CNI News

26 June 2024

To control the rise in domestic rice prices, rice would be sold at a lower price within Yangon Region, announced the Myanmar Rice Federation.

After authorities had summoned rice traders for inquiries and taken actions regarding the increase in the price of rice, the MRF's statement arose. 

In controlling the rice market, the government needed to systematically tackle the market, taking into account of the traders' interests and if it carried out by force, rice mills would not operate.

And then, rice could be scarce in the market and the black market could arise, U Thein Aung, chairman of the Farmers Development Association, told CNI News.

While seeing a rice shop

" It's necessary to maintain the market at a reasonable price. It's not easy to control so as not to raise the price at all. After negotiations to an extent for the sake of traders, for example, traders are allowed to raise the price by 5 percent every month. If those who are trading on a large scale are controlled by force, domestic rice mills won't dare to operate. And then, rice will be scarce and the black market will arise." he said.

The Wadan and Bayint Naung Wholesale Centers would sell Shwe Bo Pawsan Hmwe at 135,000 to 145,000 kyats per bag and Aemahta at 70,000 to 72,000 kyats per bag reportedly. 
And then, as retail sale, one pyi of fine rice will be sold at 5,000 kyats and coarse rice, at 3,000 kyats reportedly. One household can buy a bag of fine rice and a bag of coarse rice reportedly.

However, selling rice like this would be convenient just for the people living in Yangon Region, but it wasn't convenient for the people in other regions. So, it could not helpful for the stabilization of the price of rice, reviewed some people.

While seeing a rice shop

As the government, if it wanted to stabilize the price of rice, when the rice paddy appear abundantly, it should buy a lot of rice as a reserve and sell it when the price of rice was going up, U Aye Win, a rice trader, told CNI News.

" Like reserve rice, rice paddy that was bought at 16 or 17 lakh kyats for 100 baskets when the paddy appeared abundantly should be milled and sold to real consumers when the price of rice go up. By doing do, the price can be maintained so as not to make the price higher. But when 1,000 bags of rice are allowed to be sold, only 500 bags are sold as directed, it is necessary to control so as not to make the remaining 500 bags arrive in the black market." he said.

The current price of Shwe Bo Pawsan in the domestic market is until 190,000 kyats per bag and Ayeyarwady Pawsan, 120,000 to 150,000 kyats. Moreover, the price of coarse rice is from 80,000 to 110,000 kyats reportedly. 

The price of rice tend to go up at a time like this of the year and the price could go up until September, said farmers.

CNI News

25 June 2024

Rakhine and Chin ethnic people were entering Malaysia as refugees more than before, officials from ethnic refugee organizations concerned told CNI News. 

Although the number of Chin refugees was around 50,000 in Malaysia in 2021, now has been over 80,000. 

In the same way, the number of Rakhine refugees has been over 10,000 now, according to officials from refugee organizations.

Most of the people who had entered were young people, an official from the Arakanese Community Malaysia told CNI News.

While seeing Chin refugees

" As new comers, young people are more mainly because of domestic impacts. Rakhine people are not found to be coming here with their families. They seem to enter Malaysia because it was not convenient for them to work in other places." he said.

Some entered Malaysia illegally through border and others came on a visit visa and overstayed. 

The number of Myanmar nationalities who got refugee status had been low since before and later as well, new comers had to take a long time to get refugee cards reportedly.

Moreover, the Malaysian government didn't want that refugees would increased within its country, so it was strictly checking, James Bawi Thang Bik, chairman of the Alliance of Chin Refugees, told CNI News.

While seeing Chin refugees

" At present in Malaysia, those who don't get the UN refugee cards have outnumbered those who have got the cards. Many Myanmar young and middle age people have arrived in Malaysia. Those who joined the CDM came here in the hope of getting UN refugee cards. But they are not given a priority in Malaysia. But the UN give a priority to the people regarding health. The UN is giving those who applied to get a refugee status in 2019-20, but the rate is very low." he said.

Myanmar nationalities will not get the UNHCR cards quickly in Malaysia and among those who came as refugees, many educated young people are included reportedly.

With many refugees coming to Malaysia, they are experiencing a lot of difficulties including health problems reportedly.

CNI News

24 June 2024

A lot of the KIA/PDF joint forces have been launching an offensive in order to control Indawgyi region in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State since 22nd June, said locals. 

At present, battles are severely breaking out between the KIA/PDF joint forces and the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Nyaung Bin, Chaung Wa and Lwepaw Villages in Indawgyi region and houses are also being burned, they said. 

The KIA/PDF joint forces are attacking the military camps of the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the indigenous militias in horde of forces and residents are being trapped in Chaung Wa.

CNI News

22 June 2024

India has exempted the corn imported from Myanmar from customs duty, according to the Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association. 

In the past, India was collecting 60 percent for commercial tax, 5 percent for collective goods and service and 10 percent for additional social security tax when importing corn from Myanmar.

Because of the current need for corn of India, India has exempted Myanmar corn from customs duty, an official from the Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association, told CNI News.

" Economic associations from India negotiated with the Myanmar side to allow Myanmar corn to import duty-free because there has been a high demand for corn in India. We are exporting our corn to other countries as well. The price of corn has gone up again. So, they negotiated with us. And then we have started exporting corn." he said.

Although over 38 million tons of corn were produced in India last year, only about 35 million tons of corn might be produced this year. 

While seeing Myanmar corn

More than one million tons of corn is needed for a poultry farming sector alone each year reportedly. 

Myanmar has been allowed to export corn to Thailand duty-free from February to August. It is not clear how India has designated it duty-free.

Although Myanmar corn was exported to India in March and May, at present because the price of corn in Thailand is high, Myanmar corn is being mainly exported to Thailand, U Thant Zin Tun, vice chairman of the Myanmar Corn Industrial Association, told CNI News. 

" Myanmar corn was exported to India from March to April. Because the Thai price of corn is a little higher at present, Myanmar corn is being mainly exported to Thailand. Maybe Myanmar corn is being exported to India from the old contracts." he said.

Not very long ago, three ships loaded with Myanmar corn were docked at India’s Port and according to the contract, 10 more ships loaded with Myanmar corn would be exported, stated the Ministry of Commerce.

Myanmar exports about two tons of corn each year and it is being mainly exported to China and Thailand through border trade. Moreover, Myanmar corn is exported to the Philippines, Vietnam and other countries by sea.

CNI News

21 June 2024

Ko San Oo, vice chairman of the Shanni Literature and Culture Committee from Banmauk township, upper Sagaing Region was arrested by the KIA/PDF joint forces and he hasn't been released up to now reportedly.

He was arrested while he was constructing a partaking meal building in the monastery of Lay Thee Village on 7th June, said locals.

The KIA/PDF joint forces should not arrest him for no reason and ethnic groups should discuss the problems between them, a person close to Ko San Oo, told CNI News.

" I don't want arresting like this for no reason. T want them to solve the problem decently. We are all ethnic brothers. There might be disagreements. But like arresting a thief or a robber should not conducted. We can discuss between ethnic brothers." he said.

While seeing the PDF within Banmauk Township

In charge of southern part of Banmauk Township Shanni Literature and Culture Committee and vice chairman of the Shanni Youth Network Sai Say Lai was arrested by the KIA/PDF joint forces on 19th June, 2022. 

However, he was released on 23rd June, 2022.

Moreover, Sayadaw U Gandamar, the abbot of the monastery of Naung Pat Village, Banmauk Township was arrested and killed by the KIA/PDF joint forces on 4th September 2022. 

It was not clear why Ko San Oo, who was doing community benefit activities, was arrested by the KIA/PDF joint forces, a resident of Banmauk told CNI News.

While viewing the PDF under the KIA

" KO San Oo was not guilty at all. He was constructing a building in the monastery while he was arrested by the KIA/PDF joint forces. The KIA/PDF didn't express why they arrested Ko San Oo. It's no problem if he is released unhurt. In the past, they (KIA/PDF) arrested a Shanni person and then tortured and killed him. No one reported that." he said.

Bullying, threatening and killing with weapons with a view to die out literature and culture that are ike tap roots for the survival of a nationality are blatantly violating Clause (3), Clause (8) and Clause (11) of the UN's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, said in the statement released by 28 Shanni Civil Society Organizations.

CNI News

21 June 2024

The National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee and working groups of the political parties group discussed the points that should be amended from the 2008 Constitution reportedly.

The discussion was held in Naypyidaw on 19th and 20th June. The points supposed to be amended from the 2008 constitution and establishment of a democracy and federalism based union were discussed at the meeting, stated the State Administration Council (SAC). 

The two day long discussion was attended by U Ko Ko Gyi, Dr.Aye Maung, U Sai Ai Pao and U Aung Myat Oo from political parties group as well as Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, Lt-Gen Min Naing, Lt-Gen Win Bo Shein and Lt-Gen Ni Lin Aung from the NSPNC.

The Working Group of the political parties is made up of representatives elected from 47 political parties that are registered by the Union Election Commission and the election was held in Yangon 25th and 26th May.

CNI News

21 June 2024

There has been a shortage of palm oil in the domestic palm oil market and it cannot be bought as much as one wants while the price has increased by about two times. 

Although the price of palm oil was 6,000 kyats per viss last month, at present the price has been 12,000 to 14,000 kyats per viss, according to consumers. Not only was the price higher, it cannot be bought as much as one wanted.

 Although there were some people who came and sold palm oil at 6,000 kyats per viss, it could not be bought as much as you wanted, U Thein Aung, a local from Nyaungdon Township, Ayeyarwady Region, told CNI News.

" We can buy palm oil. But it's expensive. Sometimes, people can buy 50 ticals of palm oil per head at 3,000 kyats at a corner of the road. But it was only temporary. When you go to buy it because you want it, you have to pay 1,300 or 1,350 kyats for 10 ticals." he said.

the reason why there is the scarcity of palm oil is because the amount of palm oil imported has decreased;  goods imported have been limited and of the announcement that goods that arrive at the port without import license will be taken action against, reviewed some people.

Although authorities concerned have announced that palm oil must not be sold at more than 20 percent of the import price and those who sell at more than 20 percent will be taken action against, it has not been effective. So, the companies that import palm oil and agents who distribute it should be systematically tackled, U Myo Han, a market analyst, told CNI News.

" Wholesalers or companies that have import licenses to import palm oil can create this market. It will be convenient if they are systematically tackled." he said.

Edible oil is produced within the country and as domestic consumption is about 12 lakh tons, 9 lakh tons are imported each year, according to the trade department.

Palm oil is imported mainly from Malaysia and Indonesia and palm oil worth US$600 million is imported annually.

CNI News

21 June 2024

The National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee and the Working Group of the political parties of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) met reportedly. 

He hoped to reach a common agreement among the State Administration Council (SAC), political parties and NCA signatories including amending the weak points of the 2008 Constitution, U Ko Ko Gyi, chairman of the People's Party (PP) told CNI News.

" Mainly, the SAC will hold a free and fair general election. And then the State power will be handed over to the winning party. It is included in the SAC's five point road map. I don't know when the coming election will be held. But there were not any agreements between the parties that ran the previous election and the government that held elections.  

Therefore, bad consequences occurred. So, we have always demanded that prior agreements are required regarding how to amend the weak points of the constitution. When we meet, we need to identify the things that will be amended soon and the things that will amended later. As the first step, we hope to reach a common agreement among the SAC, political parties and the NCA signatories." he said.

The NSPNC and the working group of the political parties of the UPJDC met and discussed in Naypyidaw on 19th and 20th June 2024. 

The points from the constitution that should be amended and the points to be filled as well as common agreements that have been reached after discussion and negotiation with EAOs were discussed at the meeting reportedly.

The delegates for the working group of the political parties were elected from the 47 parties that have got registration from the Union Election  Commission (UEC) in May.

After that, the UPJDC's working group of the political parties will be led by the PP, the Arakan Front Party (AFP), the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party reportedly.

As a rotating leader, the USDP would discuss at the discussion between the NSPNC and political parties group, said U Ko Ko Gyi.

"This time as a rotating leader, Dr.Aung Myat Oo from the USDP will discuss with the NSPNC. Our parties have negotiated in advance which points will be discussed." he said.

The SAC was carrying out to conduct population and census-taking during October and making preparations to hold a general election in 2025, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC on 15th June.

CNI News

21 June 2024

Although many people are saying that RTK 3.0 permits will be issued, the government departments have not officially announced, Myanmar citizens and philanthropic associations told CNI News. 

RTK 2.0 started to be issued in January, 2023 and permit stickers will be issued in the end of June at the latest.

Brokers estimated and said that RTK 3.0 would be issued, Hmwar Michael, who lives in Malaysia, told CNI News.

" Brokers are saying without knowing thoroughly the RTK 3.0 will be issued. The departments haven't said that. Saying when RTK 3.0 will be issued, brokers are asking money as deposit from workers. Here too, jobs are very scarce. For the time being, operaco  have not finished. Even if the RTK 3.0 permits were issued, would it take long, I think." he said.

Although the Malaysian government tends to carry out the plan that will reduce the number of illegal workers, more and more arrests are being conducted this year. However, the arrests have declined since a few days ago reportedly.

It was difficult to estimate whether the Malaysian government would arrest illegal foreign migrant workers and send them back to their native countries or work permits would be issued, said Myanmar citizens and philanthropic associations in Malaysia.

While a finger print process is being carried out

After the permit stickers have been completely issued, more arrests could be conducted, Ko Thet, chairman of the Beautiful Heart Philanthropic Blood Donors Association, told CNI News.

Because RTK 2.0 was issued not very long ago, it was impossible to issue RTK 3.0 and there were many Myanmar citizens who didn't take the permits, he said.

“Even when RTK 2.0 was issued, some Myanmar citizens didn't take it because they thought their jobs and accommodations were good. 50 percent of Myanmar workers want to take the permits. Those who don't take the permits don't want to pay for it. Permits are issued every 2 or 3 years. When Myanmar citizens come to Malaysia legally or illegally, they should have passports." he said.

Among those who applied for RTK 2.0 permits, the people who didn't conduct finger prints were designated as illegal workers, announced the Malaysian authorities.

Because brokers would persuade in various ways that new permits would be issued, an official announcement only should be watched, suggested Myanmar organizations in Malaysia.