CNI News

October 4, 2023

11 Kokang Business people who were attending the trade fair that was held in Lincang Township, Yunnan Province, China were arrested by the Chinese police on 1 October 2023, said the people close to the incident, to CNI News. 
The Chinese Police arrived in the hotel where the 11 Kokang business people were staying and broke the doors and arrested the business people reportedly.

As the Jiangchuang District Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry invited the Kokang Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Kokang business people attended the trade fair. Kokang business people who were arrested are Wei Ching Tao, Liu Zhainci, Yang Laopi, Deng Jeeta, Jiu Shaokaik, Wing Chauk Nain, Hsu Hongshan, Lee Arphoo, Liu Su Nain, Che Aihua and Peeling Kor.

Over 1000 Chinese online gamblers were being handed over to China by the United Wa State Army on 6th September, 2023

Because those arrested were considered to break the Chinese laws and regulations, Chinese police detained them and investigating the cases in accordance with the law, said in a letter sent by China to Myanmar. China and Myanmar are cooperating to crack down on Chinese online gambling (Kyar Phyant) and a lot of arrests are being conducted in Kokang and Wa regions in Myanmar. So, it is said that those arrested might be related to the online gambling.

Chinese government probably will arrest those who are doing business of Kyar Phyant anymore because China views Kyar Phyant as a thing that can damage its national security, said a person close to China.

CNI News

4 October 2023

If the difficulties of Myanmar workers who have been abroad could be resolved by Myanmar embassies concerned, the workers are likely to remit 25 percent of their basic salary to their families in Myanmar, said the people helping Myanmar migrant workers, to CNI News.

Among Myanmar citizens who are abroad, some are convenient while others are uncomfortable with difficulties. As Myanmar embassies concerned are weak in helping to solve the difficulties, those inconvenient don't want to remit 25 percent of their basic salary reportedly.

So, Myanmar embassies concerned could resolve the difficulties Myanmar citizens are facing with, the workers probably will remit 25 percent that he thought, said U Barbu Gyi, a person helping Myanmar citizens in Malaysia, to CNI News.

While seeing Myanmar citizens who will go abroad for work in front of a labor office in Myanmar

" there are many Myanmar people who have lost both their money and their passports at present. There is no organization that will go on helping to solve the problems. If Myanmar embassies helped to solve the problems, there are many young Myanmar people who will remit 25 percent. If not so, no one will wish to remit." said U Barbu Gyi.

Because 25 percent remittance out of salary is mandatory, Myanmar citizens who fail to remit may find it difficult to apply for passports and other documents, pointed out experts.

When Myanmar migrant workers renew their passports and other documents, if they have not remitted 25 percent, because they have to spend a lot of money at the same time, it will be more inconvenient for them, said U Barbu Gyi.

Myanmar citizens who will go abroad for work

" When they have to renew their passports, they will find it difficult. I don't think it will be convenient for them if they have to spend a lot of money at the same time, including 25 percent remittance. Among those who haven't remitted 25 percent and don't have passports, some might go home depending on the situation of Myanmar and others might go on staying as overstayers. Those who will go home will choose illegal channels, I think." he added.

Those who were working in the factories that have suspended temporarily will find it more difficult if they have to remit 25 percent at present.

As Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand have to spend more money on more evidence documents than in other countries, Myanmar and Thailand should meet and negotiate to relax.

" Firstly, Myanmar embassy should resolve the problem of the MoU workers. Because the embassy did not solve systematically, it was not much successful. For example, a committee should be formed to solve the problems of Myanmar migrant workers." said Ko Naing Naing Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organization.

The right to work abroad will be banned for three years if 25 percent of the salary is not officially remitted, warned in the announcement. 

Moreover, Myanmar migrant workers have to pay the 10 percent of income as the tax by the foreign currency that they receive starting from 1st October 2023.

CNI News

4 October 2023

The Karen National Union (KNU) has seven brigades and some of the brigades recognize the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and others don't, said U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, to CNI News. 

Among the seven brigades of the KNU, five brigades don't recognize the NCA anymore and only two brigades want to go with the NCA, he said.

" Among the KNU's seven brigades, five brigades are participating in the Spring Revolution actively. So, not the whole KNU recognizes the NCA anymore. They are in a situation to go on participating in the public revolution in collaboration with the National Unity Government." said U Than Soe Naing.    

A brigade of the KNU

However, the KNU has not announced officially that the NCA has been void. Moreover, Brigade-7 of the KNU announced that it would find the solution for the domestic stability and peace by political means on 14 September 2023. 

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and former KNU chairman Saw Mutu Say Poe met and discussed about regional stability and peace on 30 September 2023.

The meeting confused the KNU forces and it did not have anything to do with the KNU, the KNU announced dated 2nd October, 2023. 

The KNU brigades are different from one another in the political attitude and there are disagreements in relation to the peace, said Dr.Aung Myo,a Myanmar political commentator, to CNI News.

Eight ethnic armed organizations including the KNU were signing the NCA on 15 October 2015

" Former KNU chairman didn't come here on behalf of the KNU. But it has shown that there have been a lot of people in the KNU who want the peace. There have been disagreements in the KNU about the peace that we can deem. We don't see the Brigade-2 has a clear attitude to fight against the Tatmadaw. The Brigade-7 is quiet almost at all. The Brigade-4 in Dawei region is staying quietly and in fact, Kawthulay Army and PDFs are active there.The Brigade-7 has been active and the Brigade-5 is the most active." said Dr.Aung Myo.  

Because the Tatmadaw had taken the State power, the NCA had been void, which Pado Sawta Do Hmu, general secretary of the KNU said at the KNU's press conference held on 10 August 2023

At present, NCA signatories - the KNU, the Chin National Front (CNF) and the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) are at battles against the Tatmadaw.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing has said that 8th Anniversary Celebration of the NCA will be held and both NCA signatories and NCA non-signatories have been invited to attend the event.

CNI News

4 October 2023

Livestock aquatic products from Myanmar have been allowed to export to China through GACC registration, said Myanmar Fisheries Federation. 

In the past, captured fish only was able to be exported to China and at present, livestock fish also could be officially exported to China. 

Attempts had been conducted since 2009 to be able to export officially livestock aquatic products to China, said Daw Toe Nanda Tin, vice chairperson of Myanmar Fisheries Federation, to CNI News.

" Exported fish has been diverse since before, but captured fish. But now we can export farmed fish as well. We can export if the conditions are met. It is called FAF protocol. Because we passed the protocol, we can export. They inspected. Because they were satisfied with everything after inspection, they allowed us to export. And then, both countries signed the agreement. We had been trying to reach this situation since 2009." she said.

While catching fish from a fish farm lake

As livestock aquatic products can ne exported like that, there will be benefits for livestock operators. However, the government needs to designate the land for the livestock industry, said U Thet Soe, secretary of Tanintharyi Fisheries Department, to CNI News.

" We were not allowed to export officially in the past. But now we can export officially. So, it is beneficial to the local livestock industry. The government needs to arrange the land for the livestock. If we cannot carry out in accordance with the GACC system, we can't export. Farmed fish needs to be free from germs. If they find germs in the fish, they won't take it." he said.

It is necessary to farm, produce and export in accordance with the standards designated by China. Because some fish farms in Myanmar are associated with poultry farming, aquatic products from these farms cannot be exported reportedly.

Fish, shrimp, lobster, crab and eel produced from Myanmar are being exported to foreign countries through maritime and border trade channels and China is the main market of Myanmar aquatic products export.

CNI News

3 October 2023

Myanmar had to stop exporting live cattle and buffaloes to China during the Covid-19 pandemic and at present, preparations are being made to re-export them, according to the exporters of cattle and buffaloes. 

The trucks that had officially carried live cattle and buffaloes were shot by armed groups on the union main road where there are military conflict and there were also incidents of deaths and injuries.

If authorities designated a place for cattle and buffaloes trading somewhere in Mandalay Region, it would be convenient, said an official from the Cattle Exporters Association, to CNI News.

" Designate a place in Mandalay Region for trading cattle and buffaloes, Chinese traders will come there to buy. We'll pay the tax for cattle we sell there. Armed groups disturb the traders only and they don't disturb Chinese people. Traders from all over the country will come and sell their cattle at the place designated. Chinese traders will come and buy there. These are things that were officially bought. These are theirs if they make a loss or make a profit. Asking Myanmar traders to go to the border and sell cattle are like asking them to compete and it encourages the black market. If you want to know how you should do, you should do after consulting with people who are experts in this business." he said.

While seeing the trucks loaded with cattle to be exported to China

U Min Naung, Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation signed on the agreement with General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China in relation to exporting cattle from Myanmar at the meeting of modern Silk Road implementation held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Southern China on 18 September 2023. 

After that, they discussed about building cattle farms depending on the quantity and amount and  producing sustainably the live cattle and iced beef reportedly.

When the live cattle are exported to China through Muse border route, it is difficult to place cattle and to find food for them. So, it is necessary to designate a place for trading cattle around Mandalay Region, said traders. Although the Department of Livestock and Treatment is collaborating with the Ministry of Commerce for exporting cattle to China, it is necessary to lay down the policies in cooperation with expert traders, said U Soe Naing, a cattle trader, to CNI News.

"A person from the livestock federation phoned me recently. He said that we could re-export cattle to China. In fact, they don't know anything about trading cattle.  I don't work on it anymore because it wasn't convenient. It is necessary to cooperate with those who have been active on the ground so that it will be convenient. If inconvenient, the people will make a loss." he said.  

Most of the cattle ranches in Myanmar are located in Mandalay, Sagaing and Magway Regions. Cattles and buffaloes from Myanmar are being exported to China, Thailand, India and Bangladesh through official or illegal channels.

CNI News

3 October 2023

He expected to win the peace from the meeting of former chairman of the Karen National Union (KNU) Saw Mutu Say Poe and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council, said Mahn Aung Pyi Soe, chairman of the Karen National Democratic Party (KNDP), to CNI News.

The meeting would impact on the peace process and not only they but also the whole country was hoping to win the peace, he said. 

"We see that from the positive side. I hope the meeting will positively impact on the peace to an extent from their meeting. Not only we but also the whole country is hoping the peace." said Mahn Aung Pyi Soe.

During the meeting of Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Saw Mutu Say Poe on 30 September 2023

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC, Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae and former chairman of the Karen National Union Saw Mutu Say Poe, former member of the KNU Central Committee Saw Roger Khin, chairman of the KNU Brigade-6 Pado Saw Shwe Maung met in Naypyidaw on 30 September 2023. 

The meeting intended to win the regional peace and the Tatmadaw always opens the track for ethnic armed organizations to hold peace talks, said chairman of the SAC.

However, the meeting of chairman of the SAC and former chairman of the KNU would not impact on the peace and revolution, said Saw Lay Ka Paw for the Karen Peace Support Network to CNI News.

During the meeting of Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Saw Mutu Say Poe on 30 September 2023

"It's hard to say because they are not representatives officially sent by KNU. It won't take effect a lot. The SAC seems to send message to its neighboring countries and international that they are talking with the KNU for peace. Those who went and attended the meeting are just former members. That's why it won't take effect a lot on the peace and revolution because the public doesn't support this case." said Saw Lay Ka Paw.

Due to the political changes following 1 February 2021.  Battles broke out again between the Tatmadaw and the KNU in Kayin, Mon States, Bago and Tanintharyi Regions and in the same way, armed conflicts have been taking place throughout the country.

Because of the armed conflicts, so many people had to displace and during the past over two years of the conflict, over 86,000 houses and buildings were set fire, according to the ISP Myanmar.

CNI News

3 October 2023

Myanmar vendors and shops opened by Myanmar citizens are being watched by Malaysian citizens, said Myanmar citizens staying in Malaysia, to CNI News. 
Moreover, arrests are rampant almost everywhere in Malaysia, said Hmwar Michael staying in Malaysia to CNI News.

" At present, Myanmar and Bangladeshi people are going in their cars and have opened shops in Malaysia and people are a little crowded in this country. So, Malaysian people have noticed them. And then, as there are also sales without complying with the regulations and Myanmar people have increased, arrests have taken place almost everywhere. Moreover, shops and KTV lounges opened by Myanmar citizens were surveilled by Malaysian citizens and they complained, authorities in collaboration with immigration department have started checking. According to the law of this country, sales are not allowed on the platform. I want to warn my citizens to sell goods at the designated area in accordance with the law. If they do so, it is convenient." he said.

Among those surveilled, not only Myanmar citizens but also Bangladeshi and Nepali citizens are included. Because Myanmar citizens spit quid of betel on the roadside, walk drunklike in group and sell goods on the platform, more Myanmar citizens are being surveilled reportedly.

Relevant officials are checking the cars on the road

A Malaysian took a video of  Myanmar citizens selling goods on the platform and shared it on social media a few days ago. 
Besides, action will also be taken against shops that have been opened under the name of Malaysian citizens, said U Barbu Gyi helping in the affairs of Myanmar citizens in Malaysia, to CNI News.

" Malaysian Prime minister has said that this country doesn't allow foreigners to open shops illegally anymore. The shops opened using the name of Malaysian citizen will be taken action against because they are illegal. There are arrests almost everyday and everywhere - at home, at workplace, while walking." he said.

Because Malaysia is facing with economic decline and commodity prices are going up and jobs are scarce, Myanmar citizens are getting into trouble. Besides, some factories have gone bankrupt or have been closed in Malaysia.

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.