CNI News
10 December 2023

The Directorate of Labor has sent a notification to the overseas employment agencies dated 5th December that the agencies would need to exhort expatriate Myanmar workers to remit 25 percent of their salaries to their families in Myanmar.

The agencies must carry out instruction and completion conditions must be submitted together with evidence before 18th December and agencies that don't submit will be taken action against, said in the notification.

Because the phrase "to exhort" is included, there may be threats against Myanmar workers and there may be more difficulties. Moreover, There may be people who will be accepted themselves as illegal workers, Ko Naing Aung Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organization, told CNI News.

While seeing the office of the department of immigration

" If the government puts pressure on the agencies, the agencies will put pressure on the workers. And then, the number of illegal workers may increase. The agencies can pressure Myanmar workers in some country such as South Korea and Singapore. But it is less likely to succeed in the counties where most of Myanmar workers are working. It may be difficult for the agencies but more difficult for the workers. The workers might cancel the MoU and choose other methods. Later, the workers may choose illegal channels through brokers." said Ko Naing Aung Aung.

Signing standard contract between the agencies and the workers has been carried out since 1st September. According to the contract, workers working abroad must remit 25 percent of their salaries to their families in Myanmar.

The workers abroad must remit 25 percent at least once a month and at most every three months.

While seeing a glove factory

At present, it has been 3 months, the directorate has pushed the agencies to implement the contract.

" Agencies are different from one another. You have to walk on your own way. It's not difficult to go to Thailand. But it's a bit difficult to go to Malaysia. Agencies must comply with the instructions." said U Win Myint, managing director of Lucky Overseas Employment Agency, told CNI News.

According to the Ministry of Labor's statement, the number of licensed overseas employment agencies has been 506. But there were about 300 licensed agencies in 2021.

CNI News
10 December 2023

There are reviews among businessmen about whether the purchase and use of electric vehicles (EV) could increase due to the fuel shortage and the high price of fuel currently occurring in Myanmar.

Currently, fuel cannot be bought at some fuel stations and people have to wait in line for long to buy fuel at other fuel stations. Moreover, people can only buy fuel in limited ‌amount and the price has become high as well. So, there are people who are thinking about using EV electric car.

However, due to maintenance, warranty and charging space requirements regarding EV electric car in Myanmar, people won't buy EVs just because they don't have to pay for fuel, U Thiha Paing, founder of the Via Logistics and Supply Chain, told CNI News.

" Not everyone accepts EVs because there are some problems regarding EVs. Corporations tend to start using EVs in other countries. For example, taxi groups start using. They start using EVs in the public transport. But because EVs are sold to the general public, a lot of people haven't bought them yet. People consider things like whether there are enough workshops to fix EVs and how long the warranty will take. People won't decide to buy" an EV car just because they don't have to pay for the fuel." said U Thiha Paing.

While charging an EV

People are not very keen on buying EV cars because there have not been enough charging stations and maintenance facilities.

" Because there are not enough charging stations and maintenance facilities or workshops, people don't dare to buy EV cars. In Vietnam, EVs are produced by the companies and they use EVs as taxis. And then, after studying them, the people gradually buy the EV cars. People won't buy EV cars because of fuel. But EV is the new trend of the world. So, people will use EV cars but not so soon." said U Thiha Paing to CNI News.

However, the prices of EV cars have become high because there have been short of fuel in Yangon since early December.

An EV car that was paid 800 lakh kyats in the past is paid 900 to 1,000 lakh kyats just now, according to the EV car market. The reason why the prices of EV cars have gone high was because there was a short of fuel and sellers are making price speculations as well as the control of the price of US dollar has been lift, said businessmen.

While seeing the Central Bank's statement saying that dollar can be freely traded

" Because there are no alternatives, if you start using an EV car, I have to ask you if there are enough infrastructures. We need a lot of charging stations. If there are not charging stations, EV cars will pile up on the road." said U Thet Zaw, an economic commentator, told CNI News.

How long the fuel problem will exist has not been known and if it is getting worse, production and transportation will be seriously affected, pointed out businessmen.

Because commodity prices will rise, authorities need to solve the problem as soon as possible, said economists.

CNI News

8 December, 2023

Almost residents of Loikaw fled to safety due to the battles breaking out between the KNDF/PDF joint forces inside the city, Karenni (Kayah) State after the Operation 1111 had been launched, said residents of the city. 

90 percent of the residents have arrived in southern Shan State, supposing that they shouldn't go on staying there, a resident of the city told CNI News.

" There are very few people in Loikaw. They all have fled to southern Shan State. I don't know anything after that. Communication breaks down because internet and phone connection have been interrupted. Electricity has been out of order. 

the KNDF Force

About 90 percent of the residents of Loikaw have already arrived in Aung Ban, Pinlong, Taunggyi, Ayethaya, Nyaung Shwe and so on." he said.

There were around 500,000 people in Kayah State and over 100,000 people lived in Loikaw. For the time being, Residents of Loikaw have displaced due to the battles in the city. 

The battles have been severely breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the revolutionary forces since the operation was launched by the KNDF to capture the city and there are air strikes and firing heavy weapons there.

Because many houses and buildings were destroyed due to the battles, it had been very difficult to carry out constructional tasks, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council, said on 4th December. 

Most of the residents have fled to safety and there are only the Tatmadaw and the revolutionary forces in the city, an official of the Loikaw Social Assistance Association, told CNI News.

the KNDF Force

" The exact situation on the ground is not known. There were approximately 400,000, but 300,000 are no longer there. The remaining people are just around the city but not in the city. I don't know about the city siege battle. I think only the military council soldiers are left around that area and the hospital hill. I don't know about the rest exactly." he said.

Revolutionary forces launched the Operation-1111 on 11th November and attacked the Tatmadaw in Loikaw. 

The battles have been breaking out between the two sides up to now and there are casualties from the two sides reportedly.

CNI News

8 December 2023

The Central Bank of Myanmar stated on 6th December that it has lowered the percentage of export earnings that must be converted into Myanmar kyat from 50 to 35 percent.

CBM determined that 50 percent of export earnings received by exporters from exporting goods must be converted into Myanmar kyat as specified in the Central Bank's Notification No. (15/2023) dated on July 13, 2023 However, according to the Central Bank's Notification No.12/2022, exporters will convert only 35 percent of export earnings into Myanmar kyat instead of 50 percent.

CNI News

8 December 2023

Depending on the exchange rates submitted by the sellers and buyers, foreign currency exchange can be freely performed at the market rate, the Central Bank of Myanmar stated. 

When authorized dealers and banks do transactions in the foreign currency market including Online Trading, the Central Bank of Myanmar will no longer set exchange rates for foreign currencies, said in the statement.

CNI News

8 December 2023

Chinese Foreign Minister Mr.Wang Yi and Myanmar Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister U Than Swe met and discussed the implementation of Kyauk Phyu Deep Water Port in China on 6th December reportedly. 

The two foreign ministers discussed speeding up mutually beneficial cooperative projects between the two countries including the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) such as Kyauk Phyu Deep Seaport, building China-Myanmar railway and cross-border electricity distribution networks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

Moreover, both sides discussed closer cooperation between the law enforcement agencies for the maintenance of the security, peace and stability along the China-Myanmar border, total elimination of illegal drugs and human trafficking as well as online scams. 

While meeting between U Than Swe and Wan Yi on 6th December 2023

After that, they discussed cooperation in the media sector to control misinformation that could affect bilateral relations reportedly.

Currently, the battles have been breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State where the Kyauk Phyu Deep Seaport Project is located since 13th November 2023. In the same way, the battles have been taking place between the Tatmadaw and the TNLA, MNDAA, AA, PDF, BPLA, PLA near the Myanmar-China border since 27th October 2023.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) based near the Chinese border is waging battles against the Tatmadaw in Sagaing Region to capture towns and cities. China is behind these battles, which domestic politicians and nationalist groups believe.

And then, anti-Chinese protests erupted in Naypyidaw and Yangon, demanding non-interference in domestic affairs.

CNI News

8 December 2023

The government needs to solve the US dollar demand crisis as soon as possible to import fuel so that frequent high price of fuel and fuel shortages at fuel stations can be avoided, said economic commentators. 

Although oil tankers have arrived in Thilwa Port, Yangon, it is not convenient for business people in extracting fuel because they are finding it difficult to buy US dollars.

The Ministry of Commerce should issue fuel import permits, U Thet Zaw, an economic commentator, told CNI News.

 " Frankly speaking, some businessmen are making speculations and the ministry needs to issue fuel import permits. Now fuel tankers are at Thilwa Port. But the fuel can't take out from oil tankers. Business people are looking for US dollars so that fuel can take out. There is a shortage of fuel. I wonder how the government will help. The government had helped. But it was not effective. Middle men took advantage. A problem arose for the government The problem is that who will be commissioned by the government. But if the government cannot manage the problem, the fuel price probably will be 4,000 to 5,000 kyats per litre. If so, how can we go on? Our country has to subscribe to both edible oil and fuel. The government must plan to solve the problem ASAP or the country will reach crisis point." he said.

People waiting to buy fuel

The government sold dollars at 2,100 kyats per dollar to importers to import fuel and made them distribute at the price designated in the past. But at present, the government will sell dollars for diesel to be imported only.

If businessmen had to buy dollars at the market price to import gasoline, the price would rise sharply, said businessmen.

Rather than the prices were going up, it was more important to make the prices stable, U Thiha Paing, founder of the Via Logistics and Supply Chain, told CNI News. 

" There is an economic theory in our economic world. That prices are going up is no problem. At any rate, those who can buy will buy. If you need something, you'll buy it. But price volatility is the problem. If the prices are volatile, you can't do anything. Now the dollar price is in chaos. You can't guess whether the price will go up or decline. So, sellers don't know whether they should sell or not. When the prices are stable, you can sell like others. It is necessary to make the prices stable. when a price are going up, remaining prices will go up including salary." he said.

Those who are waiting to carry fuel from Thilwa Port

Because there are some inconvenience in taking gasoline out at Thilwa Port, fuel stations in regions and states including Yangon are selling gasoline at a limited amount and some fuel stations have been closed.

Due to the current fuel crisis, the fuel prices are going up daily and the Octane price which was 2,100 kyats per litter in November has risen to 2,500 kyats per liter just now. 

Fuel shortage crisis needs to be resolved within a few days or due to transportation delay, commodities probably will run out soon.

CNI News
7 December 2023

Deserters and those who are absent without leave (AWOLs) were pardoned not because the Tatmadaw needed strength, Dr.Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

Because some deserters and absentees contacted and proposed that they wanted to serve their duties again, soldiers that applied period designated would be accepted at the nearby battalions and those who committed small offenses would be pardoned, the State Administration Council stated on 3rd December.

" The Tatmadaw did form battalions and brigades without full strength at the border areas. It formed a lot to cause inflation. If the troops scattering in many places were gathered, the Tatmadaw can fight against all the enemies. But for the time being, those who re-enter have to be welcome. In fact, accepting deserters and AWOLs is not because the Tatmadaw needs manpower." said Dr.Aung Myo to CNI News.

While the Arakan Army has captured Tron I Byuha Hill of the Tatmadaw

A military court can sentence a death sentence or seven years in prison to a soldier who commits deserting or makes effort to desert under the 1959 Tatmadaw Act.37. In the same way, soldiers who commit French leave or overstay than period of leave without a sound reason can be punished three years in prison under the Tatmadaw Act.38.

Because currently the Tatmadaw needs anymore of military strength, it will recruit in any way, U Kyi Myint, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" The Tatmadaw will recruit by all means. It will have a plan to recruit the people and government staff by force. But former old soldiers who have no jobs join the army again. They have been deployed in the town guards. Younger former soldiers will be sent to the frontline. Deserters have no jobs outside the army. They don't dare to join the public. To tell you frankly, they have been shirkers since before. The army has known that they will re-enter." he said.  
The battles are breaking between the Tatmadaw and some EAOs/PDF joint forces in Kayin, Kayah, Rakhine, Chin States, Sagaing and Magway Regions.

There are casualties from the two sides and most locals in the armed conflict zones are fleeing to safety.

CNI News
7 December 2023

Of the countries where Myanmar workers go and work, in some countries production has declined due to instabilities across the world.

So, Myanmar workers are facing with difficulties reportedly. In Malaysia, which is suffering from a manufacturing and economic downturn, workers can no longer be paid overtime.

Moreover, with a much denser population than usual, employment has been scarce and the number of labors has been reduced, U Barbu Gyi, helping Myanmar people in Malaysia, told CNI News.

" Difficulties are increasing. Employment and wages have declined because Malaysia had agreed with Bangladesh to hire a lot of Bangladeshi workers. These workers entering Malaysia everyday. Some large factories in Malaysia are obviously reducing Myanmar workers. Only legal workers have been employed." he said.

While seeing Myanmar workers at a construction site

Although production has not declined in South Korea, hourly wages, which increase once a year, will be cut in half by 2024 than in the past, Ko Khant Nay Kyi, in charge of the Migrant Workers Assistance Center in Busan, told CNI News.

" In the coming year, the target letter has come out to hire around 160,000 migrant workers. Although about 50,000 migrant workers were hired each year, because about 150,000 migrant workers will be hired, the employment has not been scarce. In 2023, hourly wages were 9,620 won and in 2022, 9,160 won. But in 2024, hourly wages are just 9,680 won. So, over 100 wons only will increase. There were years when 200 to 1,000 wons increased in the past." said Ko Khant Nay Kyi.

Those who came to work in South Korea with new E73 visa that arose after the Covid-19 pandemic - their rights were violated reportedly. The people who came with these visas don't need to take a language proficiency test and to be be fluent in the language.

Two workers at a factory in South Korea

They were taken with direct link between agency and company and most of them  have to work in the shipyard industry reportedly.

Although South Korea and Japan are regularly being called, Malaysia and Thailand have reduced calling Myanmar workers, according to overseas employment agencies.

" Depending on the global economic decline, both Thailand and Malaysia have reduced labor recruitment. The Malaysian government doesn't issue new labor permits." said U Win Myint, managing director of the Lucky Overseas Employment Agency, to CNI News.

Despite the scarcity of jobs and other difficulties in some countries, the number of Myanmar workers who want to go abroad for work has not declined reportedly.

While some Myanmar workers are waiting to go abroad through legal channels, others are going abroad through illegal channels every day.