INDONESIA
1. POLICE UNCOVER INTERNATIONAL LOVE SCAM OPERATION IN JAKARTA, 20 ARRESTED -- JAKARTA GLOBE
Police have exposed an online love scam operation in Jakarta, arresting 20 suspects. The perpetrators used fake identities to lure victims into a romantic relationship, only to deceive them into investing in cryptocurrency through a fake app.
2. INDONESIAN AUTHORITIES REMOVE 18.7KM OF ILLEGAL SEA FENCE IN BANTEN -- ANTARA
Indonesian authorities have removed 18.7 kilometres of an illegal sea fence spanning 30.16 kilometres in the waters of Tangerang district, Banten, head of the Indonesian Navy's (TNI-AL) Information Office, Commodore I Made Wira Hady, said.
LAOS
1. LAOS, UNFPA FORMULATE AGENDA FOR 2025 -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The Lao government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reviewed their achievements in reproductive health and gender equality at their annual meeting in Vientiane. They also set maternal health, family planning and gender-based violence as top priorities for 2025.
2. XAYABOURY TO HOST 18TH ANNUAL ELEPHANT FESTIVAL -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Xayaboury province in northwest Laos will host the 18th Elephant Festival from February 18-24. Some 50 elephants will perform. The event is to preserve Laos’ dwindling elephant population, which is facing extinction and to promote conservation awareness.
MYANMAR
1. HOME MINISTRY TARGETS ELIMINATING CHILD LABOUR -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Home Ministry will continue implementing the 2024–2028 national strategy to eradicate child labour. The ministry will try to overcome challenges contributing to the social problem, mainly poverty, lack of education and family financial woes.
2. ELECTRIC VEHICLE POLICY TO SPUR SECTOR’S GROWTH -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government will draft an extensive electric vehicle (EV) policy that will guide the growing domestic market. The focus will be on developing EV research and technology, IT applications, solar EV charging systems and improved skills training in the field.
SINGAPORE
1. 3 PEOPLE, INCLUDING TWO KIDS, RESCUED AFTER FLOOR COLLAPSES IN TOA PAYOH WAREHOUSE -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Two children were among four people taken to hospital after the floor at a warehouse unit in Toa Payoh collapsed and trapped three people under rugs and storage racks.
2. CHINA’S SLOW RECOVERY PART OF WHY CHANGI AIRPORT NARROWLY MISSED PRE-PANDEMIC TRAFFIC LEVELS, SAY ANALYSTS -- CNA
China’s tepid post-pandemic recovery contributed to airports in Southeast Asia seeing a slower uptick in passenger numbers, compared to European and American counterparts.
VIETNAM
1. NEW E-COMMERCE LAW TO PROMOTE THE INDUSTRY -- VIETNAM NEWS
The Ministry of Industry and Trade will enact a comprehensive E-Commerce Law to provide a strong legal foundation to develop the sector. The new law once implemented next year will ensure consumer protection, foster innovation and drive the nation’s digital economy.
2. VIETNAM WELCOMES THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE -- VIETNAM PLUS
Despite the unusually cold weather, thousands of Vietnamese and tourists gathered in the capital, Hanoi, to welcome the Lunar New Year with a magnificent fireworks display. Today marks the beginning the Year of the Snake and also known as the Spring Festival.
-- BERNAMA
