Malaysiakini compares the key news and views in major newspapers. What is today's agenda for the English, Bahasa, Tamil and Chinese papers?

Front Page

English newspapers

The New Straits Times and Star both ran pictures of Woo Soo Ching throwing watermelons into the sea, in the hope that her husband will be found. He is among those missing since the Seagull Express 2 ferry tragedy off Johor last Saturday.

The New Straits Times also reported that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the blatant disregard for human life by the operators of the ill-fated ferry is totally unacceptable and that tough action would be taken.

Star wrote that names of sex offenders will be published in newspapers and on the Internet soon, quoting Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian featured the PM at his Hari Raya open house in his hometown of Kepala Batas.

Utusan also reported that 1,600 foreign workers enter Malaysia daily due to lax laws; three more ferries belonging to Seagull Express have been stopped pending investigation; and Siti Salmah Jasni, 18, who suffers from pulmonary hypertension needs a new pair of lungs.

Berita Harian wrote that PM has ordered all ferries and boats to be checked. Also, the National Higher Education Fund Corporation will hunt down loan defaulters using the media.

Chinese newspapers

Oriental Daily News frontpaged a statement by tourism ministry

secretary-general Victor Wee, that the ferry tragedy has seriously jeopardised the government's efforts to promote tourism.

Nanyang Siang Pau led with the contradictory statements between the marine

department and the Seagull Express ferry operator. The department blamed the

operator for poor safety features, which the latter denied.

Sin Chew Daily focused on the traumatic experiences of four survivors of the ferry tragedy.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban highlighted the housing and local government ministry's plan to eradicate urban poverty. Malaysians who earn less than RM731 are eligible to get loans from the fund set up by the ministry.

Tamil Nesan led with Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam's statement that PPP will not be given any seats in the state in the next general election.

Makkal Osai reported that the PM has called for an investigation into the ferry accident.

Editorial

The New Straits Times expressed that the latest maritime accident makes it clear that boat safety is a neglected aspect of public transportation policy.

Berita Harian suggested that more serious action should be taken against errant ferry and boat operators to regain the faith of travellers and tourists in the water transportation system.

Oriental Daily News blamed the relevant enforcement agencies for the ferry tragedy and urged the government to restructure government departments to ensure a clear line of responsibility and jurisdiction among them.

Nanyang Siang Pau said the ferry tragedy has triggered alarm about safety at sea.

Sin Chew Daily urged the government to enhance the safety of public

transportation and to instil disaster prevention measures.

Tamil Nesan was saddened by the increasing number of road accidents, especially during the festive seasons, whereas Makkal Osai expressed concern about the ferry accident.

Malaysia Nanban was of the view that more lives could be saved in government hospitals if patients waiting at the emergency room give way for more urgent cases to be treated first.