INDONESIA
1. ORANGUTAN CRIES LOST IN THE NOISE OF COAL EXCAVATORS -- JAKARTA GLOBE
The labyrinth of life for orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus morio) in East Kalimantan Province is becoming more confined. The forests that once served as their home continue to shrink, leaving their vast habitats, spanning thousands of kilometres, no longer accessible. With nowhere else to turn, these orangutans are now forced to face the encroaching threat of mining operations.
2. BUDGET CUTS TO IRRIGATION, DAMS RISK FOR FOOD OUTPUT -- THE JAKARTA POST
The Public Works Ministry is set to slash targets on infrastructure projects, including dams and irrigation systems essential for boosting agriculture outputs, following budget cuts ordered by President Prabowo Subianto, which experts warned could derail his very own food self-sufficiency goal.
LAOS
1. FREE VISA PROPOSED TO FUEL TOURISM -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Tourism authorities have asked the government to extend the free visa policy for all tourists to promote tourism at the world-famous Luang Prabang. During the Visit Laos Year 2024, 2.3 million tourists visited the province — 1.2 million more than in 2023.
2. HOSPITALS TO GET MORE AUTONOMY TO ENHANCE QUALITY -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Provincial hospitals will be given more autonomy to compete with private healthcare centres to improve patient care, efficient use of resources and provide better access to affordable medical services. Leadership skills, management, marketing, financial and human resources management are being introduced to upgrade hospitals.
MYANMAR
1. COAL IMPORTS ALLOWED TO FUEL CEMENT FACTORIES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Import of coal as an industrial raw material will be permitted from February so cement factories can operate at optimal levels. This will help 19 cement plants — comprising 16 private factories and three state-owned — to operate at full capacity.
2. NEW FISH SPECIES DISCOVERED IN INDAWGYI LAKE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Department of Fisheries announced 35 new fish species were recorded in Indawgyi Lake. The lake has over 80 species of amphibians and reptiles and more than 90 fish species. The department is also trying to conserve endangered freshwater fish species.
SINGAPORE
1. INFLATION EASES IN 2024 ON LOWER PRICES OF CARS, CLOTHING, SOME FOOD ITEMS IN SINGAPORE -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Inflation eased again in 2024 after the highs of 2022, thanks in part to cheaper cars, certain food items, clothing and footwear.
2. WE TRIED EATING MOSTLY SINGAPORE-GROWN FOOD FOR A WEEK -- HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED -- CNA
Prawns, fish, mushrooms and green vegetables are bubbling in a light broth. It’s like any other steamboat dinner, except the ingredients here were grown and harvested in Singapore.
THAILAND
1. TELECOM SERVICE CUT OFF TO CALL-CENTRE SCAMMERS IN POIPET, CAMBODIA -- THE NATION
Provincial Police Region 2 and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) launched an operation to cut off telecom supplies to call centre scammers in Poipet, Cambodia, on Monday.
2. OIL PRICES SET TO FALL AMID TRADE WAR -- BANGKOK POST
Global oil prices are expected to fall below US$70 per barrel this week, following the tariff policy announced by US President Donald Trump which has already triggered a new round of the trade war and threatens to affect the international economy, says Thai Oil Plc, Thailand's largest oil refinery by volume.
-- BERNAMA
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