The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has expelled Gorontalo provincial legislator Wahyudin Moridu after he appeared in a viral TikTok video boasting that he would “steal state money.” The video emerged amid growing public criticism of the generous allowances received by both regional and national lawmakers, often worth many times the minimum wage of ordinary workers.

2.POLICY GAPS, CRACKDOWNS SQUEEZE RICE MILLERS -- THE JAKARTA POST

Local rice millers have been under pressure due to the narrowing gap between the government’s price ceiling, farm gate prices and retail prices for the grain, with many reducing or halting operations as profit margins narrow, leading to supplies tightening and market prices creeping above the cap in recent months.

LAOS 

1.LAOS-CHINA ENERGY PACT TO BOOST SUPPLY -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Laos and China are cooperating to bolster the Laotian energy sector. The launch of the 500kV Laos-China Grid Interconnection Project, which will link the two countries’ electricity networks, is a key project that will provide energy security for Laos. 

2.CLAMPING DOWN ILLEGAL GOLD MINING -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Government agencies launched an operation to curb illegal gold mining at Hae Mountain in Paek district.  Several suspects were detained along with a large quantity of gold ore. The operation aimed to halt illegal mining that was harming the environment.

MYANMAR

1.CHINA-MYANMAR NAVIES WARMING UP TIES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

A Myanmar navy delegation visited Beijing to enhance friendship and cooperation between the Myanmar Tatmadaw (Navy) and China’s People’s Liberation Army (Navy). During the meeting, both navies exchanged views on future cooperation and training.

2.FARMERS EYEING SUPERWORM BREEDING -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Farmers are venturing into superworm breeding to tap the local market. There are 10 superworm farms in the Yangon Region. Commercial breeding of insects and superworms is popular in China and Thailand, where it helps farmers to earn a living. 

THE PHILIPPINES

1. PBBM TO AUTHORITIES: EXERCISE MAXIMUM TOLERANCE -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the police to exercise “maximum tolerance” in handling anti-corruption protests that turned violent near Malacañang in Manila on Sunday.

2. NO MILITARY UNREST AMID ANTI-CORRUPTION RALLIES, SAY PALACE -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Malacañang on Sunday dismissed speculation of unrest within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as various groups held anti-corruption demonstrations nationwide over anomalous flood control projects.

SINGAPORE

1.‘PLAY IS FOR ALL AGES’: PUPILS CREATE REHAB GAMES FOR ELDERLY PATIENTS AT JURONG COMMUNITY HOSPITAL -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Cardboard, pipe cleaners and a dash of creativity were all 11-year-old Shahyem Samir needed to invent Fishing Brawl, a game where elderly patients race to hook the most paper fishes in a minute.

2.AS BARS STAY OPEN LATER, CALLS GROW FOR LATE-NIGHT PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPTIONS IN SINGAPORE -- CNA

Bars along the Singapore River now stay open later, but revellers still face a familiar problem – no late-night public transport to get them home.

VIETNAM

1.ELECTRONIC ITEMS LEAD AUGUST TRADE -- VIETNAMPLUS

Computers, electronic products and components dominate Vietnam’s trade in August. China remained the largest supplier, while the United States was the largest buyer of the products. Vietnam’s overall trade reached RM350 billion (US$83 billion) in August.

2.VIBE 2025 TO FEATURE BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES -- VIETNAM NEWS 

Ho Chi Minh City will host the Vietnam Interior and Build Expo (VIBE 2025) at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre from October 1 to 4. About 550 booths will showcase architecture, interior and construction products.

-- BERNAMA