CAMBODIA
1. HOTSPOTS DECREASE TO 100 IN CAMBODIA -- FRESH NEWS
The Ministry of Environment said wildfire incidents in Cambodia according to the US-based FIRMS (Fire Information for Resource Management System) were inaccurate. According to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre, the suspected hotspots were 101 as of February 14.
2. KINGDOM’S JANUARY EXPORTS TOUCH RM22 BILLION -- FRESH NEWS
The General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia said trade volume with international markets grew significantly to RM22 billion (USD$5 billion) last month. China remains Cambodia’s largest trading partner followed by Asian, the United States and European markets.
INDONESIA
1. PRABOWO EYES US$44 BILLION BUDGET CUTS BY 2025 TO FUND DANANTARA, FREE MEALS PROGRAM -- JAKARTA GLOBE
President Prabowo Subianto announced that Indonesia’s budget efficiency measures will continue in three phases, targeting total savings of Rp 750 trillion (approximately US$44 billion).
2. INDONESIA’S MINISTRY OF TOURISM EXPRESSES FEARS OVER RISING CRIME IN BALI
Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, has been talking to the media about her concerns regarding the increase in the number of foreigners in Bali engaging in criminal activity.
MYANMAR
1. STATE-OWNED MRTV MARKS 78 YEARS LEGACY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Ministry of Information’s Myanma Radio and Television (MRTV) celebrated its 78th anniversary in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday. Minister U Maung Maung Ohn said the state-owned MRTV is adopting modern and innovative technologies to serve the people and the country.
2. OVER 20 MINING COMPANIES BLACKLISTED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Directorate of Investment and Company Administration has blacklisted 21 companies for failing to pay advance income tax and entrust mining blocks to the department concerned. The Kachin State government approved the companies to operate small-scale mineral production.
SINGAPORE
1. WP CHIEF PRITAM SINGH’S VERDICT EXPECTED ON FEB 17 -- THE STRAITS TIMES
A district court is set to rule on Feb 17 whether Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh lied to a parliamentary committee.
2. PRITAM SINGH'S VERDICT ON FEB 17: WHAT THE TRIAL COVERED AND WHAT'S AT STAKE -- CNA
On Monday (Feb 17), Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh will face the verdict in his trial for allegedly lying to the Committee of Privileges (COP).
THAILAND
1. THAILAND SENDS BUDDHA RELIC BACK TO CHINA AFTER 73-DAY ENSHRINEMENT -- The Nation
Relic brought from China in December 2024, enshrined to commemorate His Majesty the King’s 6th-cycle or 72nd birthday.
2. TOURIST CROWDS SPARK TENSION IN PAI -- Bangkok Post
Mae Hong Son: Amid the mountains of northern Thailand is a hub for backpackers to lie in hammocks, swim in waterfalls, walk along the Bamboo Bridge and bask in the sun, as travellers slowly sink into what's known as the "Pai hole" in Pai district.
VIETNAM
1. NATIONAL POLICIES TO WOO TALENTS -- VIETNAMPLUS
The government is drafting a national strategy to recruit talents that will contribute to rapid economic growth and sustainable development. The strategy will focus on employing talents without distinction between party members or non-party members, and Vietnamese people at home or abroad.
2. FESTIVAL HONOURS DIVERSE ETHNIC CULTURE -- VIETNAMPLUS
The Spring Colour Festival in all regions of the country was held on Friday to honour the traditional cultural values of Vietnamese ethnic groups. The annual event is celebrated to strengthen the national unity of the 54 ethnic groups nationwide.
-- BERNAMA
