TOP NEWS HEADLINES IN INDONESIA, SINGAPORE & THAILAND: MARCH 23, 2025

INDONESIA

1.INDONESIAN MINISTRY URGES ACTION TO RESTORE CILIWUNG RIVER BASIN -- ANTARA

Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment has emphasised the need for measures to address issues related to the Ciliwung River Basin, including restructuring the upstream and riverbank areas.

2.JAKARTA TO OPERATE CHINESE-MADE ELECTRIC COMMUTER TRAINS -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Brand-new commuter trains imported from China will soon begin operating in Greater Jakarta, according to an executive of the city’s railway operator KAI Commuter.

SINGAPORE

1.GE2025: COMPETING PLUSHIES, GIANT BANNERS – PARTIES GET CREATIVE IN BATTLE FOR HEARTS AND MINDS -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Rows of teddy bears on a table, and tiny white shirts imprinted with the words “PAP Sengkang” neatly arranged at the side.

2.FAR FROM HOME: MIGRANT WORKERS IN MALAYSIA SEEK TO CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY, DESPITE NEGATIVE PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THEM -- CNA

On a hot and humid recent Sunday evening at Kuala Lumpur's Central Market, hundreds of people weave through crowded stalls selling an array of goods such as clothes, souvenirs, food and drinks. 

THAILAND 

1.TOUR GUIDE FINED FOR ALLEGED VIOLATION OF SAFETY REGULATIONS -- THE NATION

A Thai tour guide has been fined by the Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province for alleged violation of safety regulations by allowing tourists to get off the vehicle to take photos of a black panther at close range.

2.BORDER SECURITY MEASURES TO INTENSIFY AMID CRIMINAL THREAT -- BANGKOK POST

The government is intensifying border security measures amid the rising threat of transnational crimes.

-- BERNAMA