CNI News

5 December 2023

When Myanmar citizens renew their passports, it takes them about three weeks and when they apply for a new passport, it takes them about five months, those helping Myanmar citizens in Malaysia told CNI News. 

QR code system is used to make an appointment in applying for a passport and although people found it difficult because they did not get appointments in the past, now they can get the QR code within one week, Hmwar Michael, a person helping Myanmar citizens in Malaysia, told CNI News.

" Currently, it takes three weeks at most those who want to renew their passports to get an appointment. The renewal is finished within one day. Those who want to apply for new passports have to wait about five months. You can get the QR code within one week. You can make an appointment only after you got the QR code. After getting the QR code, you have to wait from two weeks to three weeks. It is easy. If you register your passport number through your email, you will receive the QR code. And then, you'll find an appointment on your email." he said.

The Malaysian Government

Myanmar Embassy in Kuala Lumpur changed to making appointments with QR code starting from 4th September. Myanmar nationals who cannot apply online skillfully will have to pay brokers between 800 and 1,800 ringgits (300,000 to 800,000 kyats) reportedly.

Ricarlibraci permit application period will expire by the end of December. So, if new passports were issued quickly, it would be convenient for Myanmar workers, suggested the people helping Myanmar people in Malaysia.

Myanmar workers who have arrived in Malaysia

" Because Malaysian citizens themselves identify legal workers and illegal workers in Malaysia, government organizations concerned must take action. There are many Myanmar workers who want to renew passports and apply for new passports before the permit is closed. It will be convenient for them if the embassy provides service as soon as possible." said U Barbu Gyi, a person helping Myanmar people in Malaysia to CNI News.

The number of foreign workers in Malaysia has increased more than before the Covid-19 pandemic. So, more and more arrests may be possible by the end of this year than previous years, the people helping Myanmar citizens told.

CNI News

5 December 2023

The battles breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine and Chin States could continue, U Myo Kyaw, spokesperson of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) told CNI News. 

The nationalism of the Rakhine people came to the forefront after the AA troops entered Rakhine state, he said.

" Nationalism of Rakhine people has become active after the AA troops arrived in Rakhine State because they had to be suffering from poverty and hardship for many years. They don't want to live like that anymore. In the meantime, when the AA also stood up before the people and started fighting for the people, the people are heartily satisfied with it as well. They want the AA to win clearly. It is the demand of the public for their suffering. We agree with the people's request." said U Myo Kyaw.

Battles resumed between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Rakhine State on 13th November 2023. Moreover, the battles are breaking out in Paletwa Township as well. 

Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun

The battles were taking place between the two sides and the AA captured some police stations, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the Tatmadaw.

" The battles are taking place in some places of Rakhine State. The AA has captured some police stations. They have waged operations by firing on towns and villages for no reason. The AA group that has never done anything good has said that it is trying for the liberation of Rakhine State and for the Rakhine people. But we need to seriously think about whether it is right." he said.

Maungdaw Township, where there is no fighting at present, is also short of goods and the people there are finding it difficult to get food, a resident of Maungdaw, told CNI News.

While the IDPs in Rakhine State are being seen

" The goods are completely out of stock. Those who have something to eat can eat. Those who have nothing to eat can't eat. The people haven't been able to go anywhere because the roads have been closed since 13th November. That's why it happened. If we have to go on like this, we will have to eat only rice without anything edible. But the people in some places can't find even rice." he said.

The battles between the two sides are currently breaking out in Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk U, Ponnagyun Townships, Rakhine State as well as in Paletwa Township, Chin State.

Moreover, in collaboration with other EAOs, the AA is fighting against the Tatmadaw in Sagaing Region and in northern Shan State.

CNI News

5 December 2023

with the armed conflicts taking place in Myanmar, because the border trade routes are interrupted and the border trade has stopped, commodity prices may rise and goods may become scarce, businesspeople and traders. 

Almost trade routes with China, Thailand and Bangladesh have stopped due to the current battles in Myanmar. Myanmar is 80 percent dependent on border trade for its economy and foreign currency earnings.

The scarcity of imported goods and domestic commodity prices increases may arise in the long run because the border trade has currently stopped, U Thet Zaw, an economic commentator, told CNI News.

" Myanmar's economy depends on trade. There is nothing in the manufacturing industry in Myanmar. When the border trade has stopped, about 80 percent of the country will be affected, I guess. Because the government can't sell fuel, the fuel price has risen 300 kyats per litre. If we have to go on like this in the long run, the country will find it difficult, I guess. First, commodity prices will go up. Second, goods will be scarce. In the trade amount of Myanmar, the border trade is 80 percent and the remaining 20 percent is trade by sea. So, the country's economy will probably be affected badly." said U Thet Zaw.

However, there are some border trades in Kachin State, eastern Shan State and Tanintharyi Region.

While the cars were stuck due to battles

Because of very few border trade, imported goods cannot enter Myanmar and the commodity prices may rise in the long run. 

Moreover, because the inflow of foreign currencies may be reduced, foreign exchange control and restrictions may also occur, pointed out businessmen.

Due to not being able to do  border trade in northern Shan State, although the government has stated that any border trade gates can be used, exporters are finding it difficult because of regional instabilities, delay on the way and high transportation charges reportedly. 

The people suffer more than the government due to border trade suspension, U Thiha Paing, founder of the Via Logistics and Supply Chain, told CNI News.

While seeing a truck

" Those who are doing business of supply chain network and mainly connected with the flow of goods suffer more. The people suffer more than the government. The government is a corporation. In other words, it is the biggest company in the country. It's doing business as well. It has its own escape. If there's a trouble, the people suffer 90 percent of the trouble. But the government suffers only 10 percent. The government provide service only in trade. It's not directly responsible. If the government have vehicles and do the marketing, it will have a problem, like under the socialist government in the past. Because there are many businesses in the public hands, the people get into trouble." he said.

Due to territorial instabilities, local products cannot be exported abroad, other regions and states. So, some commodities are going up. Especially, the people in the armed conflict zones are finding it more difficult. 

So, it was necessary to allow the trucks to pass for the border trade, pointed out economic commentators and business people.

CNI News
3 December 2023

It may be difficult for banana export to China through Kan Pite Tee border trade, Kachin State because most of the truck drivers haven't got the Chinese border pass books aka red books, according to truck drivers.

Although red books have been issued to truck drivers at a time like this in previous years, because at present they have not been issued, some truck drivers whose red books have not expired have been allowed to drive into the Chinese side.

Those without a red book are working through the driver replacement system. There has been no difficulty because a small amount of bananas can be exported to China for the time being when bananas start coming out reportedly.

While seeing Chinese border pass book and the bananas

If the red book are not available when bananas are abundant, banana trucks may pile up at the Kan Pite Tee border and the bananas may be damaged, Ko Shan Gyi, a truck driver, CNI News.

" The red book haven't been issued. In the past, red books were issued to those who entered with banana trucks. Any driver with any registration card was issued. If the red books were not issued, it would be really difficult when the bananas were abundant. Even now, you have to hire someone who has a book to enter the Chinese side. When the bananas are abundant, banana trucks will pile up in Kan Pite Tee and the bananas will overripe and be damaged." said Ko Shan Gyi.

At present, one third of the truck drivers have got the red books and most of the drivers who will come next have not got the red books reportedly. Although there are reports that the red book will be issued early next year, it has not been clear.

Only if the red books are issued in January when the bananas will be abundant, will it be convenient, said truck drivers.

While seeing the trucks

Because the driver replacement system has to be used at the border for the drivers who have not got the red books, he got net 50,000 kyats only for the driver's fee, Ko Kalarlay, a truck driver, told CNI News.

" You get 300,000 kyats for the driver's fee. But the cost is 250,000 kyats. After driving a long distance, there will be about 50,000 left." he said.

Currently, about 300 banana trucks are entering the Chinese side each day through Kan Pite Tee border trade.

CNI News
3 December 2023

The Shanni Nationalities Army hung up vinyl with letters saying that Shanni must protect Shanni land in some places of Homalin Town, upper Sagaing Region and started informing the local people.

Gathering Kalay, Tamu, Homalin, Katha, Mawlike, Banmauk, Phaungbyin, Kawlin, Wuntho, Pinlebu in Sagaing Region and Bhamo, Myitkyina, Mohnyin, Mogaung, Indawgyi in Kachin, the SNA, an EAO, is trying to get Shanni State.

The battles are breaking out between the SNA and the KIA/PDF joint forces in Homalin, Banmauk, Shwe Pyi Aye, Phaungbyin, Mohnyin, Mogaung, Indaw and Hpakant among the regions the SNA has been active.

The KIA is using the People's Defense Force (PDF) in fighting against the SNA to control Shanni regions, said local Shanni people.

CNI News

1 December 2023

The current internal armed conflict was being led by western countries, Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the Tatmadaw stated on 29th November. 

Those who were killed were only Myanmar citizens due to battles and as a result of civil wars after Myanmar had gained her independence, ,the country has not developed as much as it should, he said.

"Due to the flattery of the subversives who live abroad and Western-leaning media that is based on abroad and rumours, many people were killed. They are Myanmar citizens. Whether the deaths are from the Tatmadaw side or from the enemy side, they are all Myanmar citizens. Myanmar has experienced internal insurgency since it gained her independence and the country has not developed as much as it should. We are still in this whirlpool. Western countries that colonized us led to cause internal conflict in the past. They also are leading the conflict now. Our entire public must be aware of this." said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun

While the revolutionary forces were moving in the city of Kawlin

Because of political changes after 1st February 2021, armed conflicts have been taking place widely across the country. Due to the battles between the Tatmadaw and some EAOs/PDF joint forces, there are casualties from both sides and also civilian casualties.

If you said that western countries were leading the revolutionary forces who were trying to overthrow the Tatmadaw, you would be wrong, U Kyi Myint, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" Western countries are leading? It's unlikely. US has recognized that Myanmar is in China's sphere of influence. The US doesn't interfere as a gentleman's agreement. The NDAA program of the US also didn't implement. It's just blaming those who don't belong because there's nothing to say. It's not right at all." he said.

The battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the revolutionary forces in Kayin, Kayah, Rakhine States, nothern Shan State, Chin State, Sagaing and Magway Regions. 

Although some EAOs, political parties and international organizations are trying to solve the armed conflicts, they haven't been able to solve it yet reportedly.

CNI News

1 December 2023

More and more arrests might be possible by the end of this year, those who are helping in the affairs of Myanmar nationals in Malaysia, told CNI News. 

The number of foreign migrant workers is more than before and the Ricarlibraci permit that has allowed undocumented foreign workers to apply so that they can work legally would expire to be applied in the end of December. 

So, more arrests might be possible more than previous years, Hmwar Michael helping in the affairs of Myanmar nationals in Malaysia, told CNI News.

While stopping and checking vehicles on the road in Malaysia

" In comparison with previous years, the number of migrant workers has increased a lot. More arrests might be possible in the entire country. Malaysian authorities have a plan to make the country free from illegal migrants. Overstayers may be safe a bit because they have to work in the farms or in the rural areas. Authorities can check all the other places." he said.

If undocumented foreigners were arrested, they would be sent to the immigration camps and be punished.

Of those who have served their punishments, the people who could afford air tickets would be sent back to Myanmar by flight.

The population has become more inflated and jobs are scarce this year, making it more difficult to live in Malaysia, said the people helping Myanmar people in Malaysia.

Those who have been detained

" Malaysian government will issue a statement in early 2024. In the meantime, I want the workers to be patient with their jobs and watch the situation. You shouldn't go anywhere if you don't have to." said U Barbu Gyi who is helping Myanmar nationals in Malaysia.

Due to the escape of a Myanmar citizen designated as a suspect in the murder of a Malaysian citizen a few days ago, Malaysian authorities searched the hostels where Myanmar citizens stay. 

The period allowing undocumented workers to apply for Ricarlibraci permit will expire in December. So, Myanmar citizens who have not applied should apply in time, the people helping in the affairs of Myanmar citizens in Malaysia have urged.

CNI News

1 December 2023

Due to the difficulty of the export route to the Chinese border, domestic corn prices have declined, according to corn traders. The price of corn is currently less than 20,000 kyats although the price was more than 20,000 kyats in the past. 

As a result of battles between the Tatmadaw and the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State, it is difficult to export corn produced in Shan State to the Chinese border as well as to the Yangon and Mandalay markets. 

So, corn prices are coming down If the road difficulties continued like that, the price of corn might continue to fall, an official from the Northern Shan State Corn Industrial Association, told CNI News.

" Normally, now is not yet the time when the price of corn falls. The price tends to decline by the end of December. We can't go through Chin Shwe Haw and Muse in northern Shan State due to the battles. It's not convenient to go from Lashio to Mandalay. If you go via southern Shan State the transportation fee is three or four times more. You can't go to the border any more. Moreover, You can't go from Lashio to Mandalay as well. So, the corn price will go on declining." he said.

While seeing corn plants

Currently, corns produced only in Shan State are being sold and corns have been grown in Ayeyarwady Region not very lang ago. 

When the corns produced in Ayeyarwady Region start appearing, since it is a period of duty-free export to Thailand, farmers are worried that the price will decline.

The traders who will store are buying the corn in the domestic market, including other demands. The corns produced in northern Shan State cannot be sold for the time being. When the corns were exported to Thailand duty free, the corns would accumulate more than last year, Ko Min Khaing, a corn farmer from Ayeyarwady Region, told CNI News.

" When one trade route is suspended, we haven't been able to export the corns to Thailand through Myawady. At present, the corns are being mainly sold in the domestic market only. So, the corn price is leading downward only. Although the corn hasn't appeared yet in our region, there will be impact on us. The traders or farmers in Shan State don't sell their corns. Later, the corn from Ayeyarwady Region will appear. When the prices will be good a bit, the corns will be plentiful as well. The corns are being exported to many countries by road or by sea. But when the corns are exported to Thailand, the amount will probably be more than previous years." said Ko Min Khaing.

At present, the world corn price is declining and Corn demand will increase when the corn appears from Ayeyarwady Region and corns are exported to Thailand duty free. 

So, the domestic corn price could increase, according to the Myanmar Corn Industrial Association. Because the export policy relating to corn could be changed, traders are watching the situation.

CNI News
30 November 2023

He believed that the two Shan EAOs - the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) will combine, Sai Ai Pao,, chairman of the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party told CNI News.

In accordance with the will of Shan people and monks, they have agreed to ceasefire, said in a statement jointly released by the RCSS and the SSPP on 29th November.

" As a Shan ethnic, I'm proud of them. The agreement will last long. Later, it would be better if the two groups became one. All Shan ethnic people want their combination. Shan nationalities want to see them to be as the same group. I believe it will be like that because people young and old want it. To tell you frankly, all the people of the union also want to be like that. If they become a single group, they will be able to completely protect the interests of the Shan people." said Sai Ai Pao.

troops of the RCSS/SSA

Three representatives from the SSPP and four representatives from RCSS, they met and discussed and formally agreed to a ceasefire on 29th November 2023, said in the statement. The RCSS and the SSPP were often fighting over territorial disputes and due to the battles, locals had to flee to safety.

He hoped that the two organizations will form a combine as one through the ceasefire, Sai Sai, spokesperson of the Shan ethnic civil organizations, told CNI News.

" We can expect a lot. This is the first step. In the current situation, the battles are severely breaking out in our country. In northern Shan State, as you know, the battles are fiercely taking place. At a time like this, first of all, it is necessary to cease fire between our EAOs so that they can protect our people. We have been demanding it since 2021. Our Shan nationalities local and abroad hail the ceasefire. We have expected them to form a combine as one. But there are a lot of things to do, I think." he said.

The RCSS is an NCA signatory and the SSPP is an NCA non-signatory.