Asean News Headlines at 9pm on Monday (April 18, 2022)

This aerial photo taken shows the new established Jakarta International Stadium for football matches and music concerts, in Jakarta. - AFP

Malaysia:

* Covid-19 Watch: 6,623 new cases on Sunday (April 17), 11,233 recoveries

* Covid-19: Cases in Sabah continue to decline but community spread still a concern

* Govt committed to implementing minimum wage on May 1, says Saravanan

* Air ticket prices down by 30%, says Transport Ministry

* Return of several international events will boost state tourism, says Sarawak minister

* Right move for Sarawak to be consulted on anti-hopping law, says state minister

* Umno did not pressure govt to allow special EPF withdrawal, says Ahmad Zahid

* Malaysia's total trade soars to new high of RM236.6bil in March

* Dr Wee: Solution to high airfares found, PM to make announcement

* Malaysia Airlines mounts 20 extra flights during Hari Raya

* Suhakam, police launch human rights module for M’sian cops

* PLUS to explore new technologies from 2023 as it transitions towards RFID adoption

Travellers stand at the Changi Airport in Singapore. - Reuters

Singapore:

* Singapore yet to detect any Covid-19 cases due to XE recombinant strain, says Ministry of Health

* Singapore's air passenger traffic reaches 31% of pre-Covid-19 levels

* Singapore: A muted start expected for some nightclubs even as nightlife businesses reopen on Tuesday (April 19)

* Malay shrines in Kusu Island blaze were built for pious family

* Second Global Covid-19 Summit scheduled for May 12

* Shorter wait for vehicle entry permit applications to enter Singapore

* N. Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern on three-day visit to Singapore

* Only 13% of Singapore's domestic waste was recycled in 2021

* Otters stir up debate over coexistence

* US to host Asean leaders

* Oil prices steady amid fears over slowing China demand

* Asian markets fall on inflation pain; higher oil prices dent Indian rupee

People stand on physical distancing markers as they queue up for free iftar, the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset, distributed for the needy in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, April 18, 2022. - AP

Indonesia

* Indonesia asks nationals not to go abroad during Islamic holidays and avoid possible spike of Covid-19 cases

* People return to church for Easter as pandemic recedes in Indonesia

* Study shows 99% on Indonesia's most populous island have Covid antibodies

* War in Ukraine sends Indonesia exports and imports to new records in March

* Indonesia calls off search for missing Dutch teen diver's body

* Virus cases in Indonesia drop despite easing of curbs

* Jokowi criticised for naming pop star to G-20 role in youth bid

* Two jumbos found dead near national park

Thailand:

* Thailand's central bank relaxes foreign exchange rules amid volatility

* Asian shares sink as China says 1Q growth at 4.8%

* Thailand lowers GDP target slightly to 3-4%

* Thailand to tighten controls to contain Covid surge after Songkran

* Thai rapper Milli's Coachella performance pushes mango sticky rice towards Unesco listing

* Thailand records 16,994 Covid-19 cases and 124 deaths

* ‘Bombings won’t halt peace talks’

Children dressed as angels watch the traditional procession where the images of Christ and Mary meet, on Easter Sunday, outside the St. Peter Parish Shrine of Leaders, in Quezon City, Metro Manila. - Reuters

Philippines:

* Philippines’ Boracay beach exceeds tourist limit on Easter break

* Philippines and Japan ink RM1.14 billion loan to support Covid-19 response

* Rate of young Filipino workers shifting jobs is rising, says Microsoft survey

* Robredo to supporters: Stay cool and focus on heart-to-heart campaign

* Beware of the costs of credit while spending: Inquirer

* Chinese vessel shadows two survey ships hired by Philippine firm

* Seven relatives gone after storm

Vietnam:

* Cases continue to drop as Vietnam reports 12,012 new Covid-19 infections on Monday (April 18)

* Vietnam arrests former coast guard chief over 'embezzlement' case

* Vietnam's Logistics Business Association (VLA) aims to develop regional container fleet

* Faulty undersea cable slows internet speed in Vietnam again

* Vietnam SEA Games spectators not required to take Covid tests

* Outdoor concert a tribute to Vietnam’s Bob Dylan

* Close contacts of virus patients no longer need to self-quarantine

Visitors swimming in the sea are silhouetted at sunset in Phu Quoc. Vietnam's government expects economic growth of as much as 6.5% this year, South-East Asia’s fastest, as industries like manufacturing and tourism extend recoveries. - Bloomberg

Myanmar:

* Myanmar political prisoners not among 1,600 freed in new year amnesty during the weekend

* Myanmar Buddhists visit Shwedagon Pagoda for New Year

* 1,600 freed to mark new year

Cambodia:

* Cambodia's traditional new year holiday ends with 4.59 million tourists traveling across kingdom

* Big increase in drunk driving accidents during Laos New year celebrations

* Infrastructure Asia chief outlines Cambodia's smart city ambitions

Laos:

* Railway passenger numbers hit record high over Laos New Year holiday period

* Big increase in drunk driving accidents during Laos New year celebrations

* Laotians mark New Year with muted celebrations amid pandemic

Brunei:

* We serve as auxiliary in Covid-19 pandemic times, says Brunei Red Crescent; infections cases in country tops 140,000

* Brunei records 176 new Covid cases

Visitors walk past diners eating at food stalls at Gwangjang Market in Seoul on Monday, April 18, 2022. - AFP

AseanPlus:

* Shanghai reports first Covid deaths since the start of lockdown

* South Korea lifts most Covid-19 precautions as new cases dip to two-month low

* China economy grows 4.8% in first quarter as virus bites

* Asian markets slide, China growth behind target

* US envoy in Seoul for talks over N.Korea missile, nuclear tensions

* How to boost job market under shadow of pandemic: China Daily contributor

* India's Covid-19 infections hit month-high, one state reports spike in deaths

* Counting age can be a tricky business in South Korea

* Boeing planes flying again after crash

* Three Chinese vaccines targeting Omicron to trial

* Tesla, others prepare Shanghai factory restarts as city aims to ease lockdown

* Covid-shaming pits neighbour against neighbour in locked-down Shanghai

* Capital A calls on Asian governments to further ease travel restrictions

* In Japan, more than 3,000 students kicked off the new school year in the metaverse

* Australia PM vows no cuts to universal healthcare if re-elected