CNI News

24 July 2023

Some IDP women in Rakhine State don't know about family planning pretty well and international organizations and civil societies are still weak in educating IDP women about family planning, said IDP women.
 
People in IDP camps are finding it difficult about not only food, clothes and shelter but also health items used for women, said Ma Aye Khin, from the Taung Min Kalar IDP camp in Kyauk Taw Township, Rakhine State." Women are told if they give birth to babies, they will get into trouble. 

they will find it difficult to do for a living. But they are not given contraceptive pills. Because they can't buy the pills, they have been pregnant when previous child hasn't been one year old yet. Do the pregnant women have to look after their children? They have various kinds of difficulties. They are weak in health knowledge." she said to CNI News.

A woman from a Rakhine IDP camp (Frontier) 

Although Woman organizations had educated IDP women about health knowledge, IDP women are still weak in health knowledge, Daw Nyo Aye, chairperson of the Arakan Women Network to CNI News.

" Why they are experiencing difficulties, almost every rural clinics have been destroyed. Even before they were destroyed, we didn't have enough staff. Although we had educated women about family planning, we can't say that it was enough. Even though we had thoroughly explained to them about family planning, some women didn't understand. Some women know how to use contraceptive pills, but they sometimes fail to drink a day or two because they are worried about food or worrisome period." she said.

Entrance to Sittwe

Medical aids and healthcare are needed for the people staying in the IDP camps because the people there are weak in health knowledge, said IDPs.

Over 100 women were killed due to armed conflicts in Myanmar from 25th April, 2023 to June 2023, according to the Burmese Women Union (BWU). According to a statement released by IDP Myanmar, there were 810, 889 IDPs due to armed conflicts from 1st February 2021 to 25th April, 2022 and before that, there were 497,200 IDPs. At present there are 1,308,089 IDPs altogether reportedly.

CNI News

24 July 2023

The National Unity Government would start opening its Spring Development Bank on 22nd July, said U Tin Tun Naing, NUG's Minister of Planning, Finance, and Investment at the press conference held on 20th July.

The State Administration Council had been making threats about people's bank accounts and NUG's Ministry of Planning, Finance and Investment was responsible for protecting the people's financial security and privacy, so MOPFI started thinking about establishing the Spring Development Bank, he said.

" In fact, we have established the Spring Development Bank, under the coverage of the three periods _ revolutionary period, transitional period and reconstruction period for the federal system in the future.So, we established the SDB," he said.

For the security of users, registration cards and other pieces of information were not requested, he added.

If a bank was opened, it should have loans, deposits and withdrawals. He wanted the people to do a right and accurate business, said U Thet Zaw, an economic analyst to CNI News.

U Tin Tun Naing

" A bank has its location and its address. And it must give an exact answer that it is under which bank and under which country. You can open an account. You can open an account called Spring Development Bank account at a foreign bank without representing a normal bank, I think. If you want to perform without any strong evidence, as you like. I want you to do it in a concrete way. I want you to do the right and accurate business. I want to leave a message that I don't want the people to be cheated." he said.

NUD's Ministry of Planning, Finance and Investment published NUG Pay, a mobile wallet platform on 26th June, 2022 and now established the Spring Development Bank,

Myanmar’s First Crypto Bank.

CNI News

24 July 2023

Online sale business has been designated as a critical service and any one who will do the business of online sales must apply for registration, said in a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce on 21st July. 
Due to registration, although there is a reliability for sellers and buyers, it's not convenient for small-scale sellers online without having a big store and fee for registration should be designated at a rate of not too much expense, said Ma Yadi from San Thit clothing dealer, to CNI News.

" Some online shops are quite large and it's convenient for them to register. But small scale sellers through online like us who don't have big shops and many staff aren't convenient to register. We'll register if the fee for registration is not much expensive. We feel registration is reliable." she said.

 Hnine Shin Myint Mo selling online

Sellers online need to register and if sellers online without business registration are found, they will be taken action against under the Section 5 of the Essential Goods and Services Act, said the Ministry of Commerce in its statement. 
Because frauds have increased in online sales, it should be tackled, said U Thet Zaw, an economic analyst to CNI News.

 Htet Htet Moe Oo selling online

" To tell you frankly, frauds have increased in the online business. They said it's cash on delivery, but buyers have to pay in advance through KBZ Pay. Although buyers have paid  already through K Pay, the goods didn't arrive. In any case, buyers can ask sellers online to show online registration. If only buyers see online registration, they can reliably transfer the money. So, violators can be easily taken actions against. There should be registration. The government get the tax and at the same time, customer side is safe as well." he said.  

If online business is conducted after applying for registration, there will be mutual trust between sellers and buyers, said online shoppers. Officials should carry out field inspection of online sales so that frauds can be tackled, said shoppers and sellers through online.

CNI News

22 July 2023

The State Administration Council probably will hold a peace conference, overtaking the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), said Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party,to CNI News. 

If the peace conference is held based on the NCA, NCA non-signatories will not be able to attend. So, the SAC will probably hold the peace conference, overtaking the NCA, he said.

NSPNC was discussing with UWSA, SSPP,and NDAA on 20th July, 2023

" According to the current situation, will the SAC extend the state of emergency for another six months? If it extends, will the SAC's political ambition and the political ambitions of EAOs (ethnic armed organizations) be discussed, overtaking the NCA? If the conference is held within the framework of NCA, Wa and Myla have to sign on the NCA so that they can attend the conference. And there must be Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. According the Agreement, if only there are an elected government, an elected Hluttaw, they need to approve the result coming from the peace conference. And then the constitution can be amended. The process takes long. When the NSPNC is meeting with two EAOs or Three EAOs or five EAOs, a peace conference led by the Tatmadaw probably will be held after inviting all stakeholders. And then, are they leading to a new constitution? If so, the peace conference may be main. It's thinking about overtaking the 2008 constitution. Maybe let's think about overtaking the NCA." he said.

Currently the SAC and some EAOs are holding peace talks in which the fact that a union peace conference will be held is included reportedly. 
Although the union peace conference was held under the previous civilian governments, it didn't have much effect, said a politician. 
If you want to make the country peaceful, you must carry out everything can make peace, said Daw Saw Mya Raza Lin, chairperson of the Arakan Liberation Party to CNI News.

U Thein Sein was delivering a speech at the Union Peace Conference

" We are trying to make peace with NCA signatories and we also should talk with the NCA non-signatories. How many times we say that we will walk on the NCA route, there are different views among our EAOs. At a time like this, family members are different from one another in view. But if we want to make our country peaceful, we must create every situation that can make peace." she said.

The Union Peace Conference was held under the government led by President U Thein Sein in 2016 for the first time and the conference was held under the government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in August, 2020 for the last time.

CNI News

21 July 2023

The leaders from the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) and National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) discussed with the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC). 

They met at the Horizon Lake View Hotel in Naypyidaw on 20th July, 2023 and went on discussing unfinished matters from the peace processes agreed in previous discussions reportedly.

Delegates from UWSA-SSPP-NDAA on 20th July, 2023

The UWSA delegation was led by U Lo Yaku, the vice chairman of the Wa State Unity Party (WSUP) and the NDAA delegation was led by U San Pae, vice chairman of NDAA. 

And the SSPP delegation was led by Sao Sae Paing Pha, Vice-Chairman 3 of the SSPP. 

The State Administration Council is making preparations to hold a peace conference from discussions with ethnic armed organizations.

CNI News

21 July  2023

A battle was breaking out between the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) and KIA-PDF joint forces in the morning of 21st July, 2023, said locals.

The battle took place near Aung Bin Village, Homalin Township, Sagaing Region, they said.

" The battle has been breaking out since the morning between SNA and KIA-PDF joint forces. While the SNA was encamped at the entrance to the village of Hlwar Zin Gon very near to Aung Bin village, KIA-PDF joint forces came and fought against the SNA. If KIA-PDf joint forces can beat the SNA in Hlwar Zin Gon, they will be able to enter Naung Bo Aung Village from which they can extend the military to Nant Daw and Homalin." said an Aung Bin resident.

The Shanni Nationalities Army

Moreover, battles are breaking out in Banmauk Township, said locals in Banmauk.The KIA-PDF joint forces are escalating their military operations in Sagaing Region at present and trying to control Banmauk and Homalin townships.

If KIA-PDF were able to control the two townships, their supply route of weapons and ammunition going to the central and the lower part the region would be opened, said several PDFs active inside Sagaing Region.

CNI News

21 July 2023

Among the three brokers who trafficked four young Rakhine women from the Sittwe township in Rakhine State, the two has been arrested and taking actions against them is underway. 
Four young Rakhine women were sent to Yangon from Sittwe and then to Dubai via Yangon through contacts and connections from Ma Nanda and Ma Khaing Than Aye. 

The four young women were seen and met by Panpan (b) Khaing Sanda at Dubai Airport and were taken away. After that, the four young women were sent to UAE, Iraq and Saudi Arabia reportedly.

Ma Nanda and Panpan (b) Khaing Sanda have been arrested and taken actions against and at the request of family members of those trafficked, they are helping and supporting to enable to arrest human traffickers, said U Tin Htoo Aung, chairman of Arakan National Network to CNI News.

Ko Tin Htoo Aung

" We are mainly responsible to help and support for the national interest of Rakhine people. What we can perform, firstly we have to enable family members to open a case for human trafficking with the support of our mentors and legal advisors. Those who are trafficked are abroad. If the country where they are has Myanmar Embassy, we can send an open letter to the ambassador and ask for help. We are to do so." he said.  

The four young women who are trafficked were told that they would get jobs in a beauty parlor and were taken to Dubai. But about one week after they reached Dubai, they were told that there were no more jobs and sent to Iraq and Saudi Arabia reportedly.

" 21 days later, my daughter contacted me. She told me that she was in Iraq. When I told her that she had been trafficked, I thought, she replied 'Yes'. I didn't know what to know at that time. My daughter reported this or that small group that she was trafficked. My daughter told me that she had been locked in a room when they asked her to work and fed her about every five days. She had to stay with the girls who went together with her in the same room sometimes. Only when my daughter had to work in other houses for two or three days, she could have meal. If she was sent to the office, she was handcuffed. She had nothing to eat." said the mother whose daughter was trafficked to CNI News.

A junction in Rakhine State

The four young Rakhine women have been in Iraq and Saudi Arabia at present and he is carrying out to liberate them, said U Tin Htoo Aung, adding that he was able to carry out successfully a human trafficking case in Oman.  

Because the political and economic crises have been taking place starting from late 2021 and jobs have been scarce, some people have committed human trafficking, taking advantage of the fact that people are badly in need of jobs and money reportedly.

CNI News

21 July 2023

Chinese Yuan is gradually influencing the world and Russia, Argentina, Brazil, Iraq have accepted Yuan for Chinese imports. 
So, there are reviews among economic analysts and businesspeople in relation to questions whether the Chinese Yuan has been able to compete with the US Dollar, the world's reserve currency. 
Several countries are performing to reduce using the US Dollar due to the current US's economic situation and debts. Moreover, because the US has imposed economic sanctions on some other countries, the countries are replacing USD with Chinese Yuan, said U Ye Tun, a political analyst to CNI News.

" Dollar surely will be replaced gradually because of the American economic situation and American enormous debt. When the US imposed sanctions on other countries taking advantage of the fact that its money is the world's reserve currency, the countries felt insecure. That's why, even Greek started thinking about replacing USD. When thinking about replacing USD, some countries use not only Yuan but also other currencies according to their necessity.For example, Because Bangladesh largely trades with India, it uses Rupee instead of USD.  Because our country trades with China the most, we have started using Yuan instead of USD, I think" he said.

100 Yuan note, the most valuable bank note in the Chinese currency

At present, Yuan is second most used after USD and although most of the countries have not agreed to replace USD with Yuan, countries will increasingly use Yuan if they increase trade with China. 
Most of the countries have reduced USD from their reserve currency.
Yuan is used in 49 countries at present and Yuan probably will be a main currency in the future, said U Thet Zaw, an economic analyst to CNI.

" To the best of my knowledge, 49 countries have used Yuan. They are trying to mainly use Yuan. Later, countries will use Yuan  mainly, I think. It will be the main currency, I expect. As a country that has been imposed sanctions, it is unlikely to depend on USD only. Payments must be performed  through different connections between USD and Kyat, Rupee and Kyat, Baht and Kyat and so on. As MOGE (Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise) also has been imposed sanctions, its money must be changed." he said.

Although Myanmar is carrying out a reduction using USD, it is in need of USD at present because it has to pay by USD when it pays international debts and when it buys weapons and fuel from abroad. 
Large financial organizations such as Citigroup and Goldman Sachs have estimated that Yuan will be used third most for international payment in 2030. Moreover, Yuan has been traded most in Russia since the Eukareine War started.

Russia accepted Yuan when it sold crude oil to India and Bangladesh decided to pay Russia by Yuan for its nuclear plant. Saudi Arabia also accepted when it sold crude oil to China, reported in international media.

CNI News

July 21, 2023

Because the number of jobless people, including Myanmar, who have arrived in Malaysia has increased, the arrest and investigation by the authorities have been more than before, said those who are staying in Malaysia to CNI News. 
Although the arrests include planned arrests, the arrests are mainly due to complaints from Malaysians to the authorities, said Hmwar Michael helping Myanmar citizens in Malaysia, to CNI News.

"Unemployed people are walking in groups on the street. Many Myanmar people have entered Malaysia as well. There are also many overstayers. As they are jobless, they go to Myanmar shops and go home. Malaysians complain to authorities. For example, if Malaysians in a ward complain, the authorities will enter that ward and arrest. There are many complaints. They are arresting illegal migrants in the place where is complained. Myanmar nationals who entered this country have doubled, so the rich in this country haven't been able to employ them any more. Malaysia's economy is operating normally. But because so many countries in Asia and the world are economically in a recession, many factories are also closed." he said. 
Moreover, cars and motorcycles are being checked more than before reportedly.

 A person holding a Myanmar passport

As usual UNHCR is delaying to issue refugee cards to applicants and the number of card applicants and the ratio of cards issued are inequitable, said those who are helping refugees. 
So, when the arrests have currently increased, it would be more convenient if UNHCR issued more refugee cards, said Ko Aung Min Thu, Deputy Chairman of Arakanese Community Malaysia to CNI News.

Malaysian police forces were taking away migrant workers after arresting them

" If you go out, take an ID with you. For example, if you hold a passport, send its photo to one of your family members. If you hold a UN card, send its photo to one of your family members. It would be okay if you are inspected. UN is carrying out registration issues more emphatically. But because there are so many people applying for cards, they can't perform as much as applicants need. UN has told not to come without appointment." he said.

Five family members including Daw Thuzar Maung who is helping Myanmar workers were arrested by a group of people who had pretended to be police forces on 4th July and they have been missing up to now. The case relating to their missing has been opened for investigation, said Malaysian police force a few days ago. So, more checks and investigations would be possible, said Myanmar community in Malaysia.