Society

-- An earthquake measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale occurred at around 6:57 am on Sunday near a hydropower plant in the central province of Quang Nam. The tremor was followed by an explosion and severe vibration lasting for about five seconds, according to local citizens.

-- Traffic police in Hanoi will begin to impose punishment upon pedestrians who violate traffic regulations on Monday. Those failing to comply with rules on traffic lights, signs and others shall all be penalized as per the law.

-- Police in the north-central province of Ha Tinh said that they had arrested Le Dinh Tho, 41, for transporting illegal goods through the border. Officers also confiscated several foreign-made firecrackers weighing 73.9kg.

-- Police in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue have arrested Vuong Quoc Hieu, 36, who is a former official in charge of investment and construction of Phu Vang District, for alleged corruption. Hieu will be kept in custody for four months as police will look into his corruption case, with wrongdoings worth over VND2.6 billion (US$116,948).

Business

-- Multiple measures have been applied to prevent traffic congestion at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, as travelers are flocking to Vietnam ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. Over 99,000 passengers arrive at the airport on a daily basis, up 10 percent year-on-year.      

-- Several agricultural products and specialties from many localities in Vietnam were presented at a festival organized in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday. Many citizens came to the event to have a taste of, as well as purchase, the products.

Lifestyle

-- The flower markets and festivals organized to celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday in Ho Chi Minh City kick off today and will conclude on February 7. The municipal People’s Committee has assigned the Department of Information and Communications to provide free Wi-Fi connection for visitors to the events.