and tackle the chronic disease that affects more than 420 million people worldwide. Its efforts range from stricter rules on the advertising and sale of sugary beverages to the nationwide promotion of health screening, he said. And for those already living with the disease, the country strives to optimise care and prevent complications. "Believing that prevention is better than cure, we strongly encourage Singaporeans to adopt healthy diets and lifestyles," Mr Lee added at the launch of the World Health Organisation's Global Diabetes Compact on Wednesday (April 14). The compact aims to help countries implement effective programmes to prevent and manage diabetes, which can cause severe complications and lead to death if not treated properly. Roughly 6 per cent of the world's population has diabetes, with the total number of diabetics expected to rise beyond 500 million by 2030. In Singapore, more than 400,000 people have diabetes, with one in three expected to develop the condition during their lifetimes. The cost burden of diabetes - including medical expenses and loss of productivity - stood at more than $940 million in 2014. This is expected to increase to $1.8 billion by 2050. Apart from causing major health problems such as heart attacks and strokes, the "invisible disease" can complicate the treatment of other diseases, including Covid-19. "Let us continue to work together to share experiences in preventing and managing this disease, and make our peoples happier and healthier," PM Lee said. The launch of the Global Diabetes Compact coincides with the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. For many people with diabetes, their bodies either do not produce this hormone or become resistant to it. Apart from government representatives, the event will also take in patients' perspectives on the lack of access to affordable diabetes care around the world. Part of the launch event will also focus on insulin and the latest research surrounding the topic. – The Straits Times
'SRC was a sham set up as Najib's personal ATM'
The setting up of SRC International Sdn Bhd had nothing to do with national interest considerations but was instead an intentional, deliberate and calculated plan engineered by Datuk Seri Najib Razak for personal benefit, the Court of Appeal heard today. "It was nothing but a sham," lead prosecutor Datuk V Sithambaram said, adding SRC was established by the former prime minister for the furtherance of a continuous plot to misappropriate the company's funds for his personal benefit and advantage. Najib, he said, accomplished this by the transfer of RM42 million belonging to SRC to his own banking accounts. "He had interest in SRC as a company established to serve his benefits. The amount was unimportant as he knew SRC will supply the funds, any amount he needed at any given time, and not confined to a specific amount at a given time. "He received in his personal bank account, RM27 million and RM5 million respectively on Dec 26, 2014 and a further RM10 million on Feb 10, 2015. "I have never seen a case where someone takes money as and when he needs it," he said, adding SRC was a company which had no actual business and had accomplished nothing since it was set up. Instead, he said the country was now left bearing the burden of repaying loans which the company had taken. Sithambaram said Najib was involved in all facets of SRC, from its establishment, loan application of RM4 billion, the Government Guarantees (GGs), disbursement of funds, financial control of company funds leading to the money trail into his personal account. He added that when Najib was asked about the SRC money in his account, the former Umno president had pleaded ignorance. "When we asked him why he did not return the money after the issue was highlighted all over the world, he said he was waiting for investigations to be completed. "However, even after that, not a single sen was returned. There is complete silence," he said. Najib was sentenced to 12 years jail and fined RM210 million by the Kuala Lumpur High Court in July last year after he was found guilty of all seven charges. The appeal is being heard before a three-member bench at the Court of Appeal. The other two judges are Datuk Has Zanah Mehat and Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera. The hearing continues. – New Straits Times
Partial lockdown on the table
The government is discussing the possibility of imposing a partial lockdown in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, Chiang Mai, Prachuap Khiri Khan as well as Chon Buri while heightening Covid-19 control measures in outbreak red-zone areas, as the number of new Covid-19 cases hit a new record high on Wednesday. The partial lockdown proposal was discussed on Wednesday, said Gen Natthapon Nakpanich, secretary-general of the National Security Council, in his capacity as chairman of a Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) sub-committee. However, the sub-committee will have to discuss the lockdown and other proposals with Public Health Ministry further today, Gen Natthapon said, before adding the decision will be based mainly on opinions from health authorities. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will convene a CCSA meeting tomorrow afternoon. The meeting, to be held via teleconference, is expected to discuss the strengthening of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, as well as the partial lockdown proposal, according to a source. Gen Natthapon said strict controls on certain activities in areas considered at risk of a Covid-19 outbreak should still be sufficient, as the Covid-19 outbreak situation still was "under control". The premier emphasised that all parties must be aware of the need to avoid engaging in activities which could bring about stricter Covid-19 control measures on the public, said Gen Natthapon. The government reported 1,335 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, the highest increase in daily infections since the outbreak emerged in Thailand early last year. The CCSA said only nine were found among arrivals from overseas. The total number of confirmed cases currently stands at 35,910, while the death toll remains unchanged at 97. The CCSA is now concerned about the possibility of more Covid-19 clusters emerging in other areas, as there are still carriers linked to previous outbreaks who are still travelling, said Gen Natthapon. He insisted the government has prepared sufficient field hospitals to accommodate all infected people. More restrictions on certain types of businesses, including restaurants, shopping malls and gyms will be discussed at today's meeting between the CCSA sub-committee and the ministry, said a source. Several more areas will possibly be declared outbreak red zones, while certain activities that normally bring people together, such as group exercises and restaurant dining, will likely be restricted, said Gen Natthapon. – Bangkok Post
Duterte lifts moratorium on new mining agreements
President Rodrigo Duterte has allowed the government to enter into new mineral agreements, provided that these would comply with the country’s mining laws. In his Executive Order (EO) No. 130 signed April 14 and made public Thursday, Duterte lifted the moratorium on new mining agreements imposed by former President Benigno S. Aquino III in 2012. “The Government may enter into new mineral agreements, subject to compliance with the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations,” EO No. 130 stated. Duterte permitted new mining deals, believing this will usher “significant economic benefits” to the country. “[T]he mining industry can support various government projects such as the Build, Build, Build Program by providing raw materials for the construction and development of other countries; and the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program, by increasing employment opportunities in remote rural areas where there are mining activities thereby stimulating countryside development,” the EO said. Under the EO, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is tasked to formulate terms and conditions in the new mineral agreements and “strictly implement” mines safety and environmental policies. – INQUIRER.net
Compulsory COVID-19 related insurance a must for inbound, outbound travellers: experts
Travel firms and tourism experts have suggested making COVID-19 insurance compulsory for all inbound and outbound travellers as one of the key requirements to welcome foreigners back to Viet Nam. In a letter sent to then Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc proposing the Government to open the market in a safe and sustainable manner, the Tourism Advisory Council (TAB) stated there should be a roadmap. Accordingly, it is necessary to have policies requiring COVID-19 'vaccine passports' and testing tourists before flights and after arrival at tourist sites. Travel insurance, including medical insurance related to COVID-19, should be compulsory for all foreigners coming to Viet Nam and Vietnamese tourists travelling abroad. Vo Anh Tai, vice chairman of TAB and deputy director general of Saigontourist Group, said COVID-19-related insurance would ensure benefits and safety for both travellers, travel firms and local authorities in case of tour delays or cancellations. The TAB suggested the Government and the Ministry of Finance to allow insurance companies in Viet Nam to sell COVID-19 travel insurance products. “Medical insurance programmes related to COVID-19 have been offered in some countries. It helps cover expenses on hospitalisation, examinations, treatment and medical care, and medical evacuation and repatriation,” Tai told Nguoi lao dong (The Labourer) newspaper. He also said travel insurance can offset the cost if the trip is affected by the pandemic. Hoang Nhan Chinh, Secretary General of TAB, said that the Law on Tourism required travel companies to buy insurance for tourists during the tours unless they already had insurance for the entire travel period. This insurance is paid to visitors when there are emergencies including illness and accident. However, he said, the tourism industry still did not have COVID-19 insurance, especially in the context of Viet Nam considering opening the market to foreign visitors. "COVID-19 related insurance will prove effective for visitors when they travel to a tourist destination that requires testing as they can pay first, then request the insurance agency to reimburse the cost,” he said. – Viet Nam News
PM Hun Sen: Lockdown measure not to starve people
The lockdown measure of Phnom Penh capital and Takhmao town of Kandal province was taken not to starve people, but to combat and prevent larger spread of COVID-19 pandemic into community, stressed Prime Minister Hun Sen in a special statement last night. All businesses in Phnom Penh and Takhmao must be closed down temporarily, but food- and daily necessities-related businesses and key supply services such as firefighting, electricity, clean water garbage collection, etc. as well as emergency services will remain as usual. Hun Sen asked Phnom Penh Municipal Governor Khuong Sreng to pay attention to poor people by providing them with rice and other foodstuff, and ordered the release the government’s food stocks into market with decent price. Besides, the Prime Minister urged for understanding, patience and participation from his compatriots during the 14-day period to cut off the COVID-19 transmission chain. He also called for the ban of alcoholic beverage sales throughout the country to avoid unnecessary gatherings. The Royal Government has just announced to put Phnom Penh capital and Takhmao town of Kandal province into a two-week-long lockdown, as the number of new infections remain high. The lockdown measure, which come into effect from 00:00 on April 15 until April 28, 2021, is aimed to ensure the effectiveness of COVID-19 spread control in Phnom Penh and Takhmao town, considered as a single area, and to prevent the transmission to other areas, it underlined. During the lockdown, it pointed out, people are not allowed to leave their house unless necessary and with some exceptions: travel for authorised professions and businesses, for foods and other daily necessary stuff with at most 2 persons per household and not more than three times a week, and for health emergencies, etc. Anyway, it stressed, the travel must not be made between 08:00pm and 05:00am, except for emergency health and family reasons, goods transport, and so on. Besides, all gatherings are banned, except among household members, funerals, and gatherings of health staff and competent authorities on duty. Mask wearing and safety distancing as well as sanitation and temperature screening are required, underlined the same source. In order to carry out the lockdown measure effectively, a 19-member national commission, headed by Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister, Ministre of Economy and Finance, was formed. According to him, as of 10pm last night, more than 300 new infections of COVID-19 have been detected, while the tally already reached 4,874 yesterday morning, of which 2,290 have successfully recovered, with 36 deaths recorded. – Khmer Times
Thingyan takes a revolutionary turn, as nation refuses to celebrate under a hated regime
For the second year in a row, Thingyan has been put on hold – the first time because of a global pandemic, and now because the country’s people are feeling more defiant than festive in the face of brutal repression that has left more than 700 people dead in the past two and a half months. “This year, we will mark Thingyan only with revolutionary chants,” said poet and Mandalay resident Kyaw Gyi as he marched with thousands of others to protest the return of military rule after a decade of relative freedom. To make it clear that this was no ordinary Thingyan, many of the protesters carried clay pots – traditional symbols of the holiday – with pro-democracy slogans painted on them. Some called for the creation of a federal union and a federal army, while others urged Myanmar’s citizens to “Never give up.” As the protesters passed, their procession was blessed by onlookers with water splashed from the branches of Eugenia bushes – another time-honoured custom repurposed for these revolutionary times. But as the killings continue, few have shown any interest in the regime’s efforts to use the water festival to wash away the blood it has spilled since seizing power. Thingyan will be quiet in Mandalay this year, Kyaw Gyi told Myanmar Now, because this is a time to mourn the dead, not to dignify the regime’s lie that the military takeover is merely a return to normal. In other cities, too, Thingyan has been muted. In Yangon, which has seen massive crowds gather to demand the restoration of civilian rule, many areas are now eerily quiet. Those who do come out into the streets these days do so to protest, not to celebrate. On Thursday, there will be car protests, and on Friday a day of silence. Finally, on Saturday, nationwide prayer ceremonies will be held for the heroes who have been killed. “People’s blood is still flowing due to the extremely brutal shootings. So, this year on Thingyan, we will continue with our revolution,” said Mandalay resident Yin Yin. “We will not recognize anything that the military does. They will never be able to govern us,” she added. – Myanmar NOW
Papua urged to exercise caution as COVID cases rise in PNG
Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has urged the Papua provincial government to remain on alert in the wake of a rise in COVID-19 cases in neighbouring Papua New Guinea (PNG). "We appeal to the Papuan people to restrict travel to PNG due to the country's relatively high infection rate of the novel coronavirus disease," Sadikin said in Jayapura on Wednesday. The COVID-19 strain in PNG is not expected to be vicious, but the government needs to remain vigilant because many Papuans live near the Indonesia-PNG land border area, the minister explained. If the coronavirus strain infecting PNG residents is categorized as a "vicious" one, it would be more harmful to communities in the Indonesian province of Papua, he observed. "As part of the government's preventive measures, we urge the Papua provincial government to cautiously monitor the movement of people in the border areas," he added. Indonesia remains in grip of the global coronavirus pandemic that has severely affected its economy, and the government has rolled out a nationwide vaccination program to contain infections. According to the Health Ministry, it will take about 15 months to vaccinate about 181.5 million people under the national program. "We need 15 months to accomplish it. The time-frame for conducting the vaccination is counted from January, 2021 to March, 2022," Health Ministry's spokesperson for the vaccination program, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, stated recently. During the period, the government is targeting to inoculate about 181.5 million people, including 1.3 million paramedics and 17.4 million public sector workers in 34 provinces, she informed. Tarmizi noted that the first phase of the government's immunization program has been divided into two periods: January-April, 2021 and April, 2021-March, 2022. The coronavirus pandemic has severely crippled the country's economy, particularly the tourism sector. To revive tourism, the Indonesian government is planning to implement a travel bubble with Singapore. In the first stage of its implementation, the travel bubble will run between Singapore and Bintan, Riau Islands. – AntaraNews.Com