CNI News

15 Dec 2022

Reopening Jiegao-Ruili border gate including the customs checkpoints and the bridge, which were closed for 2 years due to COVID-19 has raised hopes for reopening of Muse-Jiegao (Manwain) border gate, according to border trade merchants.

As Jiegao-Ruili border gate was reopened on 10th December, it is expected that Manwain border will be reopened during the Chinese New Year, Vice Chairman U Min Thein of Muse Rice Exchange told the CNI.

Trucks transporting goods from Myanmar to China. (STR)

He said, "Jiegao-Ruili border in China including the customs checkpoint and the bridge, which were closed for two years, has been reopened. Since 10th December, people have been allowed to go to and from Ruili and Jiegao. COVID-19 restrictions have been eased. Jiegao and Muse are divided only by a fence. The border gate between Muse and Jiegao is known as Manwain border gate, which can handle about 600 trucks a day. However, the gate has been closed for two years. If the gate is reopened, border trade will accelerate. It is expected that the gate will be reopened soon because Chinese authorities are lifting COVID restrictions. The Chinese New Year festival concludes on 20 January. After the festival, authorities are likely to reopen Muse-Jiegao gate. Border trade will accelerate then."

Due to outbreak of COVID-19 in Muse and China, Chinese authorities have closed the gate since early April in 2021.

Trucks from Myanmar stranded in China. (STR)

When Manwain border gate is reopened, they will earn more money, Ko San Win, a truck driver in Muse, told the CNI.

He said, "Reopening the gate is good not only for us but also for the entire country. Businesses will recover. We can get as much as MMK 2 million a day when the gate is reopened."

There are six border gates between Myanmar and China in Shan State but Kyinsankyawk and Chinshwehaw gates are open at present. Manwain, Sin Phyu, Nandaw and Panhseng (Kyukoke) gates are still closed.

CNI News

13 Dec 2022

Frequent blackouts in the entire country including Yangon Region sometimes last four to five hours in some places and hamper small and medium enterprises which have to rely on electricity.

As generators have to be used when electricity is cut off, production costs have increased for fuel and operations have been delayed, Ko Hla Khaing, the owner of a steel-door workshop in Tamwe Township in Yangon Region, told the CNI.

He said, "When electricity is cut off, we have to use generators. If electricity is supplied regularly, we just need to pay the bill. It costs relaltive low to use electricity supplied by authorities. When we have to use generators, we have to buy fuel oil. Some workshops that do not have generators have to buy ones. If they cannot afford generators, they will have to wait until electricity comes back. So, their operations are delayed and labour costs are higher. As we cannot buy big generators, we had to buy small ones. So, only one worker can use it and we missed deadlines. We have to apologize to our customers. If electricity is supplied regularly, all workers can do their work."

A candle is lit during a blackout.

Small and medium enterprises suffered losses during the outbreak of COVID-19 and have just resumed their operations when long blackouts hamper them, according to entrepreneurs.

He had to raise prices when his generator is used for photocopying, a photocopying shop owner told the CNI.

He said, "We cannot serve our customers when electricity is cut off. So, we have to use generators. We charge them higher prices when we have to use generators."

Electricity is being rationed in townships in Yangon Region. Electricity is cut off for three to four hours a day in Yangon Region but blackouts last as many as eight hours a day in some townships.
Myanmar has faced electricity shortages due to low electricity output from Hydropower dams, maintenance of gas-fired power stations and saving water in dams for power generation in the upcoming summer.

As a result, electricity is being rationed in the entire country, according to a statement of Yangon Electricity Supply Board.

CNI News

13 Dec 2022

Fighting between the Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar military in Namhsan in Palaung Self-administered Zone in Shan State (North) has displaced more than 2,000 residents, member D D Poe Kyein of the Ta'ang Political Consultative Committee told the CNI.

The clashes erupted from 7th December to the evening of 11th December and residents were forced to flee to Namhsan, he added.

D D Poe Kyein said, "More than 2,000 residents have been displaced. People from Manlone, Konetha and surrounding villages fled to Namshan."

During the clashes, the Myanmar military launched airstrikes while military battalions in Namhsan and Manton fired heavy weapons.

Residents displaced by fighting between the TNLA and the military.

Local residents have difficulties as they are harvesting tea and drying them, a volunteer who has been helping the displaced told the CNI.

He said, "Local people will face difficulties because it is time for them to harvest tea and paddy. They had to flee from their villages by leaving everything they had. We call for both parties to resolve issues through dialogue without bearing any grudges against each other because it is local residents who suffer when clashes break out."

Ta'aung civil society and social assistance organizations are offering help to the displaced.

D D Poe Kyein told the CNI, "Our local residents are in trouble. It is winter and it is very cold. We are worried about the elderly and children. They should be staying indoors in warm clothes but they are fleeing from clashes. Moreover, schools have just reopened after a hiatus of two year due to COVID-19 and the political crisis. Children cannot go school because of the battles. The local economy has been damaged and local residents are wondering what they can do for their living. The displaced are in serious trouble."

The TNLA is a Ta'aung armed organization that is negotiating for a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the military.

CNI News

13 Dec 2022

Malaysia has planned to hire nearly 400,000 foreign workers but has not announced the countries from which it recruits them, Myanmar nationals who intend to work in Malaysia are required to be cautious about swindlers, labour activists for Myanmar workers in Malaysia told the CNI.

The new Malaysian prime minister announced that the immigration department approved more than 370,000 out of over 400,000 applications to hire foreign workers.

Migrant workers in Malaysia.

U Barbu Gyi, who has been helping Myanmar workers in Malaysia, told the CNI, "Some agents have posted "Malaysia has resume hiring foreign workers" based on the announcement of the new prime minister. They are trying to lure Myanmar workers. However, they cannot express the details. So, it is important for Myanmar nationals who intend to work in Malaysia not to trust their money in such agents. The new prime minister has not announced the details. He may be talking about 400,000 workers to be hired under G-to-G agreements made by the previous government. In the past, the government agreed to hire 500,000 workers from Bangladesh under a G-to-G agreement. The Malaysian government has such agreements with Bangladesh and Indonesia. We still don't know whehter he was talking about the agreements or new plans. I think he was talking about such agreements. He did not say that the country would hire workers from Myanmar."

Remaining more than 30,000 applications out of over 400,000 applications submitted between 1st January to 4th December would also be processed, according to the statement.

Migrant workers in Malaysia.

The Malaysian government is likely to adopt a policy as to how many workers from which countries will be hired, labour activists for Myanmar workers in Malaysia said.

He wants the Malaysian government to hire some workers from Myanmar, General Secretary U Chit Kaung of the Assistance Association for Myanmar Migrant Workers in Malaysia told the CNI.

He told the CNI, "The Malaysian government needs to announce their policy precisely. Only then, will we be able to know exactly. We want the Malaysian government to hire workers from Myanmar.

However, we don't know the relations between the Malaysian and Myanmar governments. This will also matter. We want the Malaysian government to hire Myanmar workers but we don't know the details of their policies because it is a new government."

Malaysian authorities.

During the term of the previous government, the Malaysian government did not hire workers from Myanmar under G-to-G agreements and permitted Myanmar migrants who had been approved after the outbreak of COVID-19 to work in Malaysia.

Malaysian factories are required to seek approval to the Malaysian labour labour ministry and such factories hire only a few workers.

U Barbu Gyi told the CNI, "If your agents are trustworthy, you must ask for the copies of demand letters issued by the Malaysian government and sent them to us. We can ask the factories whether they are true or not. There are a lot of swindlers at present. Myanmar nationals who intend to work in Malaysia are required to do due diligence."

There are 1.4 million foreign workers who have been permitted to work in Malaysia temporarily and 500,000 of them are employed in the manufacturing sectors while 300,000, 100,000 and another 100,000 are working in the construction, services and agriculture sectors respectively, according to the home minister of the Malaysian government.

CNI News

12 Dec 2022

Holding elections alone is not sufficient to resolve the political crisis and free up political space, Chairman U Ko Ko Gyi of the People's Party told the CNI.

Overcoming the political deadlock requires not only holding elections and transfering power to the winning party but also creating tangible political expectations, he added.

A voter showing his little finger. (Sai Aung Mein)

U Ko Ko Gyi told the CNI, "The State Administration Council, which has assumed State power, has the privilege to create a conducive environment. The SAC needs to give a clear message to democratic forces, ethnic armed organizations and the international community that it is not armed struggles but political means that will bring about tangible changes. At the moment, political space is closed and there is almost nothing political parties can do because restrictions, controls and limits are imposed. Therefore, holding elections and transferring power to the winning pary is not enough to resolve the political crisis and to free up political space. We have been calling for tangible political expectations. Otherwise, there is no way out of the political deadlock and there will be more challenges and crises at home and abroad.”

The SAC chairman promised to hold elections in August, 2023 and transfer power to the winning party.

A Kayan woman after casting her vote. (STR-GETTY IMAGES)

Although elections to be held by the SAC are one of the political exits, it will not resolve all issues, Chairman U Shwe Min of the Lisu National Development Party ( crossbow party) told the CNI.

He said, "Elections may be an exit to some extent but political means are too weak to resolve all issues. On the other hand, elections play an important role in democracies. It is important that the elections are inclusive. We view that dialogue is important for elections and the post election period."

The Chin State Joint Defence Committee has urged the public not to cooperate with elections held by the SAC while the Karenni National Progressive Party announced that it would not permit all political parties in Karenni State to contest the election.

CNI News

12 Dec 2022

SAC Chairman Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing has called for effective action against corruption, which undermines the morals and morale of the people and is dangerous for the country.

The chairman made the remarks at the ceremony marking the International Anti-corruption Day on 9th December, 2022. The chairman said that the SAC had been exerting efforts for stability of the country, unity of all national races and development of social economic life and building a federal union based on democracy and federal system in accordance with the political, economic and social objectives adopted during the term in which the SAC has assumed the State power in accordance witht the 2008 constitution.

He added that in doing so, it was of utmost importance to reduce corruption that can undermine the development and stability of the country in all aspects.

Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing at the ceremony to mark International Anti-corruption Day.

The chairman continued to say that as corruption can damage the morale and morals of the people and is dangerous for the country, the Anti-corruption Law was enacted on 7th August, 2013 and effective prevention and action has been taken against it. To prevent and take action against corruption, which takes various forms from time to time, the law had been amended four times. He also urged all to participate in anti-corruption efforts as a national duty.

During the term of the SAC, former Yangon region chief minister U Hla Soe, Yangon region former commerce minister U Aung Than Oo and former secretary of the Yangon Region Government U Soe Soe were sentenced to long prison terms on 8th December, 2022 after being charged with corruption.
Myanmar signed the United Nation Anti-corruption Convention in 2005 and became the 165th member of the convention.

Since 2017, Myanmar has held annual International Anti-Corruption Day ceremonies on 9th December.

CNI News

12 Dec 2022

Offering travel insurance exemptions to tourists who have purchased international insurance should not be limited to Russian nationals, tour entrepreneurs and hoteliers told the CNI.

A Russia-based tour company called on the union minister for Hotels and Tourism to offer insurance exemption to Russian tourists who have already purchased international travel insurance policies.
The union minister promised to hold negotiations with relevant government agencies for the issue.

Chairman U Zaw Weik of the Myanmar Hoteliers Association (Bagan Zone) told the CNI, "Such kinds of news cannot be covered up. If authorities intend to invite more tourists, they will have to ease restrictions. However, they must ease restrictions for all tourists because the tour industry is working worldwide. The issue depends on the decision of the minister but it is difficult to change the regulation. They should seek our opinions."

Foreign tourists.

Travel insurance is a policy that protects tourists from injuries and deaths during their domestic or foreign trips.

Most foreign tourists have bought international travel insurance policies but they have to buy Myanmar travel insurance policies when they visit the country.

There are criticisms that Myanmar is taking advantage of the regulation to earn foreign exchange, according to tour operators.

Tour entrepreneurs said that the restriction should be eased for every country which has been offered visa exemptions.

Foreign tourists.

A tour entrepreneur said, "Whether tourists from countries which have been offered visa exemption should buy insurance policies is a question because insurance is compulsory when tourists apply for visas. In Thailand, tourists from visa-free countries are required to buy insurance again. It is difficult to say exactly how effective the Myanmar insurance is. In the past, travel insurance was mandatory for tourists, who had to pay a premium of MMK 5 million, which is equal to US$ 1,500 or 2,000 today and will not cover medical charges. Due to such issues, foreign tourists purchase travel insurance policies that can cover their medical charges. It was announced that the country will reopen tourism to the world on World Tourism Day. It is necessary to prove the words with deeds. If authorities believe that tourism can help recover the economy and intend to promote tourism, they should ease restrictions. It is certain that some progress will be achieved."

Premiums for travel insurance of foreign tourists vary depending on how long they stay and they are required to buy one unit (MMK 500,000) to 20 units (MMK 20 million), according to a statement of Myanmar Insurance.

During the period from 6th April to the end of October, Myanmar sold travel insurance policies to about 60,000 foreign tourists, earning US$ 3.8 million, according to Myanmar Insurance.

CNI News

10 Dec 2022

The system requiring workers to sign contracts in their states and regions may increase the number of agents and swindlers, overseas employment agencies and labour activists in Thailand told the CNI.

Ko Thar Gyi, a labour activist for Myanmar workers in Thailand, told the CNI, "The system cannot be implemented. Even if it is possible for workers to sign contracts in their states and regions, overseas employment agencies cannot cannot go to states and regions. They are encouraging human trafficking. The government and the Department of Labour cannot control human trafficking. In the past, contracts were signed in Yangon and Hpa-an. It was better for workers. Human trafficking will increase. The new system does not bring benefits for the government. It is questionable."

Overseas employment agencies cannot go to every state and region to sign contracts, according to some overseas employment agencies.

The skill training school of the Department of Labour.

People who intend to work in Thailand under the MOU are required to be cautious about agents, Managing Director Daw Myat Hayman Lin of Pwint Phyu Aung Agency told the CNI.

She said, "Workers are required to be clever. First, they must come to agency offices and sign contracts. It is safe for them. They must contact us in person without using agents. We will discuss the types of jobs and sign contracts when agreements have been reach. They must contact us directly. Otherwise, the number of swindlers will increase."

In the past, work contracts were signed in interview offices and private training classes. The Department of Labour has adopted a system requiring workers to sign contracts in states and regions.
Although the CNI contacted the department, it did not answer the phone.

It is difficult for agencies to go to states and regions and can go to states and regions where there is a large number of workers, she added.

Migrant workers.

She said, "We need to interview and recruit them. So, we will have to go to states and regions around us like Bago, Ayeyarwady and Magway, where a large number of people want to work in Thailand under the MOU. We will go to them and sign contracts. We will have to choose only two or three regions or states. When we sign contracts in states and regions, we need a director, a computer clerk and one or two staff. So, we need at least four or five people. However, we haven't signed any contract under the new system."

The Department of Labour has allowed workers in Chin state to sign contracts in Rakhine State and Magway Region, according to the statement.

Workers are also required to submit evidence that they actually live in states and regions where they sign contracts to the supervisory boards for signing contracts.

CNI News

10 Dec 2022

The safety of civilians can be guaranteed only after the current political crisis has been resolved, Chairman U Ko Ko Gyi of the People's Party told the CNI.

As the rule of law has collapsed, crimes have rampant and action cannot be taken against crimes like thefts, robberies and murders, he added.

He said, "The main cause is the political crisis. Since the SAC seized power on 1st February, 2022, protests and armed resistance have erupted. Civilians were killed and properties were torched. About 80 monks have been killed and more than 7,000 civilains were murdered. We have never seen such destruction in our history. It is important to resolve the political issues through political means."

As the political crisis has led to armed resistance in the entire country, arm and drug smuggling is rampant in Myanmar.

 Drugs worth MMK 4 billion seized in Kyaikto in Mon State.

Then, civilians have faced security threats.

Some armed organizations have been involved in drug trafficking, Advocate U Kyee Myint told the CNI.

He said, "Khin Nyunt and Than Shwe ruled the country for 25 years by permitting drug trafficking, which dropped a little when Thein Sein took office. During the term of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, militia continued to smuggle drugs. The AA is involved in drug trafficking to establish their army."

 Troops of the KNLA. (GETTY IMAGES)

The AA spokesperson was not available for comments for the issue.

Drugs pose a threat to the morals of youths and cause a problem for them, Director U Thein Tun Oo of the Strategic Studies told the CNI.He said, "There are security rules and regulations, enforcement is weak. People fail to abide by law while law enforcement is corrupted. There are loopholes. Drugs especially pose a serious threat to national security. In the past, heroin was a major drug problem. Now, there are ICE and yaba. They are chemical drugs and can be mass produced in a small room by using pill press machines. Drugs pose a threat to the morals of youths and their health. It is a major threat to new generations."

Members of the PDF of the Spring Revolution.

Since the military ousted the civilian government on 1st February, 2021, arm and drug trafficking has been rampant in Myanmar and the rule of law has been undermined. Thefts, robberies and murders have increased and the public security has come under threats.

The public has called on authorities to check arm and drug trafficking in the country.