Malaysia plans to raise age for drinking alcohol

GENEVA • Malaysia plans to raise the minimum age for alcohol consumption from 18 to 21, it said in a filing to the World Trade Organisation yesterday.

It did not say when the change would take place, but said it was part of a strategy to prevent underage drinking and limit the accessibility of alcohol to high-risk groups. Malaysia also plans additional labelling requirements for alcohol products to warn about their effect on health, it said.

REUTERS

Myanmar bourse to debut on Dec 9

YANGON • Myanmar will open its first major stock exchange next week after months of delays, authorities said yesterday, as the long-cloistered economy slowly opens up.

Initially slated for October, the Yangon Stock Exchange (YEX) will now be launched on Dec 9. About five companies will be listed on the YEX to start with, an official was quoted as saying in Myanmar's Global New Light of Myanmar.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Thai woman charged with sedition

BANGKOK • A Thai woman appeared in military court and was charged yesterday with sedition for allegedly sharing Facebook posts accusing the military of graft in building a multi-million-dollar memorial to the monarchy.

Juthathip Verochanakorn, 61, faces a maximum of seven years in jail if convicted. Police said Juthathip shared posts about Rajabhakti Park, an army-built tribute to Thailand's monarchy that has been engulfed in corruption allegations.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE