CNI News

2 October 2023

While Malaysian economy is declining, because jobs are also scarce, including becoming higher in commodity prices, Myanmar citizens in Malaysia are getting into trouble, said Myanmar people in Malaysia to CNI News. 

At present, there are bankrupt companies and companies that have been closed and frauds, said Hmwar Michael to CNI News.

"Prices are high and jobs are scarce. Main product of Malaysia is not bought a lot by other countries. Some factories have been closed. For the time being, Myanmar general workers there don't have overtime anymore. The economy is quite worrying. Myanmar workers are facing with danger of liars who have been staying in Malaysia for long. The liars are not brokers, but they say they will look for a job for you. They will ask you money. In fact, they can't do that." he said.

Those who were lied were overstayers and because it didn't have anything to do with the embassy, it was a problem in the labor affairs reportedly. 

Malaysia, a manufacturing hub and commodity exporter, is experiencing slow demand from abroad. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (Anwar Ibrahim) is facing with a turbulent economic situation, reported the Asia Nikkei.

Seeing the Prime Minister of Malaysia with the Malaysian national flag

If Myanmar citizens want to go abroad for work, in stead of going to Malaysia, another country should be chosen, said U Barbu Gyi, who is helping Myanmar citizens in Malaysia, to CNI News.

" If possible, I want to request Myanmar people not to come to Malaysia. Things aren't what they used to be. Now Malaysia isn't suitable to stay. There is a shortage of commodities for Malaysian people. I mean the commodities that can be bought at a lower price are short of. Foreigners there might find it more difficult." he said.

 If Myanmar citizens come and work in Malaysia through illegal channels or visit visa, only when friends or intimate acquaintances are there in Malaysia and they can get jobs for sure, they should come to Malaysia. Many Myanmar people are unemployed and get into trouble because they believed the words the brokers said, according to Myanmar citizens who are staying in Malaysia.

"Myanmar people who came to Malaysia believing the words the brokers said are getting into trouble without having any jobs by several thousands. The people who are waiting for jobs, eating one meal a day are so many. Brokers will ask you to come to Malaysia. But I want Myanmar citizens to come to Malaysia only after thinking about it thoroughly. There is a shortage of jobs in Myanmar, it's no problem. They had to borrow money with interest to come to Malaysia. But whey arrive in Malaysia, they have no jobs. Only if you have reliable people in Malaysia and there's a job for you for sure, it will be convenient." said Hmwar Michael.

Moreover, Myanmar citizens in Malaysia are finding it difficult because they have not got the appointment with QR code online to apply for passports.

CNI News

2 October 2023

The Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) non-signatory EAOs (ethnic armed organizations) were invited by Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council to attend the 8th anniversary celebration of the NCA. 

Some foreign countries have been invited to attend the event as well and non-signatory EAOs could walk on the way to peace by attending the event, he said.

"Coming October 15th is the 8th anniversary day of the signing of the NCA. We are to hold the event with political essence.  We have invited all ethnic leaders within our reach. We are inviting foreign countries. We invited some countries by phone or by mail. Some replied they can come and others can't. Even if foreign countries are interested in attending, EAO leaders should be more interested. Especially NCA signatories all need to attend. NCA non-signatories can walk on the way to peace by attending the event." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

NCA signing ceremony was being held on 15 October 2015

The NCA was signed by the government, the Tatmadaw and the EAOs on 15 October 2015 under the government led by U Thein Sein. 

And then, delegates from UN, EU, China, Thailand, and India as well as local individuals who should participate  signed as witnesses.

Although CNI News contacted NCA non-signatories by phone to know their attitudes about the invitation of the SAC, it had no contact. 

Among the NCA non-signatories, the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the National Democratic Alliance Army-Myla (NDAA) and the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) might attend and the rest organizations are not in a situation to attend, said Col.Khun Okka, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), to CNI News.

During the press conference of the NCA signing ceremony

" The Tatmadaw needs to cease fire if it wants EAOs that is invited to attend the celebration. Another thing is that there is no organization that has resigned from the NCA. As soon as an organization resigns, it will be an unlawful association or a terrorist organization automatically. Some EAOs might take part in armed conflict, but they don't resign." he said.

The NCA was signed by the Karen National Union (KNU), the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), KNU/KNLA-Peace Council, the Chin National Front (CNF), the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) and the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) on 15 October 2015. And then, the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and the Lahu Democratic Union signed the NCA on 12 February 2018.

KNU, CNF and ABSDF that are at battles against the Tatmadaw are less likely to attend the celebration reportedly. KNU and CNF are saying th.at the NCA has been void without declaring that they have resigned.

CNI News

2 October 2023

The State Administration Council carries out for the benefit of the public and the State and must be able to build to win the public confidence, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC. He said the above at the SAC meeting 4/2023 held on 28 September 2023.  

" The State Administration Council is the country's highest organization that has to take the responsibility of the State. So, it is necessary to set an example in doing business. 

Moreover, it must carry out for the benefit of the State and the public and must be able to build to win the public belief." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

The State Administration Council is carrying out for the country's prosperity and food security as the two national processes. Moreover, apart from strengthening  genuine and disciplined multi-party democratic system, establishment of a union based on democracy and federalism is being performed as the two political processes.

Rice and curry were being donated 

"As our country, when there is stability and peace and if expectations and goals can be implemented correctly, It will be able to stand on the middle level among the countries in the region." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

And then he wanted to know the true situation of the region, the true attitude of the public  and the true necessity of the public, he added.

At present, Myanmar people are suffering from lack of jobs and high commodity prices and at the same they are losing properties and lives because of domestic armed conflicts. 

Moreover, due to weak rule of law, the people are facing with dangers of thefts and robberies.

The developments are getting low in the attempts for regional development and nation building because of briberies. Some or many officials making money by abusing power on the ground, that the public pointed out.

Only if these issues could be dealt with by the SAC, it would win the public confidence

CNI News
1 October 2023

A fake statement that 50 and 100 kyat notes issued by the Central Bank of Myanmar have been demonetized have arisen.

The fake statement has been signed by Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dwe, secretary of the State Administration Council and Order No.1/2023 dated 29th September,2023 has been mentioned on the fake statement.

Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dwe did not tend to sign on the order announcements when he released them and order numbers released by the SAC have reached more than 80. So, the announcement that 50 and 100 kyat notes have been cancelled is just fake.

" It's just fake. It's obvious that bad people are trying to make the money prices unstable after creating fake news and distributing rumors." said a person close to the SAC.

The statement that 50 and 100 kyat notes have been cancelled was just fake, said the SAC and the Central Bank, to CNI News.

 According to the Section 36 (e) of the 2008 Constitution, officially issued currency must not designated as illegal currency.

Those who want to make speculations of the prices of commodities, gold and dollar are creating chaos in Myanmar's economy by issuing fake statements, said businessmen.

The SAC should build information rapidly to respond the rumors like that, they said.

CNI News
30 September 2023

The entry fee for foreign tourists who visit the Bagan ancient cultural zone has been raised and the number of days allowed to stay there has been changed, according to the Department of Archeology and National Museum ( Bagan Branch).

In order to make more foreign tourists enter, the entrance fee should be collected in Myanmar kyats and the number of days allowed to stay there should be designated five days at least, said U Thet Lwin Toe, managing director of the Myanmar Voyages International Tourism.

"Bagan Zone entrance fee is raised because of inflation. 10 years ago, the entrance fee was 10 US dollars. I sort of thought days allowed to stay were five days at that time, but now three days only. The entrance fee is 30,000 kyats. it is equal to about eight US dollars according to the current dollar price. If it was calculated  based on the dollar price, it wouldn't be expensive. But the days allowed to stay should be five days because there are different kinds of guests who come to Bagan. Three days is enough for some guests to visit the Bagan Zone. But those who mainly want to come to Bagan should be allowed to stay for five days, I think. The authorities concerned imitate the style of Angkor Wat. But the value of Bagan is different from that of Angkor Wat. When Cambodia and Vietnam are very successful in tourism industry, it is regrettable for Myanmar. If the government want to make more foreign tourists enter at a situation like this, it needs to relax such as raising the number of days allowed to stay and  collecting entrance fee in kyat." he said to CNI News.

Bagan region

The entrance fee was 25,000 kyats in the past and now is 30,000 kyats. Moreover, the period of visiting and staying permit was reduced from five to three days reportedly.

Another entrance fee must be paid if staying  more than three days and the entrance fee changed will start to be collected starting from 1st October 2023 reportedly. That the entrance fee and period of staying permit have been changed would have no effect, said U Zaw Weik, chairman of the Myanmar Hoteliers Association (Bagan Zone) to CNI News.

" In my opinion, 30,000 kyats for entrance fee is less. 15 US dollars should be at least. Even in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the entrance fee is 37 US dollars. It will have no effect." he said.

Although in the past, companies were allowed to work on the collection of zone entrance fees through tenders, due to the decrease in foreign tourist arrivals during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Archeology Department is collecting.

Bagan region

The places where the zone entrance fee is collected are the archeology counter at Bagan Airport, Arnanda Pagoda, Mya Cedi and Gubyaukgyi Temple (Myinkaba).

Although the entrance fees in the flagship places in other countries are more than those in Myanmar, because the service is better, it is deserved. Although Myanmar has raised entrance fees, its service has not been upgraded.

So, it still necessary to systematically manage things relating to the tourism industry, pointed out travel service providers.

CNI News
30 September 2023

The Tatmadaw armed militia (indigenous) in Namhkam with weapons in the hall of Northeast Command on 28 September 2023 reportedly.

 Lt-Gen Aung Aung from the Office of the Chief of Defense Staff (Army) armed the Namhkam militia force with some weapons. After that, he also gave honorariums to the security forces.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing discussed with the leaders of the militia (indigenous) force in northern Shan State about security issues on 10 September 2023.

The discussion was attended by U Ai Sam, leader of the Namhkam Myoma Militia in northern Shan State, U Kyaw Myint, leader of the Pansei Militia, U Sai Moon, leader of the Man Pan Militia, U Loi Maung, leader of Sein Kyawt Militia, U Sai Moon, leader of the Mong Si Militia,and U Khin Maung Lwin, leader of the Htin Par Kyaing Militia.  

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was meeting with militia leaders in Shan State (North) on 10 September 2023

After that, the Namhkam Militia was armed with weapons. Currently, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has been active widely in Shan State (North) in collaboration with PDFs and is fighting against the Tatmadaw.

In the same way, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) collaborates with PDFs and is fighting against the Tatmadaw. Moreover, explosions and robberies are widely taking place in Shan State (North) and the rule of law becomes weak there.

So, the Tatmadaw is carrying out security measurements for the security of Shan State (North) after arming indigenous militia forces.

CNI News

29 September 2023

The designation saying that 25 percent of basic salaries of expatriate Myanmar citizens must be transferred through legal channels to their families in Myanmar is sort of pushing remitters towards illegal remittance channels, said the people performing the affairs of migrant workers. 
10 percent of income of expatriate Myanmar citizens will be collected as income tax as well as 25 percent of basic salary must be transferred to Myanmar through official channels said in the statement released by the State Administration Council (SAC).

 The 25 percent must be exchanged at the price designated by the Central Bank of Myanmar without the rate of the market price, so there might be hardly anyone who will transfer to Myanmar and those who will transfer through unofficial channels may increase, pointed out businessmen and the people helping in the affairs of workers.

If the government allowed to exchange the foreign currencies that would be transferred from abroad at the market price, the workers would transfer due to lack of loss and if not so, it would be pushing Myanmar migrant workers to be illegal ones, said U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from Thai-based FED, to CNI News.

"The problem is the price designated by the government and exchange rate. If there is not a wide difference between the Hundi and the government's price, the workers will transfer. But now if you transfer 5,000 bahts from Thailand, your family in Myanmar will get 3,000 bahts only.  So, the workers lose a lot. Myanmar workers in average get about 10,000 bahts in average. But they don't get full salary. They have to pay the tax, social security fee and others. They get 75 percent of the salary only in the end of the month. If they have to transfer about 3,000 bahts, it won't be just and fair." he said.

Myanmar citizens who will go abroad for work

The SAC should designate about 15 percent to be transferred rather than 25 percent and if it exchanges the money transferred at the market price, workers from abroad can transfer their foreign currencies to Myanmar, suggested domestic businessmen and economists.

Myanmar workers from abroad find it difficult to transfer 25 percent of their basic salaries because they have to spend money to renew their labor identity cards and relevant legal documents, not to mention monetary inflation and wages that are not raised.

The law to collect 10 percent tax from Myanmar workers abroad will come into effect on 1st October 2023 and the workers must pay foreign currency only as the tax. If a worker doesn't transfer 25 percent of his basic salary to Myanmar, he will be banned going abroad for work, warned in the statement.

" The government will not allow at the price designated by the traders. It asks workers to transfer 25 percent to Myanmar. When we went abroad, we had to pay 10 percent as the tax. But now the government has relaxed. It doesn't ask the workers to pay 10 percent as the tax. It just ask to transfer. You will get your money back. It is necessary to build the country. You must not so selfish. Not only Myanmar migrant workers but also other citizens should transfer about 25 percent to their countries. The workers might lose a bit. You might lose about 600 kyats per dollar. You don't have to split hair about it, I think." said U Thet Zaw, a economic analyst.

Because the SAC asks the workers to transfer money without ability to solve the difficulties of the workers, it is very unlikely that the workers will transfer money. Moreover, incredibility of the SAC could reduce the possibility, said Ko Thar Gyi, helping Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand, to CNI News.

CNI News

29 September 2023

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council said that to focus on tourism which supports the country's economy was needed. 

He said the above at the ceremony marking World Tourism Day on 27 September 2023.

 The tourism industry was playing a leading role in creating employment opportunities and 10 pkingercent of the workers in the world were working in the tourism industry whose ability to create jobs for women and youths was so high, said chairman of the SAC.

" The individuals concerned need to focus on the fact that the tourism industry has been designated as an important sector to make investments for the people and to make the tourism industry develop sustainably. Moreover, in order to implement the tourism that will sustainably develop, using natural resources effectively in construction of tourism industry infrastructure and  making investment in the green building development projects that are implemented by energy saving methods are needed." he said.

Tourism industry could directly distribute to the national economic development, earn foreign currency, create jobs, make income directly or indirectly for various classes of people and it was a smokeless industry, he added. 

while the celebration marking the World Tourism Day was being held

International airlines were allowed to resume operations starting from April 17th, 2022 as well as the E-Visa for traveling around the world was allowed to start on 20th May.

In 2022, a total of over 200,000 international tourists entered Myanmar through ports, airports and border gates and That number had increased by more than 43 percent in comparison with 2021, said chairman of the SAC. 

Over 600,000 international tourists entered Myanmar from January to July this year and it increased by six times than the same period last year when over 100,000 only entered, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.  

So, while the State government was working hard to make the country's economy recover from all sides, it was necessary to perform emphatically the tourism industry and the tourism industry would reach the situation before the Covid-19 pandemic in the near future, he believed.

During the tourist season, hotel accommodation fees increase exponentially and in the same way, the prices of food, local goods and travel tickets increase as well. If these situations cannot be controlled, Myanmar can be left behind other countries, said domestic tourism operators and tourists.

Due to the current political crisis, there are security concerns and because the places to visit this year are the same as last year, the development of the tourism industry is delayed, pointed out domestic tourists.

CNI News

29 September 2023

Political community is discussing about whether a new approach to Myanmar political crisis can appear after the State Administration Council (SAC) was reshuffled. 

When the SAC was reshuffled on 25 September 2023 under the Section-419 of the constitution, General Maung Maung Aye and Lt-Gen Nyo Saw joined in the SAC after Lt-Gen Moe Myint Tun and Lt-Gen Soe Htut were expelled from membership.

Myanmar is facing with crises due to an unstable government and its wrong policies and so the SAC was reshuffled, which he thought, said U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political analyst, to CNI News.

Lt-Gen Moe Myint Tun who was expelled from the SAC

" The reason for this is that while the SAC is facing with the Spring Revolution, due to the military pressure of the PDFs led by the National Unity Government (NUG), and some EAOs, the number of the SAC's commanders, battalion commanders, and soldiers who are killed on the battlefield has increased more and more. This is a military factor. Another factor is wrong policies. Due to its poor governance and financial management, the value of the Myanmar And currency has fallen exponentially. And then, commodity prices have gone up. At the same time, as the foreign currencies have dried up, various problems have arisen. Due to an unstable government and its wrong policies, general crises are happening in Myanmar, which can be reviewed in general." he said.  

The SAC was reshuffled on 1 August 2023 for the first time and  2 August 2023, for the second time and 25 September 2023, for the third time.

 Although she was not able to know what was the intention of reshuffle exactly, she thought that it was performed in order to overcome the current crisis, said Daw Cho Cho Kyaw Nyein from the Federal Democratic Party, to CNI News.

Lt-Gen Nyo Saw who has become a member of the SAC

" We only know our political path. The army is ruling the country. Then, what are they going to do? Their intention is mentioned on the newspaper everyday. They will be trying to achieve their goal in their own way. We are not close to those from the Tatmadaw. We are going with the statements released by the Union Election Commission (UEC). We, the politicians, are doing like this for the time being. The people from the army that is ruling the country will be trying to overcome their difficulties, I think." she said.  

A nationwide census-taking will be conducted in 2024 after which a general election will be held and then the State power will be handed over to the winner party, the SAC has said. 

Discussions about holding a general election were also included in the peace meetings between the SAC and some EAOs.