Malaysiakini compares the key news and views in major newspapers. What is today's agenda for the newspapers?

Front Page

English newspapers

Star front-paged that the Road Transport Department will overhaul its demerit system as the current one has been described as a flop, to ensure reckless motorists are punished.

New Straits Times highlighted the lack of security in detention centres and the poor conditions of the camps. Some of the detainees are hardcore criminals who are difficult to contain and have attempted breakouts.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia led with news of a protest outside the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta, in which protestors hurled a bag of faeces into the embassy. They were protesting against the recent arrests of three Indonesian enforcement officers by the Malaysian authorities.

The Indonesian enforcement officers were allegedly preventing some Malaysian fishermen from entering Indonesian waters.

Sinar Harian front-paged recommendations by PAS Youth chief Nasruddin Hassan to counter the rise of baby-dumping cases. He suggested that young couples be given provisions and incentives to get married in the event of pregnancy.

Berita Harian highlighted the deplorable state of the immigration detention centres in the country, citing lack of surveillance cameras, shortage of staff, poor condition of the buildings and overcrowding .

Chinese newpapers

Oriental Daily led with the news that a surau at Taman Pulai Impian, Seremban, was splashed with red paint.

Nanyang Siang Pau front-paged the proposal of the Department of Lands and Mines that a fine of RM100 be levied on those who collect their land grants late. This is due to the high number of uncollected land grants accumulated over the years.

Sin Chew Daily and China Press both led with the death of eight Hong Kong tourists in Manila when their tourist bus was hijacked by a former senior police inspector, Rolando Mendoza, who was armed with an M-16 assault rifle.

Editorial

New Straits Times commended the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri next month by students in the United States. However, as the festival falls on Sept 11, it would be prudent of them to avoid provoking an irrational backlash.

Berita Harian urged the government to reinforce strict enforcement against all kinds of fireworks following the death of a six-year-old in Kuala Terengganu on Sunday.

Utusan Malaysia also commented on the recent death of a child caused by fireworks and urged that all parties, especially the parents, should stop buying them for their children.

Sin Chew Daily discussed the possible strategy of the United States to contain the influence of China through Vietnam.

China Press supported the decision of Maybank to extend the retired age of its employees from 55 to 57 and increase other employees' benefits. It called on other companies to follow suit.

Nanyang Siang Pau urged the government to review the laws and procedures related to the issuance of land grants to increase efficiency.