Myanmar News : The New Light of Myanmar | HOME || french | deutch | italiano | español | japanese | chinese | korean |
 |
|
Established in 1914
1. The Fertilizer Law 2. International Day of Older Persons marked
3. Mayor receives US Charge d' Affaires ai
4. Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspects systematic consumption of electricity at ministries,
departments
5. Seminar on promotion of production held
6. Cash donated to exhibition of Myanmar Women's endeavours 7. Cash donated to Hninzigon Home for the Aged
8. Cash donated for construction of MBA building 9. Drug traffickers sentenced
SPOTLIGHT
( 1 )The Union of Myanmar
The State Peace and Development Council
The Fertilizer Law
(The State Peace and Development Council Law No. 7/2002)
The 10th Waning Day of Tawthalin 1364 M.E. (1st October, 2002)
( 2 ) International Day of Older Persons marked
Yangon, 1 Oct - The International Day of Older Persons was held at International Business Centre on Pyay Road here this morning and Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt made a speech on the occasion and presented gifts, donations and medicines to the older persons.
Older persons have been living with their offspring in family for ever according to traditions and customs of MyanmarSpeaking on the occasion, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said that it was the fourth time Myanmar had observed the International Day of Older Persons which falls on 1 October annually as designated by United Nations since 1999. The ceremony was held with the aim of promoting the fine traditions of Myanmar to take care of the older persons and to enable them to live longer with peace of mind and to highlight the spirit of Myanmar in paying serious attention to taking care of the older persons in accord with Mangalar sutta, he added. The deeply rooted tradition of Myanmar family system in which the grand-parents, the parents and the children living together in amity has been flourished since yore. The children also take pride in taking care of parents and grand-parents and fulfilling their needs and regard the task as a noble deed.
Likewise, the older persons also feel pleasured to safeguard the economic and social affairs of their offspring as much as they can while living together in a family. Hence, the older persons have been living together with their offspring in a family for ever in Myanmar society without any serious problem or difficulty. It was a great pleasure for Myanmar youths, who have a tradition of taking care of the older persons regarding them as their parents, to create the peaceful and pleasant environment for the older persons and it was regarded as a noble task. It was auspicious for Myanmar youths to hold the International Day of Older Persons annually in accord with the fine and lovable traditions of Myanmar and make known the traditions to the international community, creating the pleasures of the older persons by taking care and respecting of them. The State Peace and Development Council has been making systematic efforts in accord with Mingalar Sutta to enable the Union to stand shoulder to shoulder with the nations of the world and to enable the entire national people to enjoy the higher living standard and all social pleasures.
Special priority has been given to all citizens, old or young to fully enjoy the good results of national development in any place and to create a pleasant atmosphere for all people. A ministry has laid down objectives and plans for emergence of development foundations suitable for children, youths and older persons according to age group in social development sector and is implementing them systematically. The government has separately formed the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and assigned duties to carry out the social development tasks for those who are in need of social assistance for various reasons including the children and older persons and those who require basic social needs. The ministry has been carrying out social development tasks from national level to grassroots level in cooperation with other departments and social organizations. In doing so, priority is given to nursing and care service for the elderly people and child care service and woman care service.
In Myanmar, there have been better foundations for majority of the elderly people who can live happily with the families of their sons and daughters. It is not strange for Myanmar people to create a pleasant atmosphere and to build better foundations for the elderly people who need special care. It is accepted as a meritorious deed for Myanmar people. Moreover, it is very noble to nurse and care the elderly people with respect according to the polite, gentle, religious teachings, culture and customs and social ethics of Myanmar people. Myanmar elderly people only want to meditate according to their faith. If they have opportunity to meditate with peace of mind, they think that their life is perfect. Therefore, in Myanmar society the matter concerning the elderly people is not a social problem to solve. It is a noble and meritorious deed. In accord with Myanma tradition, pagodas, monasteries and zayats have been the places for the elderly people who can meditate. In the past, homes for the aged have been established since 1898 with the contribution of generous persons, religious associations and social organizations in various parts of the country.
The homes for the aged are over 100 years old. It is a tradition to donate homes for the aged by not only social organizations but also successful national entrepreneurs. with the assistance of the government. It is also a significant condition for them. Now, there are 45 homes for the aged established by social organizations and religious associations in the whole country. The government provided rice, cash and cost for uniforms and salaries of staff to 37 homes for the aged, spending K 10.7 million in 2001-2002 fiscal year. Myanmar has been carrying out the elderly people care service in accord with religion, culture, customs and social development tasks with the participation of the entire people. Efforts to create a pleasant atmosphere for the elderly people under the sponsorship of the UN is appropriate for Myanmar. That is why Myanmar is actively participating in these tasks. Every year Myanmar observes the International Day of the Older Persons which has been designated in accord with the instructions of the UN.
The aims of the Day to enable the people to notice the condition of the aged persons in accord with the motto "Towards a society for all ages"; to promote the priority tasks and programmes for the older persons; and for the NGOs, the media, the private organizations and the youths to enhance their participation in aged care task. The youths are required to create and invigorate good environs for the aged and to look after the older persons while trying to obtain the invaluable experiences and knowledge from them. Because of the advancement in the health and social care services the people are enjoying longer life expectancy world wide. Myanmar has the situation to create a better and pleasant life for the aged as its social foundations are developing more and more. It is believed that Myanmar can clear of all the social problems the aged in other countries are facing by preserving and promoting its tradition of looking after the elder persons. Priority is to be given to flourishing of the better environs for the older persons.
With their utmost efforts, all the national people will have to harmoniously take part in the successful implementation of the social objectives to perpetuate the better and pleasant life condition for the older persons. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the entire people to strive to fulfill the basic requirements including boosting of their health and spiritual conditions and enabling them to practice meditation and vipassana in a peace of mind; to enable the aged to enjoy the fruits of the national peace and prosperity and good health in equal terms with all the citizens; to perpetuate the flourishing of the good traditions in the Myanmar society giving respects to and looking after the older persons in accord with the teachings of the Theravada Buddhism and social practices.
Then, the Secretary-1 presented gifts, various kinds of medicine and K 50,000 each to U Ko Lay (Zeyar Maung), Daw Saw Yin (Kyee Kyee Saw), U Thaw Zin (Thiha Bala U Thaw Zin), U Wun (Min Thuwun), U Thein Maung (U Thu Kha), U Shwe Daung Nyo (Thabin), U Pyay Han (Musician), U Pe Khin (Panglong Pe Khin), U On Pe (Tet Toe), Daw Nu Yin (Nu Yin), Daw Thein Hsai (Ma Myat Lay), Academy U Tin Yu (Movies), U Than Htut (Taik Toe), U Phone Kyaw (Natmauk Phone Kyaw), Daw Kyan (Ma Kyan), Artist U Thu Kha, Diving Tin Hla (Movies), Daw May Nwe (Movies), U Sein Aung Min (Thabin), Wunna Kyawhtin U Sein Mya Maung (Musician), Sculptor U Lwin, U Ohn Pe (Pakokku U Ohn Pe), U Ba Ka Lay (Cartoon-U Ba Ka Lay), U Htun Nyein (SPED), Daw Yin Yin (Saw Mon Nyin), Col Saw Myint (Retd) (Hmoo Thamein), U Tin Nyunt (Movies), Goldsmith U Hmi, Brig-Gen Khin Ohn (Retd) (Yamanya Ko Ko Naing), U Kyaw San (Thu Khi Aung), Thakhin Hla Kun (Moe Nyo), U Sein Win (Guardian U Sein Win), U Htein Lin (Ko Ko Tun), U Tint Aung (Bogalay Tint Aung) and U Hla Kyaing (Paragu) who attended the ceremony and the meeting adjourned. Similarly, Daw Ahmar (Ludu Daw Ahmar), U Htin Gyi (Tekkatho Htin Gyi) and Daw May Shin in absentia will be presented the gifts, various kinds of medicine and K 50,000 each through Social Welfare Department.
For providing K 1,000 each for older persons of Homes for the Aged in Yangon Division respectively, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa offered K 217,000 for 217 elderly people of Hninzigon Home for the Aged, K 88,000 for 88 elderly people of Shwe Than Lwin Home for the Aged, K 154,000 for 154 elderly people of Little Sisters Home for the Aged, K 22,000 for 22 elderly person of Kayan Home for the Aged, K 46,000 for 46 elderly persons of Muslim Home for the Aged, K 44,000 for 44 elderly women of Muslim Aphwar Thukha Yeiktha to officials of the respective management boards. Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win presented K 30,000 each for 37 homes for the aged in states and divisions and K 20,000 for 28 old rest persons in states and divisions to Director-General of Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing.
The deputy minister presented gifts to composer Hinthada Myint Ngwe who composed a song for the 2002 International Day of Older Persons and vocalist Yadanar Oo. On behalf of the elderly persons honoured, member of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association U Ko Lay (Sayagyi Zeyar Maung), 89, and U Kyaw Thoung, 82, of Hninzigon Home for the Aged, on behalf of the elderly persons of each home for the aged, expressed their words of thanks.
The 2002 International Day of Older Persons ceremony then came to a close. Today's donations for the older persons to mark the 2002 International Day of the Older Persons amounted to K 6,522,090 and offertories worth K 1,665,935, totaling K 8,188,025.
___________________________
Secretary-1 presents best police member awards to winners at 38th Anniversary of MPF Day Ceremony
Yangon, 1 Oct - The ceremony to mark the 38th anniversary of Myanmar Police Force Day of the Ministry of Home Affairs which falls on 1 October 2002 was held at the assembly hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs this morning, attended by Chairman of the Committee for Reforming Management System of Myanmar Police Force Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
At the ceremony, the General presented best police member awards to Sub-Police Inspector Tin Shwe of the Police Battalion Control Commander's Office at the SIP level; Police Sergeant Myo Min of Central Investigation Department at the Police WO and Sgt level; and Police constable Myo Thant of Ayeyawady Division Police Force at the Police constable level.
___________________________
Large number of diverse flora, fauna including endangered birds, animals, butterflies still in existence in Myanmar
Yangon, 1 Oct - The Tourism Development Management Committee held its Meeting No 3/2002 at the meeting hall of Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha here at 4 pm today, with an address by Chairman of the Tourism Development Management Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
At the ceremony, the General delivered an address. He said: Prospects are bright for progress of tourism services between Myanmar and the People's Republic of China as closer cooperation has been launched to promote the business. Cross-border tourism business between the two countries is making progress, as there has been an air link between Mandalay in Myanmar and Kunming in China. In reality Myanmar has a large array of tourist destinations including unspoiled snow-capped mountains, natural forests and lakes and wide and flat sea beaches.
Moreover, Myanmar have a large number of ancient cultural edifices in Bagan region alone. More-over, tourists will find that the different traditions, costumes and handicrafts of the national races are interesting. A large number of diverse flora and fauna including rare birds, animals and butterflies that are listed as endangered species are still in existence in Myanmar as its natural environment including the lakes, forests and mountains are still pristine. Thus, the prospects are bright to develop the eco-tourism. In addition to the good foundations, the government is also giving encouragement for the progress of the tourism business. Thus, the respective ministry, departments and entrepreneurs are required to make constant efforts with strong resolution for development of the business.
Progress of the tourism business contributes to development of hotel, transport and other services, thus helping develop the nation. For advancement of the tourism services in Myanmar, continuous business dealings should be made with the nations, international air carriers and international tourist agencies whose business relations with Myanmar are enjoying progress and assistance will have to be rendered between each other in solving the problems. All the departments and organizations concerned will have to make harmonious efforts at a time when the conditions are ripe for progress of the business.
Then, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported on plans being implemented for more traveling of tourists to Myanmar from other countries in accord with the policies laid down by the Tourism Development Management Committee. The minister then reported on arrival of tourists and earning of foreign exchange, hotel projects, publication of pamphlets on development of tourism industry, broadcasting of news and data on tourism service, arrival of tourists by chartered planes and by cruise liners, participation of Myanmar in international tourism exhibitions and in tourism industries of ASEAN countries, undertakings of human resource development in hotels and tourism services, future tasks for improvement of the tourism industry, implementation of Myanmar-China Tourism Promotion Programme, arrangement being made for forming the Hoteliers Association, plans for development of motels and inns and assistance to be provided to private tourism entrepreneurs.
Next, member of the Hotel, Motel and Inn Development Sub-committee Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu reported on future tasks to be carried out for meeting set standard of hotels, motels and inns. Afterwards, Chairman of Transport Sub-committee Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on numbers of tourists who arrived here by foreign airlines, by chartered planes and by cruise liners and smooth transportation for the tourists carried out by plane, by boat and by train.
Chairman of Information Sub-committee Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan reported on broadcasting and issuing of news from programmes of the TV Myanma and the Radio Myanmar and newspapers with a view to ensuring more arrival of tourists and tasks to be undertaken.
Chairman of Security Sub-committee Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing reported on arrangements for security measures taken for the tourists.
Chairman of City Pleasant Sub-committee Yangon City Mayor U Ko Lay reported on uplift of Yangon City being undertaken in accord with the city characters.
Chairman of Ancient Cultural Affairs Sub-committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt reported on construction of Kanbawzathadi Palace in Bago and progress of works.
Then, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung reported on arrival of tourists in ancient cultural regions in the country and maintenance of ancient cultural buildings for its durability.
Chairman of Eco-tourism Sub-committee Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone reported on arrangements being made for eco-tourism service.
Chairman of Sub-committee for Easy Travelling of Tourists Minister for Immigration and Population Maj-Gen Sein Htwa reported on tasks being carried out for easy travelling of tourists.
Chairman of Souvenir Distribution Sub-committee Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe reported on production and sales of souvenirs to tourists and receiving of income.
Next, Chairman of Mandalay Region Development Sub-committee Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein reported on traveling of tourists in Mandalay, earning of foreign exchange and keeping Mandalay City pleasant and beauty.
Then, those present took part in the discussions on development of tourism industry. Later, the Secretary-1 attended to their needs and gave the concluding remarks.
( 3 ) Mayor receives US Charge d' Affaires ai
Yangon, 1 Oct - Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay received Charge d' Affaires ai Ms Carmen Maria Martinez of the US Embassy to Myanmar at his office at 10.30 today.
___________________________Myanmar-India second volleyball friendly match
Yangon, 1 Oct - The second match of Myanmar-India volleyball friendly, under Myanmar-India friendly programme, took place at the station gymnasium of the South-West Command in Pathein, Ayeyawady Division, on 30 September morning.
Among the spectators were Deputy Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Tint Swe, senior military officers, Indian Military Attache Col Shakit Gurung, leader of the Indian Defence Services volleyball team Brigadier GRC Nair and members, Secretary of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Sein Maung, departmental officials, and officers and other ranks of battalions and units. Before the second match, the deputy commander and officials shook hands with players of both teams. Then, the teams exchanged pennants and souvenirs to mark the friendly match.
In the match, Myanmar Defence Services team beat Indian Defence Services team 3-0. After the match, the deputy commander presented the shield to mark the friendly match to the Indian team, and the award of K 50,000 to Myanmar team. He then posed for a documentary photo with members of the teams.
( 4 ) Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspects systematic consumption of electricity at ministries, departments
Yangon, 1 Oct - Chairman of Supervisory Committee for Consumption of Electricity and Fuel Oil Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, arrived at the Ministers' Office on Theinbyu Street at 9.20 pm on 29 September.
Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected use of electricity at the offices of the ministries and gave instructions on systematic and economical use of electricity. Then, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party inspected Yangon Railway Station, Ahlon Power Plant, the Power Control Office and the Office of Auditor-General and stressed the need to switch off the lights when unnecessary and connect fluorescent lamps with respective switchboards for the systematic use of electricity. At 8 pm on 30 September, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, accompanied by officials, went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He inspected power use and meter boxes and gave necessary instructions to officials.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party saw over offices and departments under the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and the Ministry of Cooperatives. Then, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win gave instructions on systematic use of electricity with record books.
___________________________
Minister inspects cultural tasks in Upper Myanmar
Yangon, 1 Oct - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung today inspected maintenance tasks being carried out at Kyat-daunt-kan ancient lake, one of four lakes dug by King Bodaw near Kyat-daunt-kan Village, east of Minwun range in Sagaing Township and gave instructions on repair of the lake without damaging its original style.
The minister also inspected the maintenance tasks of the Hilokaguru Cave and the Lokahmankin Cave, which are being repaired by the Department of Archaeology. Then, he went to Old Inwa city, where he inspected the progress on constructing the Inwa ancient research museum. Senior engineers of Public Works and officials conducted the minister round the site. The minister gave instructions on maintenance tasks to be carried out. Next, he visited Htihlaingshin Pagoda in Old Inwa City, where he paid homage to the Mehti Sayadaw and also made offerings.
The minister also visited the Gugyithonlon Pagoda, which is being repaired by the Department of Archaeology, in Old Pinya City and inspected it. On 29 September in Old Bagan City, the minister inspected the renovation work of Mahathe brick monastery carried out with the cash donation of Yangon City Development Committee and gave instructions on maintenance work to keep the monastery in its original design. The minister also inspected Hsinphyushin monastery and its compound. On arrival at Bagan Archaeological Museum, the minister met with staff of Bagan Archaeological Department at the meeting hall and gave instructions on tasks for sanitation, security and display of items at the museum.
Afterwards, the minister arrived at Pyathadgyi Pagoda, where he inspected the Kiln No 7, the latest found in Bagan, and wall paintings of Nagayon Pagoda.
___________________________
Export and import procedure course concludes
Yangon, 1 Oct - The opening of HS Code course No 2 and concluding of export and import procedure course No 22, organized by the Ministry of Commerce, were held at the ministry this morning. Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen pyi Sone attended and addressed on the occasion.
( 5 ) Seminar on promotion of production held
Yangon, 1 Oct - A seminar on promotion of production between the Ministry of Mines and local and foreign entrepreneurs took place at Thiri Yadana Hall of the ministry this morning.
Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint delivered an address on the occasion. He spoke of the need to make efforts in exploiting more minerals in cooperation with local authorities and private entrepreneurs. Then, directors-general and managing directors explained production target to the minister, and local and foreign entrepreneurs reported on work being done, difficulties encountered and future plans.
The deputy minister also made additional reports on law, rules and regulations and targeted production to the minister. The minister later attended to the needs and gave instructions on endeavors to enhance the production.
___________________________
Minister meets staff of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise
Yangon, 1 Oct - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein arrived at Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise at 50, Golden Valley in Bahan Township this afternoon.
The minister inspected transformer room, film storage room, film developing room, analyzer room and printer room. He gave instructions on fire preventive measures, keeping films safe and quality of the films and inspected the MMPE compound. The minister met service personnel of MMPE. He said staff are to discharge duties with the attitude of loving their departments and patriotism through cooperation. The Ministry of Information is discharging wide array of duties so the staff are to work through cooperation and coordination without mistake. He spoke of the need for them to carry out the tasks for success in all sectors, to be proficient in the respective tasks and to apply their skill in practical field with sense of duty.
He also spoke on cooperation with goodwill in accord with the guidance of the Head of State, prevention of loss of property in the department, fire preventive measures, thrifty and maintenance of equipment for durability. The minister said the service personnel should have correct competition for success of the operation, good relationship among them, camaraderie and goodwill in discharging duties. He called for cooperation in accord with the mottoes of the ministry.
___________________________
Prize presented to outstanding MPF members
Yangon, 1 Oct - A prize-distribution ceremony to mark the 38th Anniversary of Myanmar Police Force was held at the assembly ban of the Ministry of Home Affairs this afternoon.
Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing delivered an address on the occasion. After that the minister presented promotion certificates, cups and cash awards for model policeman to Subinspector Tin Shwe of the MPF Battalions Control Command, police sergeant Myo Min of the Criminal Investigation Department, and police private Myo Thant of Ayeyawady Division Police Force.
Then, the minister presented prizes for police code of conduct competition (sub-inspector level), the deputy minister , prizes (inspector level), the director-general of tile MPF, prizes (sub-inspector level), the director-general 'of the General Administration Department, prizes (police warrant officer and sergeant level), the director-general of the Bureau of Special Investigation, prizes (police corporal and Lt-Cpl level), and the director-general of the Prisons Department, prizes (police private level) to respective prize-winners.
Afterwards, the minister presented the championship Shield for police code of conduct competition to the MPF Police Battalions Control Command; Daw Khin HIa Hla, wife of the minister, and wives of the director-general and the deputy director-general of the MPF , prizes for cleanliness of housing units of Yangon Division police quarter. Next, the minister, the deputy minister, the director-general and the deputy director-general of the MPF posed for a documentary photo together with the prize winners.
(6) Cash donated to exhibition of Myanmar Women's endeavours
Yangon, 1 Oct - A ceremony to donate cash to Myanmar women's endeavours exhibition, which will be organized by Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs, took place at Myanma Information and Communication Technology Park in Hline Township this afternoon.
Cash donations made by wellwishers were K 5 million by YCDC; K 1 million each by managing director U Kyaw Kyaw of KY Kyaw Kyaw Trading Co, U Than Sein of New Delli restaurant, U Ko Ko Htoo and family, and U Htay Myint of Yuzana construction; K 504,000 by chairman U Zaw Zaw Naing of Tamil Hindu Foundation and party; K 500,000 each by U Tun Myint Naing of Asia World, Dr Aung Kyaw Win of Shwe-nan-daw gold shop and family, Myanmar Universal Bank, Daw Khin Nwe Yi of Shwe-pa-zun soft drinks and cakes and family, U Kyaw Naing Oo of Naing Group, Daw Ni Ni of Shwethanlwin Co, and U Win Myint of Shwe-na-ga-min Co; K 300,000 each by U Maung Maung Lwin and wife, U Thein Tun (MGS), U Tun Myint of Kyat-sha-sun family, U Myat Thin Aung of Aung Aung Enterprise and family, U Teza of Htoo Trading, and U Kyaw Aung of Benhur Co Ltd; K 200,000 each by U Thein Han of Myanmar Pipe and Accessories Co Ltd and Tokyo Pipes, staff of Yoma Bank, Dr Aye Kyaw of Kyaw traditional medicine industry, Daw Kham Hsint of Ngwe-zone Co Ltd, U Aung Zaw Win of Shine construction, Daw Myint Myint Kyi, and U Nay Aung of Aung Yay Phyoe Co; K 100,000 each by U Maung Maung of Asia Express, U Nyein of OK rice warehouse, Dr Zaw Min and wife, U Naing Lin of Nan-htaik-taw-win restaurant, U Than Naing of Thamada robe shop, Dr Naing Win Pa and family, Yangon Division Women's Affairs Economy Group, staff of Myanmar Oriental Bank, U Maung Maung of Shwegaba Maung Maung construction, U Oo Khaing of Tatkham construction, U Tin Hla and family, U Tin Wam of Shwe-lin-yon service, Daw Sae and family of Ngwe-sae Co, Daw Yu Yu Khaing of Sinma Furnishings Co Ltd, U Nay Win and party of Maha Zeya Co, U Myo Myint of Earn Spark Myanmar Co Ltd, and Dr Myint Swe and Dr Kyi Kyi Win.
Today's cash donation made by a total of 57 wellwishers reached K 18,574,000.
Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, U Hlaing Win, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Than Nwe, Professor Daw May May Yee, Daw Khin Aye, Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung and Col Maung Pa accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to wellwishers.
Later, Maj-Gen Sein Htwa spoke words of thanks, which brought the ceremony to an end.
___________________________
State Lottery to be drawn on 3 Oct
Yangon, 1 Oct - The prizes of the 165th State Lottery will be drawn at the hall of Aungbalay Lottery Branch at No 384, corner of Mahabandoola and 37th streets, Kyauktada Township, here at 8 am on 3 October.
All 2,945,448 lottery ticket books with 36 alphabets were sold out to the public and 60 per cent of the sale will be returned to the public as prizes. Altogether ten K 5 million prizes, thirteen K 2.5 million prizes, eighteen K 5 million prizes (unit system), seven supplementary units and 26 supplementary prizes will be drawn. Moreover, there will be one K 30 million prize. The prizes include one K 30 million prize, 28 K 5 million prizes, 13 K 2.5 million prizes, 630 K 600,000 prizes, seven K 500,000 prizes, 14 K 400,000 prizes, 52 K 200,000 prizes, 162 K 100,000 prizes, 74 K 80,000 prizes, 1620 K 50,000 prizes, 146 K 40,000 prizes, 1133 K 20,000 prizes and 16200 K 10,000 prizes totaling 20,080 prizes.
(7) Cash donated to Hninzigon Home for the Aged
Yangon, 1 Oct - A ceremony to donate cash to Hninzigon Home for the Aged on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Bahan Township, organized by Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committee, marking the International Day of Older Persons was held at the home this afternoon in conjunction with giving health care services to the aged by specialists of the Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat Specialist Hospital (Yangon West District), National Rehabilitation Hospital and the Traditional Medicine Department.
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Yangon Division MCWSC Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay attended the ceremony. First, MCWSC Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay explained the purpose of the donations and giving health care services to the older persons.
Then Chairman of Hninzigon Home for the Aged Management Board U Maung Tin, Treasurer Lt-Col Thet Tin (Retd) and Health Group Chairman University of Nursing Rector Dr May Win Aung Khin accepted K 1.98 million donated by 20 wellwishers including K 100,000 by Yangon Division MCWSC Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay; K 300,000 by U Thet Oo (Ayarmyay Co); K 200,000 by Asia Express; K 200,000 by Great Wall Embrocation; and K 100,000 each by Yangon South District Peace and Development Council and Township Peace and Development Councils, Yangon South District All Bus Lines Control Committee, Yangon West District Peace and Development Council and Nyeinchanyay Bus Line, Dagon Myothit (South) Industrial Zone-1, Industrial Zone-2, Industrial Zone-3 and Dagon Myothit Seitkan Township Industrial Zone. Then the certificates of honour were presented to the wellwishers.
Afterwards, Daw Nyunt May (aged 74) of the home for aged spoke words of thanks. Later, the commander and wife paid reverence to Ayechan Aungmyin Pagoda in the compound of Hninzigon Home for the Aged and viewed the health care services being given to the elderly persons by the specialists.
___________________________
Nyeingyanyay Bus Lines holds outstanding prizes presentation ceremony
Yangon, 1 Oct - A ceremony to present prizes to outstanding students and stipends to children of staff of the Nyeingyanyay Bus Lines Supervisory Committee (Yangon West District) and prizes to outstanding bus drivers and conductors was held at Ahlon Township Hall on Hninzi Road in Ahlon Township this morning, attended by Chairman of Supervisory Committee for Yangon Division Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.
First, the Commander explained matters related to following of traffic rules for safety transportation, polite conversation with passengers and collection of bus fare at the fixed rate. Then, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein reported on matters related to the Nyeingyanyay bus lines. Next, the Commander presented prizes to outstanding children of staff of the bus lines and Commissioner U Thein Swe, stipends to children of the staff. Afterwards, Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and Chairman of All-Bus Lines Control Committee (Yangon Division) U Phone Kyaw presented prizes to outstanding bus owners, drivers and conductors.
The Nyeingyanyay Bus Line Supervisory Committee presented K 990,000 to outstanding students and stipends to staff's children and K 180,000 to outstanding bus owners, drivers and conductors.
___________________________
Over K 1.5 donated to Fund- raising & Prize Presentation Sub-committee of Performing Arts competitions
Yangon, 1 Oct - The sixth donation ceremony of the Fund-raising and Prize Presentation Sub-committee of the 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at the meeting hall-4 of City Hall at 2 pm today, attended by Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.
At the ceremony, Leading Committee Chairman Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, No 4 Military Region Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint and Fund-raising and Prize Presentation Sub-committee Chairman Yangon City Development Committee Joint-Secretary U Kyi Win accepted K 1,505,961 donated by 28 wellwishersIncluding K 325,961 donated by the Ministry of Finance and Revenue; K 170,000 by the Road Transport Department (Head Office); K 100,000 by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism; K 100,000 by Myanmar Rice and Paddy Wholesalers Association and Brokerage; and K 100,000 by U Nyein-Daw Ohn Kyin of OK Rice Brokerage.
Then, Chairman of the Leading Committee Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe spoke words of thanks. The Fund-raising and Prize Presentation sub-committee has accepted K 29,286,161 for the Performing Arts Competitions.
(8) Cash donated for construction of MBA building
Yangon, 1 Oct - A ceremony to donate cash for the construction of the building of Myanmar Banks Association was held at the meeting hall of Central Bank of Myanmar this afternoon, with an address by Vice-Chairman of MBA U Soe Tin.
The donations included K 10 million by Asia Wealth Bank Vice-Chairman U Aik Tun; K 5 million by U Myat Kaung; K 10 million each by Dr Sai San Tun of Loihein Co Ltd, U Thein Han of Tokyo Pipe, Daw Hla Hla of JDS Co Ltd, U Shwe Kyaing of Wah Wah Win Co Ltd and Htoo Co Ltd; K 5 million each by U Kyi Myint of Super Five, U Hla Than of Pyae Phyo Htoon Co Ltd, U Aik Yi of Yadana Theingi Co Ltd, Soe Moe Kyaw, Min Htet Tha and Kan Htoo Kantha lottery shops, U Myint Swe of Shwe Bayin Construction, U Myat Min and U Aung Win of Crocodile Trading Co Ltd, U Thein Han of Golden Horse Co Ltd and U Shwin Chauk of AAA Cement; K 3 million by U Tin Maung of Great Wall sugar mill; K 5 million each by U Aung Tha Latt and Daw Hla Hla Yi of Aung Myat Thu Co Ltd and U Htay Yin and Dr Zaw Tun of Smile World Co Ltd; K 3 million by U Myo Oo of U Kyu Wheat Mill; and K 2 million each by U Pe Win of Strong Manufacturing Co Ltd and U Aung Sein-Daw Nan Ohn Kyi of Nyein Chan Kaba Co Ltd.
The donations were accepted by Vice-Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar U Than Lwin, MBA Vice-Chairman U Soe Tin, Secretary Col Aung San, Treasurer Dr Sein Maung and executive member AWB Vice-Chairman U Aik Tun. They then presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Then U Aik Tun spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to a close.
(9) Drug traffickers sentenced
Yangon, 1 Oct - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Tachilek Special Anti- drug Squad the house of U Nan La of Tawkawt Village, Tachilek Township, on 15 May 2002 and seized 15,610 stimulant tablets and a heroin block weighing 350 grams.
In connection with the case, Tachilek Police Station filed Nan La, 5 2, son of U Kyaing; Daw Nan Am, 45, daughter of U Aik Saik; and Sai Yi, 23, 800 of U Loo Sam of Lwaingan Ward. Maesai, Thailand under Section 15/19(A)21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
On 13 September, Tachilek District Court sentenced 25 years' imprisonment to each of them under Section 19 (A).
___________________________
Heroin seized in Monkoe
Yangon, 1 Oct - The combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on a tip-off, searched the house of U Aik Kham of No 43, Ward 4, Monkoe, Shan State (North), on 12 September.
Then, the authorities arrested Sont Lint, the house owner's son-in-law and son of U Shauk Yon of Pauksan in the People's Republic of China, and his daughter Nan ma Win with nine soap cases of heroin weighing 0.153 kilo.
A similar team, acting on information, searched the house of Lauk San of No 88, Ward 2, the same town, on 16 September and seized one kilo of raw opium and 157 bars of heroin weighing 1.57 kilos.
The team, acting on information on 1'I September, also searched the passenger bus with number plates 1Ka/1807 on Kyugok-Monkoe road in Namhu Village and nabbed Ma Mar Htan of Mongphan Village in Mongpaw Village tract in Muse Township and Ma Khwan Shaung of first floor, building No 30/B, Yawmingyi Street, Dagon Township, Yangon, with 30 bars of heroin weighing 1.40 kilos. Action is being taken against them by the police stations concerned under the Narcotic Drugs and Phychotropic Substances Law.
PM Mahathir foresees democracy for Myanmar, pushes business
THE Myanmar government s stance on gradual evolution towards democracy was supported by Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad last week when he visited Myanmar. But, Dr Mahathir said the Malaysian government hoped for a successful result which would lead to national reconciliation and demo-cratisation in Myanmar. A Malaysian national, Mr Razali Ismail, who was appointed by the United Nations as its special envoy for Myanmar, was largely credited for initiating the landmark talks between the two sides. Dr Mahathir, who is a trusted international friend of the Myanmar government, has been widely believed to have had a behind-the-scenes role in Mr Razali s efforts. Speaking at the opening of a business matching forum between the two countries, Dr Mahathir said an overly hasty transition to democracy could bring anarchy. "When opting for democracy it is necessary that the process be gradual. If not, the political process will unravel and you will end up with anarchy; you will end up with practically no government so the people have to understand that democracy does not mean freedom to do anything you like," Dr Mahathir told reporters last Monday. The Malaysian Prime minister met the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe shortly after his arrival in Yangon on August 18 to discuss "for development in economic and political fields". "Our view is that while we uphold democracy practice democracy we are also aware that the process of change must be gradual and we need not go straight to liberal democracy because that is very destructive," Dr Mahathir said. The two leaders met for an hour at the Pyithu Hluttaw (parliament) on Pyay Road. During the visit Dr Mahathir witnessed the signing of three agreements including an offshore oil exploration contract between Malaysia s Petronas and Myanmar s Energy Ministry for oil and gas exploration in Thaninthayi Division. The meeting was also addressed by the SPDC Secretary 1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, who described Dr Mahathir as a "staunch defender of the developing world".
"We in Myanmar consider ourselves to be very fortunate to have Malaysia, and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir in particular, as a friend," Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said. "One of the pillars that give strength to our relations is the sharing of many ideals, concepts and mental outlook," he said, outlining the SPDC s policy against hasty transition towards democracy. "The world is full of examples where a hasty transition from one system to another has led to unrest, instability and even failed states. "Such a transition cannot be made in haste and in a haphazard manner," Lt- Gen Khin Nyunt said. He said the solution to overcome the challenge facing Myan-mar s political transition should be found by the Myanmar people only. "No one should try to impose their will or attempt to mould Myanmar in their image," Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said in an apparent reference to the Western countries, SPDC s vociferous critics. "The democratic society that we envision is one where all 135 national races live in peace and harmony," said the Secretary-1. The Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar, said Myanmar should be dealt with by every country with respect for its independence and sovereignty. "Malaysia has always said that constructive engagement with Myanmar would be the best means of (support for) evolution in the political as well as economic changes," Syed Hamid said in an exclusive interview with Myanmar Times in Yangon. "Myanmar made it very clear that they are to evolve their own system, so whatever other people may think and say it is most important that the Myanmar government bring socio-economic development for its people," he said.Syed Hamid also made it clear that it was the Myanmar government and people s right to choose the system of government for the country. "We will allow change to take place within the country in a way that it suited the purpose of the country. "Some have said the (democratisation) process is slow, but I think it is the Myanmar people who must decide the direction and the pace of the evolution," Syed Hamid said. He echoed Dr Mahathir s comments saying that hasty political reforms would bring "upheaval and turmoil". Syed Hamid said Myanmar has been evolving itself from stage to stage and "getting more confidence in opening up". "Myanmar is moving in the right direction," he said. Syed Hamid said Malaysia s policy of constructive engagement with Myanmar was partly attributed to Myanmar s entry to the Association of South East Asian Nations grouping in 1997. And he said Malaysia s policy towards Myanmar would remain the same despite the coming change in Malaysian leadership next year.
Myanmar Times ( Aug.26-Sep.1, 2002-Vol.7, No. 130 )
Giant Rakhine gas field dwarfs Yadana, Yetagun
AN enormous offshore gas field near Sittway in Rakhine State has the potential to be significantly larger than Myanmar’s two other producing gas fields at Yadana and Yetagun, it was revealed last week. Mr H D Lee, Deputy Managing Director of Myanmar Daewoo, an affiliate of Daewoo International which holds a major interest in the exploration project, said the reserve "is most likely around 13.4 to 47.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas at the site where we are going to drill a test well in November next year." "We are sure to succeed in this project," Mr Lee said. The reserves at Yadana and Yetagun are 6.7 and 3.2 trillion cubic feet (TCF) respectively, he said. Currently, the consortium is selecting the optimum location before drilling because of the huge investment. "A test well costs more than US$10 million and we will decide on how many more test wells should be drilled," he said. The consortium has plans to start seismic interpretation, geological survey and prospect evaluation in October and November. Daewoo International signed a production-sharing contract with the Ministry of Energy in August 2000 and it assigned 10 per cent share to another South Korean company, KOGAS last November. Last January, Daewoo again assigned 20pc and 10pc shares to two companies under the Indian Ministry of Energy – the Oil and Natural Gas Commission and the Gas Authority of India Limited. Depending on the quantity of gas found, they will consider transporting the gas by ship or through a direct pipeline to India. Mr Lee also said they will have to consider building a liquefied natural gas plant depending on the production volume, which at the moment, he said, was still too far away to judge. The Indian government is eager to buy the gas from Myanmar if the production goes well as expected. According to reports Unocal, Brown & Riot and the Indian government are believed to have conducted initial studies for the construction of a 1000 kilometre-long undersea pipeline from Myanmar to India. Last month, the Ministry of Energy and the Malaysia’s oil giant Petronas signed an agreement for exploration of natural gas at four offshore blocks in southern Myanmar. Petronas is also interested in building a liquid petroleum gas extraction plant at Kanbauk, about 300 miles southeast of Yangon.
Myanmar Times ( Aug.26-Sep.1, 2002-Vol.7, No. 130 )
Impressive decline in opium production, promise of help
AN impressive decline in opium production in Myanmar will be reversed if donor nations continue to refuse funding drug-control programs, the UN’s prime drug officer in Myanmar warned last week. This follows hot on the heels of a United Nations report which showed the production of opium poppy in Myanmar this year has decreased by 25 per cent compared to a year ago. "This decline is a step in the right direction. There is evidence that the government is aware of the damage caused to the country by opium cultivation," Mr Antonio Maria Costa, the Executive Director of the UN office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention, said in the report issued on August 27 in Vienna, Austria. The reaction of Mr Jean Luc Lemahieu, UNDCP’s representative in Yangon, was more forthright: "On the one hand I’m a happy man but on the other hand I’m a very worried man because the results are there but my thoughts are - my goodness, how have you done this, how can you sustain this?" he said. Mr Costa said new measures would be needed to achieve further cuts in opium production in Myanmar, adding that UN would need increased donor support to help in the elimination of opium poppy in Myanmar by 2005. According to the report poppy production in Myanmar this year was 828 tons - down from last year’s 1097 tons, based on its survey in Shan State during September 2001 to March 2002. More than 150 surveyors visited 2000 villages and measured 6000 opium fields. The survey was conducted jointly with the government – the first of such survey carried out by the UN in Myanmar.
Mr Lemahieu, while welcoming the news, cautioned the decline in opium poppy production should be sustainable. "We are happy with this, but it is not an end game," Mr Lemahieu said. He reiterated his call for increasing international aid to deal with the situation. The Myanmar government has consistently complained the country receives scant international aid in its fight against drugs. This severely inhibits its ability to control drug production and trade. In particular the government has consistently criticised the policy of Western countries including the USA and European nations on continuing to link funding for anti-drug campaigns to political movement. It has pressed its case that aid on drugs is a humanitarian issue that should be fought by all. To highlight this it has cited aid money granted to other SE Asian countries to fight the scourge of heroin. Laos, for instance, a Communist state, has a less serious drug problem, yet receives 20 times more funding than in Myanmar. Mr Lemahieu, whose office has been cut from 12 to two staff over the past two years due to budget cuts, said that while participation in areas like law enforcement assistance will have to wait until then, there should be no barrier to more funding for projects like alternative income generation. He said introduction of tough anti-drug measures by the Wa, Kokang and Kachin national groups in March and the government’s new " Project New Destiny " (formerly the Project Hell Flower) might help to decrease further the poppy production next year. Under the "Project New Destiny" launched in May, opium poppy farmers are encouraged by the government to swap opium seed for those of the other crops. The government says opium production in Myanmar, which decreased by 50 per cent over the past six years, would continue to decrease this year. But, Mr Lemahieu said he was confident that at an informal donors’ meeting later this year the funding tap would be opened. "An understanding is developing that work on drug control programs in Myanmar actually helps with a political transition," he said. Because of the lower output, opium production in Myanmar this year would be lower than in Afghanistan, UN said. It said per hectare output of opium in Myanmar was 10kgs while put Afghanistan’s output at 30kgs per hectare.
Myanmar Times (Sep.2-8), 2002-Vol.7, No. 131)
Tourism trend bucked as arrivals soar 20pc in wet
IN an encouraging development for the tourism sector, travel agents and big hotels have reported a strong increase in bookings during the rainy season, a trend which augurs well for the peak tourist season at the end of the year. Hotels say occupancy rates have increased by an average of about 20 per cent over the rainy season last year, while travel agents say bookings are up between 10 per cent and 50 per cent. Most of the rainy season tourist arrivals are from France, Italy and Spain, where many businesses close for the European summer, as well as Germany, Japan and Israel. Several industry sources said Myanmar was emerging as an increasingly popular destination for Italian and Spanish tourists. Mr Franz Fischer, the country manager of Bangkok-based Diethelm Travel, said documentaries about Myanmar’s cultural attractions and natural beauty had screened overseas in the last six months and this had helped the tourism sector. Myanmar was becoming well known for its cultural tourism among international travellers, said Mr Fischer, who said bookings had risen by up to 50 per cent compared to the low season last year. The managing director of Tawwin travel, Daw Rita Myint, said bookings were up by 25 per cent, continuing a trend for a gradual increase in arrivals during the low season which had emerged several years ago. Travel shows in Spain and other European countries which had featured Myanmar had helped to attract more visitors, Daw Rita Myint said.
Mr Edwin Briels, the marketing and incentive manager at the Exotissimo travel company, agreed with Daw Rita Myint that tourist arrivals during the rainy season had increased in recent years. Exotissimo’s bookings for the low season had increased by about 10 per cent, said Mr Briels. U Khin Zaw, the managing director at Tour Mandalay, reported an increase in bookings of 20 per cent over the same time last year. "Myanmar is emerging as a ‘new’ destination for Spanish travellers," said U Khin Zaw, who is also president of the United Myanmar Travel Association. A survey by Myanmar Times has found that hotel occupancy rates throughout the country are up by between 10 per cent to 25 per cent over the previous rainy season. In Yangon, the Traders hotel said rates were up by 21 per cent on last year’s rainy season and figures for the year had increased by seven per cent on 2001. The Summit Park View said rainy season occupancy rates were down slightly on 2001 but declined to give a percentage figure. In a sign of the growing popularity of Myanmar as a destination among the high end of the market, the luxury Pansea hotel said occupancy rates were up by seven per cent on last year’s rainy season. Traders said most of its guests are from Asia and the United States. Most bookings at the Summit Park View were from France and Japan.
Most of the guests at the Pansea are from Britain, France, Germany and the United States. At popular upcountry destinations, hotels say bookings are up by between 10 per cent to 25 per cent compared to a year ago. The Thiri Marlar Hotel at Bagan said bookings for July were up 10 per cent on the same month last year, with most tourists coming from France and Germany. "They come to Myanmar at this time of the year because it coincides with the holiday season throughout much of Europe," said the hotel’s Ms Khin Marlar Maung. The Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort hotel at Inle Lake also reported an increase in bookings of about 10 per cent over the same time last year. While bookings are up for the bigger hotels, the bottom end of the accommodation market is reporting a downturn, with many guest houses saying occupancy rates have fallen by around 20 per cent over the same time last year. A spokesperson for the New Park guest house at Bagan said bookings were down by about 20 per cent."In the low season last year were had 338 guests but this year we have 198," he said. At the Pan Cherry guest house in Bagan, staff said bookings were down about 30 per cent over the same time last year. It was a similar story at the Royal guest in Mandalay, which said low season bookings were down by between 10 per cent to 20 per cent. Guest houses said the downtown in budget tourists was having a flow-on effect on bus companies and cheap restaurants.
Myanmar Times (Aug.19-25), 2002-Vol.7, No. 129)
RESPONDING to the disclosure by the international television network CNN that al Qaeda members have been active in Myanmar, the Government of Myanmar last week reaffirmed its determination to stand with the United States and the international community on anti-terrorist cooperation.
"The Government of Myanmar has not had the opportunity to review the relevant portions of the cache of videotapes obtained by CNN in Afghanistan," said spokesman Lt-Col Hla Min. "However, reports by both the Associated Press and CNN indicate that the CNN tapes reveal "material from militant Islamic groups in other countries such as Somalia, Myanmar and Bosnia." The Washington Post reported the tapes include "documentation from al Qaeda members during operations in Burma, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan &and Bosnia.""The Government of Myanmar will investigate this allegation with the utmost urgency, and we will share this information with the United States," said Lt-Col Hla Min. "We are already sharing information with the United States on Islamic armed terrorists operating along Myanmar s Western border and within the region, with connections to Taliban and al Qaeda, now being held and questioned in Yangon," Hla Min said. The Government of Myanmar signed the United States-ASEAN Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism on August 1, 2002 in Brunei Darus-salam. "As we have previously stated, Myanmar has vigorously confronted the activities of a Muslim separatist armed terrorist group calling themselves Rohinga. Today, we are pleased that many of these individuals have given up their armed terrorism. However, we shall remain vigilant in safeguarding Myanmar and steadfast in cooperation in the war on terrorism."
Myanmar Times ( Aug.26-Sep.1, 2002-Vol.7, No. 130
For further information, inqueries may kindly be made to the nearest Myanmar Embassies or Consulates
or email tomission.myanmar@ties.itu.int
|
Home | FAQs | About Us | Contact Us | Site map | Make a web site? |
|
|
Copyright© 1998-2006 by Myanmar's NET,
your web developer from Yangon,
Myanmar. |
RECOMMENDED BUSINESSES
with good reputation: