CNI News

29 December 2023

Myanmar citizens who will go to Malaysia must fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before getting to Malaysia starting from 1st January 2024, Myanmar Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has stated. 

Malaysia probably has taken this action because of the increase in the number of foreigners including Myanmar who entered Malaysia. Moreover, it was also possible because there were fewer foreigners who left Malaysia after visiting the country, U Nyi Nyi Lwin, director general of the Center for Arakan Refugees, told CNI News.

" A foreigner who will go to Malaysia must fill in the MDAC. Malaysian Government has its website page where he must fill in after which he must have downloaded. And then, the government will have records relating those who will enter the country. Not only the immigration department but also the government can monitor when that person has left or hasn't left Malaysia. It is the Malaysian policy that will strictly take action against the foreigners who enter illegally or the foreigners who come in and don't leave when they must." he said.

While the immigration officers are checking at a Malaysian airport

Although all the foreigners including Myanmar who will come to Malaysia will compulsorily fill in the MDAC, those who have held diplomatic passport, special passport, permanent resident pass and long-term resident pass are exempt from filling in the country’s digital arrival card reportedly.

Those who did not fill in the MDAC - when they arrive in Malaysia, they might be asked to go home from the airport. However, after explaining very well to the officials why they did not fill in the MDAC, if they filled in at the airport, it might be convenient, said Myanmar people in Malaysia.

" I've found that the embassy has released a statement about the MDAC. When I asked those who understand it, they told me that Myanmar workers are not yet needed. We'll have to wait and see the consequence on 1st January. This country's economy has declined as well. Jobs are scarce. Myanmar citizens are finding it more difficult to stay in this country. More and more Malaysian citizens have complained regarding the increase of foreigners. We have been staying here in Malaysia for years. We have never heard that Malaysian citizens have been complaining like that. They have posted the photos of the places where Myanmar and other foreigners stay most, the shops and the celebrations. What are they? Why doesn't the immigration department arrest them? Are they allowed to stay here? Malaysian citizens have been complaining like that." said Ko Thet, chairman of the Lovely Hearts Philanthropic Youths Blood Donation Organization, to CNI News.

While the immigration officers are checking at a Malaysian airport

Moreover, illegal foreigners are being investigated and arrested through operations in Malaysia. Unlike the previous operations, many police vans and policemen are being used for the current operation reportedly.

When entering an area to inspect and arrest, all nearby roads are blocked after which searching and arresting are being conducted with a lot of forces. So, Myanmar citizens need to take care of themselves.

CNI News

29 December 2023

As most of the states and regions in the country are facing military crises, the economy of the country has been stagnant and its development could not be anticipated, businessmen and economic commentators told CNI News. 

The battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and some EAOs/PDF joint forces in northern Shan State, Rakhine, Chin, Kayin, Kachin, Kayah States, Sagaing and Tanintharyi Regions.

Due to the battles, border trades with China, Thailand, India and Bangladesh have almost suspended and the flow of goods among the states and regions has almost stopped. 

Because of the military crisis, delay in commodity shipment within the country and rising prices of commodities are arising. Moreover, the country's economy also has stopped, U Thiha Paing, founder of the Via Logistics and Supply Chain, told CNI News.

While seeing Myanmar exports at the port

" Because of battles, the firstly affected thing is logistics supply chain. In other words, it's the transportation sector. All the border routes are blocked kind of. It's the first incident. Secondly, goods cannot be transported within the country. Besides, goods from abroad cannot be imported as well. And then, the people suffer from high prices. Another thing is fuel. Due to high price of dollar, a lot of fuel cannot be bought as well. It's not easy to re-operate the logistics because it's related to trade and transportation. If a border gate was closed, another gate would be used. But now, all the border gates are closed kind of. So, the economic development cannot be anticipated." he said.

With the country's economic decline, the livelihood of the people is also becoming difficult. 

Because the armed organizations are collecting money along the trade route, the prices are rising more. 

Due to high prices like that, the people could not fully enjoy their hard-earned income and the public economy was also declining, U Li Paw Reh, chairman of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party), told CNI News.

While the trade cars are stuck in a fight

" As soon as the State is economically in difficulty, we, the people also take no exception. We, the people, have to pay the tax the both sides. The people can't even  spend half their income because truck drivers have to pay both sides along the transportation route. In fact, these money had to be paid by the people only. The rich and truck drivers don't pay. Sellers will raise the prices any more. So, the people can't fully enjoy their income. The people are economically in a difficult situation." said U Li Paw Reh.

In addition to political instability, because the economic policies were often changed, it was difficult to make the economy stable, pointed out businessmen.

" If there is no regional stability, if the governance is politically weak, the economy will be affected. Economy and politics are related. Firstly, regional stability should be carried out. And then, I think the way the country is governed should be changed because it's going to be three years in this way. A government that can do more should be given the responsibility, I think. That's the only way the economy will be able to recover." said U Thet Zaw, an economic commentator, to CNI News.

Because the Myanmar's current economic crisis arose due to military and political crises, political crisis should be solved firstly, pointed out in the report released by the World Bank.

CNI News

28 December, 2023

Commander in Chief of Defense Services and chairman of the State Administration Council Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Director of Joint Operations of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Lt-Gen Jakkapong Janpengpen discussed about ensuring Thai-Myanmar border trade routes secure and smooth on 27th December 2023. 

Moreover, they also discussed promoting cooperation between the two armed forces, making the border area stable and peaceful, ensuring rule of law, anti-narcotic drugs and eradicating online gambling and online scams.

Especially because it was investigated that online gambling and financial scams were being conducted near Myawady, a border town, they discussed about the conditions that the two countries must fight against and the situations to be cooperated by the two countries politically and in terms of security to ensure that border trade is secure and smooth ewportedly.

While seeing Director of Joint Operations of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Lt-Gen Jakkapong Janpengpen and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

The battles are often breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the KNU/PDF joint forces along the Maesot-Myawady-Kawkareik Asia Road. Because the KNU/PDF joint forces have controlled the Asia Road, the border trade between the two countries has almost stopped and millions of trading money is being lost.

Because the trade routes have suspended, the prices of basic foods and consumer goods are going up. In the same way, it is difficult to send Myanmar MoU workers to Thailand.

CNI News

28 December 2023

The Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF)/ the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) wants to rule Namkham Township like the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA)'s Myla region, Dr.Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

 However, most of the people living in Namkham Township are Shan people and  Shan People only would make a decision about it, he added.

" In fact, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) is more power. Shan people are also supporting the RCSS more. Because the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP)
and the TNLA had fought against each other, the SSPP might not accept what the TNLA recruits Shan people. The TNLA has wanted to rule Namkham Township. The TNLA has been given kind of the oppotunity to do so. But Shan people will make a decision about it." said Dr.Aung Myo.

While seeing the entrance to Namkham

Special Region (4) Myla, eastern Shan State, is being ruled by the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA). 

Special Region (4) Myla is made up of Nampang, Silu and Myla regions and in 1989, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) and the NDAA agreed to ceasefire after which the NDAA has been ruling the region.

The TNLA launched an offensive to capture Namkham on 17th November 2023 and it was able to capture Namkham on 19th December 2023, it stated.

The SSPP/SSA has been active in Namkham Township and there might be some territorial disputes between the SSPP and the TNLA. However, the SSPP and the TNLA have been allies for long and there would be no problem about the TNLA's military movements, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing The TNLA  (SPM News)

" The SSPP had territorial disputes with the RCSS. The SSPP and the TNLA have been allies for long. Apart from small engagements, there are no big problems between the TNLA and the SSPP. Later, the SSPP joined the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC)." said U Than Soe Naing.

During the Operation-1027 that was launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, many locals from many townships including Nakkham, Theinni and Laukkai in northern Shan State fled to safety. 

After capturing Namkham, Mang Ton and Namsang, the TNLA is trying to capture Kyaukme, Naunghkio, Mogok, Kutkai and Namtu.

CNI News

28 December  2023

The Chinese border pass red book through Muse is being issued to those on the Muse household list only and this policy should be relaxed, some social assistance associations and residents told CNI News. 

The red book (border pass) is valid for one year. 

Currently, the red books are being issued to those on the Muse household list only and others are issued the temporary border pass (TBP) and they are allowed to enter China through Nandaw, Sinbyu and Mang Wein Gates.

TBP is valid for one week only and at present, as the number of IDPs or the people who want to enter the Chinese side to make a living has increased, the policy relating to the red book should be relaxed, U Sein Hla Aung, vice chairman of the Kan Let Ku Nyi Philanthropic Association, told CNI News.

" In fact, at a time like this, the red books should be issued to a lot of people, charging a suitable fee, for example 10,000 or 30,000 kyats. Because the TBP is valis for one week, After you spend six nights in China, you have to return. There are hundreds of thousands of migrant workers. After returning to Myanmar, they have to wait in line to get the TBPs again. You have to get up at about 4:00 a.m." he said.

While seeing the temporary border pass

The red book is issued with the endorsement of the office of the Department of Immigration, Muse District, Shan State. 500 kyats is charged for a red book and it can be got within office hours reportedly.

Due to the battles breaking out near Muse at present, the number of people who enter China with TBPs reached until 7,000 from one week to 10 days.

Although the people who want to go to the Chinese side from the Myanmar side have increased, China receives only 6,000 people a day reportedly.

" As the battles are breaking around Muse, Muse residents are worried and enter China. Many Muse residents are going to the Chinese side. Many workers are returning from China each day. But those who return from China have been few a bit. Some people have to be staying there in every possible way." said a Muse resident to CNI News.

70 percent of the foodstuff that was being mainly consumed in Muse was coming from the other parts of Myanmar in the past. However, at present, some bridges on the Mandalay-Muse Road have been damaged, basic foods are being imported from China, according to Muse residents.

While seeing Myanmar citizens who will go to the Chinese side

 Although the price of Paw San Hmwe rice was about 200,000 kyats per bag only in the past, now has been over 300,000 kyats reportedly.

In the same way, the price of peanut oil is over 200,000 kyats per 10 visses (1 viss=3.6 lb). The highway bus or the car fare is about 300,000 kyats for a person if he goes to Mandalay from Muse, a Muse resident told CNI News.

" Because the battles are breaking out, foodstuffs coming from many parts of the country can't reach Muse. Muse residents have to use the foodstuffs and fuel. coming from China. The prices have gone up. Because it's difficult for philanthropic associations to help the people, everyone is in trouble. As electricity and tap water are not available now, a barrel of water is paid until 50,000 kyats instead of 10,000 kyats." he said.

Philanthropic associations helped the people by selling basic foods at lower prices starting from November after the battles started in northern Shan State. 

However, as territorial instabilities have worsened, the associations have suspended their work reportedly.

CNI News

28 December 2023

With a view to settle the crisis of needing foreign currency, the government has directed that 70 percent of export earnings gained from exporting rice, corn, various kinds of bean and pea, must be spent on importing fuel and edible oil. 

So, fuel crisis that is currently taking place could be solved, businessmen are considering.

As fuel and edible oil are important commodities for the country, the policy that allows importing fuel and edible oil by export earnings is a matter that should be carried out, U Thet Zaw, an economic commentator, told CNI News.

" Important commodities are essential. In fact, rather than leaving export earnings alone, the policy of reimporting goods is not unjust because it should be done to replenish the goods needed for the country." he said.

While seeing cargo ships at Thilawa Port

In the same way, 70 percent of the export earnings gained from exporting rubber had been allowed to spend on importing fertilizer reportedly. According to the current export earning policy,  if 70 percent of the exporting earnings gained from exporting rice, bean and corn was spent on importing fuel and edible oil, of the rest 30 percent, 35 percent must be sold at 2,100 kyats per dollar and 65 percent, at the market price.

If corn exporters imported other products without fuel, 65 percent of export earnings could be used, and 35 percent must be exchanged at the rate designated by the Central Bank of Myanmar, U Thant Zin Tun, vice chairman of the Myanmar Corn Industrial Association, told CNI News.

"If you sell 70 percent of the dollars gained from exporting rice or corn, you can sell it to the companies importing fuel or edible oil at the price that is agreed by both sides. You are left with 30 percent. Of 30 percent, 35 percent must be sold to the Central Bank at 2,100 kyats and the remaining 75 percent might be sold at the market price. You can import fuel and edible oil yourself as well with your export earnings." he said.

On the other hand, export earnings gained from exporting goods to the Asian countries must be added to the domestic bank accounts within one month instead of 45 days and if exporting goods to other countries, export earnings must be added to the domestic accounts within two months instead of three months.

Because of the export earning policy that has been changed, demand for foreign currency and fuel shortages can be resolved. However, it was necessary to wait and see the ability to export goods, said traders.

CNI News

27 December, 2023

The Operation 1027 that is being waged by the Three Brotherhood Alliance has decelerated, U Li Paw Reh, chairman of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party), told CNI News.

 The operation that was launched on 27th October 2023 attacked some towns in northern Shan State at the same time and captured some towns.

" I've heard that they have ceased fire for the time being. In any case, they are battle wearied. The Three Brotherhood Alliance also - their weapons and ammunition must be reduced because they have already waged many battles. It should be necessary to ceasefire like this. But the battles will resume. But the battles won't be severe like before, I think. I don't know about their military on detail." said U Li Paw Reh to CNI News.

While seeing the Ta'ang Force (SPM News)

Due to the Chinese mediation in the second week of December, 2023, delegates from the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) of the State Administration Council and from the Three Brotherhood Alliance met and discussed. And they agreed to ceasefire until 31st December 2023.

And then, although they discussed again from 22nd to 24th December, no agreement was reached. 

However, they agreed to meet again in January 2024 reportedly. The Three Brotherhood Alliance (the MNDAA, the TNLA and the AA) have stated that they have already captured some towns including Chin Shwe Haw, Kunlong, Konkyan, Namkham, Mantong and Namsang.

Due to the battles in northern Shan State, China-Myanmar border trade has stopped and most locals have fled to safety. In the same way, after the roads and bridges were damaged, locals are suffering from commodity prices sharply rising.

When a military camp of the Tatmadaw has been captured (SPM News)

If the Tatmadaw could not re-control the cities and towns that have been captured by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, the country's economy would be more affected, U Thet Zaw, an economic commentator, told CNI News.

" Currently, the Tatmadaw has abandoned many military bases in northern Shan State. Being attacked with so much force, any camp could not withstand it. We haven't seen how the Tatmadaw will fight back to regain the military camps. Moreover, the discussion mediated by China a few days ago was not successful. What should they do early in 2024?  How should the government take action?  If this keeps up, the country's economy will be more affected." he said.

Although the Operation 1027 has been two months long on 27th December, the battles are still breaking out between the two sides.

CNI News

27 December 2023

More and more arrests have been conducted starting a few days ago in Malaysia and over 500 foreigners including Myanmar have been arrested, Myanmar people who have arrived in Malaysia told CNI News. 

30 percent of those arrested were holders of fake evidence documents reportedly.

About 1,000 Malaysian police forces arrested and those who were arrested most are from Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal. 

Moreover, two Bangladeshi citizens and one Myanmar national who forged permit stickers, according to a piece of news released by the Malaysiam immigration department.

Because of these arrests, Myanmar citizens didn't go out very often and this arrest plan was different from previous arrests, U Nyi Nyi Lwin, director of the Center for Arakan Refugees (CAR), told CNI News.

While Malaysian authorities were arresting migrant people

" In the past, immigration officers came to the places where foreigners stayed and arrest illegal residents. But now it's a plan, so 1,000 reserve police forces are used. Reserve police force is like the army in Malaysia. They are allowed to open fire. Investigation booths called block checks are deployed and surprise checks and arrests' conducted. Those arrested are not taken to the police stations and immigration departments. They are taken to the police training school where they are inspected. All the foreigners are taken to the police training school whether they have permits or UN cards or not." said U Nyi Nyi Lwin.

Among those arrested, the people who have applied for permits could be taken out by their employers and the people who have applied for the UNHCR cards could be released after the UN are informed. But, those who don't have any evidence documents are punished and sent back home reportedly.

The Malaysian Ministry of Immigration has warned the employers about the operation, individuals who are helping Myanmar citizens, told CNI News.

 If the taxi drivers were found without any evidence documents, they would be taken effectively action against, said in the statement released by the Malaysian government, Hmwar Michaek, a person helping in the affairs of Myanmar citizens, told CNI News.

While Malaysian authorities were arresting migrant people

" According to the current situation, I want Myanmar people keep a low profile by staying home and workplace only. Myanmar people are so obvious on social media or TikTok that Malaysian citizens might hate them. Myanmar people need to keep a low profile if they succeed in their work as well. There are organizations that attack foreigners who are successful." he said.

When a car with three people was asked by the policemen to stop for the inspection a few days ago in Selangor Province, the three people started opening fire at the policemen after which shootings exchanged and those three men were killed reportedly Of those killed, the two people were the UN card holders and the one was undocumented. 

According to the statement, they were all Rohingyas and those who are possibly related to them are being searched for reportedly.

More and more arrests might be possible as it is very drawing near to the end of the year because the period that has allowed undocumented workers to apply for Ricarlibraci permit so that they can work legally will expire, some people have estimated.

CNI News

27 December 2023

Summer paddy cultivation could be reduced in some townships of Ayeyarwady Region where the most cultivation of it is located this year, said farmers. 

It was not necessary to pump river water in the previous years for the summer paddy cultivation. However, this year, it is necessary to pump river water because the tides are lower reportedly.

Moreover, it is difficult to buy fuel. So, because the cost would be higher, summer paddy cultivation would be reduced, U Aye Naing, a farmer from Bogale Township, told CNI News.

" This year summer paddy cultivation will be reduced for sure. We can grow on the low lying farms only but not on the higher lying farms because we have to use fuel when we have to pump river water. Although fuel is available, the cost will become higher. So, farmers won't make a profit. We didn't have to pump river water in the previous years." said U Aye Naing. 

While seeing a fuel station

There are 17 million acres of summer paddy cultivation in Ayeyarwady Region and it is grown in Bogale, Pyapon, Dedaye, Maubin, Nyaungdon and Labutta Townships where there are low lying farms reportedly.

Although the yield of summer paddy is more than that of rainfed paddy in some townships, the yield of summer paddy in other townships is just 30 or 40 baskets per acre. So, it was difficult to grow summer paddy, said farmers.

The Myanmar Rice Federation and regional government organizations should support the farmers whose costs are rising due to having to pump river water and the farmers who need fuel, U Thein Aung, chairman of the Farmers Development Association, told CNI News.

"The MRF should direct the regional rice mills and rice traders to help the farmers and the township administration councils concerned need to take care of contract farming. It depends on their qualifications." he said.

While seeing farmers

Most of regions and states are currently weak in cultivation in Myanmar due to territorial instabilities. However, because Ayeyarwady Region is stable, the farmers there needed to grow, pointed out the Farmers Development Association.

When the rainfed paddy was harvested this year, the farmers enjoyed good prices. Because the prices of summer paddy would be good, the farmers should grow summer paddy more, said U Thein Aung, chairman of the FDA.