Top News Headlines In Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar & Vietnam: Dec 4, 2024

SINGAPORE

1. 19-YEAR MANHUNT FOR S’POREAN TYCOON INVOLVED IN $72 MILLION EMBEZZLEMENT CASE ENDS IN JB -- THE STRAITS TIMES

After 19 years on the run over an embezzlement case involving more than US$51 million, a rogue Singaporean tycoon and his wife were arrested in Malaysia on Dec 3.

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2. A SMART GYM FOR SENIORS, VOUCHERS FOR THE YOUNG: WHAT INTERGENERATIONAL CO-LIVING IN SINGAPORE COULD LOOK LIKE -- CNA

The site of the former Henderson Primary School in Singapore will soon be transformed into an intergenerational co-living space with shared facilities and 107 rooms for both young and old.

INDONESIA

1. PDI-P ALLEGES POLL MEDDLING, DEMANDS POLICE REFORM -- THE JAKARTA POST

Allegations of the National Police breaching the principle of political neutrality during the 2024 regional head elections on Nov 27 have reignited debate about police reform, with suggestions from politicians and civil groups ranging from putting the force under ministerial supervision to strengthening the internal oversight body.

2. SEIZING ASSETS FROM CORRUPTORS IS BETTER THAN 12 PCT VAT: RETAILER -- JAKARTA GLOBE

The government would get much more money from seizing assets lost in corruption compared to raising the value-added tax or VAT,  according to a retail association.

THAILAND

1. CABINET APPROVES 38.58 BILLION BAHT FOR RICE FARMERS' SUBSIDIES -- The Nation

The Cabinet on Tuesday earmarked 38.58 billion baht to cover subsidies for 4.68 million rice-farming households nationwide this year, Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat said.

2. BOONSONG RELEASE STIRS FLAP -- Bangkok Post

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra denied speculation that the release on parole of former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, who was convicted of corruption in an earlier rice-pledging scheme, would pave the way for the possible return of fugitive ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra.

LAOS

1. US OFFERS RM13 MILLION TO ASSIST LAOS CLEAR MINES -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The United States has donated vehicles and equipment worth over RM13 million to the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme to help remove mines buried. The support enables Lao experts to conduct mine-clearing activities in remote areas.

2. LAOS AIRLINES MARKS THREE DECADES OF AVIATION SUCCESS -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Lao Airlines State Enterprise, the national flag carrier, celebrated its 35th anniversary. The airline now serves 10 international destinations and seven domestic routes. It currently operates a fleet of 11 aircraft, four Airbus A320s and seven ATRs and employs 970 staff. 

MYANMAR

1. LOCAL INSTANT FOOD PRODUCTS MORE POPULAR -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The demand for locally produced food, such as instant noodles, ready-to-eat curry dishes and fish pastes, is higher than imported products. Quality and cheaper local snacks, traditional foods and Myanmar dishes are dominating the retail market. 

2. SEWING MACHINE TRAINING FOR JOB SEEKERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association will conduct basic sewing machine operators' training to equip job-seekers with proper skills. The course provides practical and technical approaches to sewing machines, different sewing methods, labour laws and practices.

VIETNAM

1. MINOR EARTHQUAKE HITS CENTRAL VIETNAM -- VIETNAMPLUS

Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Center yesterday evening reported an earthquake of magnitude 3.8 in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province located in the central highlands of Vietnam. No harm to people or properties has been reported so far. 

2. INFLATION COULD TOUCH ABOVE FOUR PER CENT -- VIETNAM NEWS

Vietnam’s Banking Academy’s Banking Research Institute predicts inflation could reach between 4 to 4.5 per cent this year. This is mainly due to pressures from rising global energy and food prices, and Typhoon Yagi’s impact that increased domestic production costs.

-- BERNAMA