CARE FOR THOSE WHO CARE FOR US PAGE-8 (OPINION)

NATIONAL NATIONAL COVID-19 Call Centre opens daily Myanmar participates in inaugural WEF COVID-19 Action Platform for Asia Pacific PAGE-2 PAGE-2

Vol. VII, No. 6, 1st Waxing of Kasone 1382 ME www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Wednesday, 22 April 2020

State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi calls on each citizen to be dutiful

I wish every individual citizen performs his/her duty responsibly” wrote State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on her Facebook page yesterday. The following is what she wrote: “ The biggest positive outcome that came out of the video conferenc- ing done with many regions of Myanmar is the fact that I came to know the most important things needed by those trying to overcome the challenges of COVID-19. As soon as the video conferencing was over, the Ministry of Health and Sports and other relevant departments made immediate assess- ments of what needed to be done in what places and took immediate action. To give an example, as soon as the video conferencing was over with Ayeyawady Region, we made arrangements after assessing how many masks, thermometers, PPE’s and gloves were needed and how fast we could send them. There is one thing that I still remember from my discussions with the young nurse. Some people do not thank the health workers. They are work- ing because they get salaries. Why should we thank them? This is not at all surprising in an age where people talk about their rights above everything else. However, it is a really sad situation when people do not value duty and like to wish for Myanmar. I answered truthfully, the way I felt, “I wish each the “mangala” ( auspiciousness ) of gratitude. individual citizen performs his/her duty responsibly.” On one occasion on New Year day, someone asked me what would you

Office of the State Counsellor releases statement expressing sadness over civilian casualties in Rakhine, Chin States

HE Office of the State Chin State, in step with im- Counsellor has re- provements in the peace and We pay tribute to the members of the Tatmadaw T leased a statement security situation. who have discharged their duties with courage dated 21st April. Following is We pay tribute to the mem- the full-text of the statement. bers of the Tatmadaw who and dedication, and sacrificed their lives to defend We greet with satisfaction have discharged their duties and joy the news that on 19 with courage and dedication, the lives and property of our people from the ULA/ April 2020, rice supplies have and sacrificed their lives to been delivered to the people defend the lives and property AA terrorist group, who have been engaged in de- of Paletwa Township who have of our people from the ULA/ structive activities at this time when the Govern- been suffering severely from AA terrorist group, who have food shortages. been engaged in destructive ment, the people and well-wishers are all engaged The Government will be activities at this time when the implementing programmes for Government, the people and in endeavours for the prevention, containment the relief and long-term devel- well-wishers are all engaged opment of Paletwa Township, SEE PAGE-3 and cure of COVID-19. 22 APRIL 2020 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar participates in inaugural WEF COVID-19 Action Platform for Asia Pacific

U THAUNG TUN, Union Minister of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, yesterday participated via vid- eoconference in the inaugural COVID-19 Action Platform for the Asia Pacific organized by the World Economic Forum (WEF), acting as a partner to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WEF Action Plat- form provides a virtual senior leaders’ community spanning government, business and aca- demia who will meet regularly to address critical issues aris- ing from the COVID-19 crisis. Union Minister U Thaung Tun participates via videoconference in the inaugural COVID-19 Action Platform for the Asia Pacific organised by the World The videoconference pro- Economic Forum (WEF). PHOTO: MNA vided participants with an the fight against COVID-19. quences for global growth and was also stressed. Myanmar markets remain open, and to opportunity to exchange per- Participants noted the un- prosperity. remains committed to working ensure vital emergency, hu- spectives and share insights precedented human tragedy As COVID-19 knows no both with both our ASEAN and manitarian and longer-term designed to strengthen region- COVID-19 has left in its wake, borders, the need for bold ac- WEF partners, as well as with development assistance is al- al resilience, develop coordi- threatening both life and live- tions at the country-level com- all other bilateral and multilat- located to where it may have nated responses, and enhance lihood, and that the pandemic plemented by greater regional eral partners, to ensure supply the greatest impact in the fight public-private cooperation in is likely to have dire conse- and multilateral cooperation chain connectivity, to ensure against COVID-19.—MNA

Total number of COVID-19 cases reaches 121 on Tuesday MoFA releases statement expressing condolences to UN, WHO, family of Update of COVID-19 cases in Myanmar till 8:00 pm on 21 April Rakhine attack victim 1. The National Health Laboratory (Yangon) tested the specimens of 185 persons in the first Following is the full-text of the statement released by the group for COVID-19 up to 6:00 pm on 21 April 2020. Two persons were tested positive, while Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. the remaining 183 persons negative. It has been learnt with profound sadness that U Pyae Sone 2. These two patients will be transferred to the respective hospitals for medical treatments. Win Maung, a local staff member of the World Health Organization 3. There are now a total of 121 confirmed cases in Myanmar up to 8 pm on 21 April. (WHO) passed away early Tuesday due to injuries suffered when the 4. A total of 9 persons have recovered and five persons died. motor vehicle he was driving came under attack near Yar Maung 5. New 123 persons are now under investigation from 12 noon on 20 April to 12 noon on 21 April. bridge in Minbya Township, Rakhine State on 20 April 2020. It is all the more perturbing to learn that the attack was launched on a Laboratory results on COVID-19 Positive cases in the laboratory tests (first group) vehicle which clearly bore the WHO emblem and was transporting on 21 April Up to 8:00 pm swab samples from COVID-19 suspects to the National Health Case Aged Gender Address Close Contact Travel Hospital Laboratory Remark Laboratory in Yangon. No. with COVID-19 history to for medical Result positive patients foreign treatment The Government of Myanmar expresses its deepest condolenc- country es and sympathy to the United Nations, the WHO and the bereaved 120 21 Female Dagon Myo- No No Yangon Positive Patients under family of the victim. The Government deeply regrets that such a thit (East) General investigation Hospital reprehensible act was perpetrated on a WHO vehicle deployed on 121 21 Female Taunggyi, No Yes Sao San Positive Under quaran- a humanitarian mission in support of the unyielding efforts of the Shan State Htun tine Government of Myanmar to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. (south) General Hospital The Government of Myanmar will continue to work closely with the United Nations and the WHO to overcome the global * The remaining 183 persons are tested negative of COVID-19 pandemic notwithstanding the challenge posed by armed groups. Ministry of Health and Sports The Government is fully committed to investigate the incident and (Translated by Aung Khin) to prevent recurrence of such abhorrent acts. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 09251022355, Nay Pyi Taw Call Thin Thin May, 09974424848 Dated. 21 April 2020 COVID-19 Call Centre opens daily

THE Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Con- call centre is established by the four communi- Department in Yangon. tainment and Emergency Response Committee cations operators and the Blue Ocean Company Over 43 staff from the Medical Research De- has opened the COVID-19 Call Centre in Yangon. with the coordination of the Medical Research partment and 17 volunteers from the Myanmar It will be opened daily. Department of the Health and Sports Ministry Medical Association totally 60 workers has been In efforts to speed up the prevention, contain- and Post and Telecommunications Department working at the centre since 8th April.­—MNA ment and treatment of the COVID-19 disease, the from 8 am to 8 pm daily at the Medical Research 22 APRIL 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3 “People are the key” Office of the State Counsellor releases statement expressing sadness over civilian casualties in Rakhine, Chin States

SEE PAGE-1 We are deeply saddened to learn of civilian casualties for casualties and their families. in endeavours for the prevention, con- The Union Government is resolved tainment and cure of COVID-19. in Rakhine and Chin States. The Union Government to continue with efforts to take the We are deeply saddened to learn of Peace Process, which aims at putting civilian casualties in Rakhine and Chin will provide all necessary help and support for casu- an end to the sufferings imposed by States. The Union Government will alties and their families. conflict on our people, to a successful provide all necessary help and support conclusion.—MNA

Construction Ministry holds discussions on completion of projects amidst COVID-19

THE Ministry of Construction At the meeting, the Union held a meeting on video confer- Minister discussed completion encing between its headquarters of projects in time, raising health in Nay Pyi Taw and the directors awareness on COVID-19 for the of projects in Regions/States yes- staff and labour at the project in terday. accordance with the guidelines Union Minister for Con- of Ministry of Health and Sports. struction U Han Zaw presided Deputy Minister Dr Kyaw over the meeting, which was Lin advised on following the di- also attended by Deputy Minis- rectives and orders of Region/ ter Dr Kyaw Lin, the Permanent State governments and provid- Secretary and the departmental ing assistance to common people heads, and they discussed timely in the project areas. completion of ongoing project, The Permanent Secretary, while caring about health of the directors-general and the workers amid the Coronavirus deputy directors-general dis- Disease and safeguarding ma- cussed the progress of respec- chinery in coordination with the tive works and preventive meas- Union Minister U Han Zaw attends the meeting on video conferencing between its headquarters in Nay Pyi respective local governments in ures against COVID-19.—MNA Taw and the directors of projects in Regions/States yesterday. PHOTO: MNA the project areas. (Translated by Aung Khin) COVID-19 meeting discusses speeding up news releases to reduce rumours

THE work committee on finance, Taw Council Area in accordance information and awareness re- with guidelines from the Minis- lated to control and response of try of Health and Sports. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COV- He also said the attendees ID-19) held a meeting at the Nay to cooperate with related depart- Pyi Taw Council in Nay Pyi Taw ments in speeding up news re- yesterday. leases to combat fake news and At the meeting, the commit- stop spreading rumours. Nay Pyi Taw Council member U Aung Myin Tun chairs the work committee on finance, information and tee’s chairman and Nay Pyi Taw U Kyaw Kyaw Tun, Director awareness related to control and response of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). PHOTO: MNA Council member U Aung Myin of the Disaster Management De- Tun stressed the needs of accel- partment, explained the current Members of the committee activities. to be implemented in future. — erating public awareness activi- conditions of public awareness reported on the matters related The committee’s chairman Zaw Min Lwin (District IPRD) ties on COVID-19 in the Nay Pyi activities. to news releases and awareness coordinated over the matters (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun) 22 APRIL 2020 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Republic of the Union of Myanmar Office of the President Press Release 15/2020 13th Waning of Tagu, 1382 ME (20 April 2020) Additional statistical bulletin on drug seizures, acting on information

1. In order to prevent and eradicate the dangers of narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs, the Office of the President has formed the Drug Activity Special Complaint Department on 26 June 2018 to systematically accept and respond to reports on drug abuses and other related cases from the general public. 2. With orders from the Office of the President, the Drug Activity Special Complaint Department relayed information on reports on drug-related offenses up to 18 April 2020 to the Ministry of Home Affairs to take action, as displayed below:

Sr Nature of report Details on seizure and legal action taken 8 Information received of Police have opened four cases and arrested five 1 Information received On 5 April 2020, police searched the house of Phoe some people distribut- men and two women together with stimulant of Phoe Lone who lives Lone (a) San Htwe, 37, son of U San Hla, who lives in ing and selling illegal tablets in the previous weeks. in Kayarsu Village, Kayarsu Village, Phaungpyin Township, and arrested drugs in Innet Village, Acting on a tip-off, police searched the house of Phaungpyin Township, him together with heroin. Thabeikkyin Tsp, Man- Thein Zaw (a) Sanshae, 30, son of U Chit Hla, who Sagaing Region, using, A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa dalay Region. lives in Innet Village, Thabeikkyin Township on 8 distributing and selling (Phaungpyin)MaYa(pa)68/2020 under Section 16(c) April 2020, and arrested him together with ‘WY’ illegal drugs. of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances stimulant tablets. Law. A case has been opened against him with NaMaSa 2 Information received On 5 April 2020, police searched the house of Daw (Dagaung)MaYa(pa)8/2020 under Section 19(a) of of some people using, Khin Mar San, 56, daughter of U Aung Khin, who the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances distributing and selling lives in Kyattagaung Village, Htigyaing Township, Law. illegal drugs in Kyatt- and arrested her together with heroin. Similarly, police searched the house of Ma Mya agaung Village, Htig- A case has been opened against her with MaMaSa Mya Hmway, 25, daughter of U Naing Win, who lives yaing Township, Sagaing (Htigyaing)MaYa(pa)39/2020 under Section 16(c) of in Aungthayakyun, Innet Village-tract, Thabeikkyin Region. the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Township, and arrested her together with ‘WY’ Law. stimulant tablets. 3 Information received of On 17 April 2020, police arrested Myint Zaw, 44, son of A case has been opened against her with NaMaSa Myint Zaw who lives in U Toke Gyi, who lives in Laemhee Village, together (Dagaung)MaYa(pa)9/2020 under Section 19(a) Laemhee Village, Htig- with heroin on the Kwanbaung Village road, Htig- and 20(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic yaing Township, Sagaing yaing Township. Substances Law. Region, using, distrib- A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa 9 Information received of On 5 April 2020, police searched a motorcycle driven uting and selling illegal (Htigyaing)MaYa(pa)42/2020 under Section 16(c) of some people distribut- by Aung San Oo, 32, son of U Win Aung, who lives drugs. the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. ing and selling illegal in Myoma 4 Ward, Mudon Township on the road of drugs in Abit-Khala- Abit-Khalaetine Village in the same township and 4 Information received On 5 April 2020, police arrested Min Tun, 33, son of U etine Village, Mudon arrested him together with ‘WY’ stimulant tablets. of Min Tun who lives in Tun Shane, who lives in Ngarpyaeinn Village, together Tsp, Mon State. A case has been opened against him with NaMaSa Ngarpyaeinn Village, In- with ‘88/1’ stimulant tablets and heroin near the forest (Kamawet)MaYa(pa)12/2020 under Section 19(a) of daw Township, Sagaing of the same village, Indaw Township. Region, using, distrib- A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances uting and selling illegal (Indaw)MaYa(pa)49/2020 under Section 19(a) of the Law. drugs. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. Similarly, police searched a motorcycle and Aung Thura Hein (a) Aung, 17, son of U Win Naing, who 5 Information received of On 13 April 2020, police searched the house of Kyaw lives in Hnaingpyaing Village and Phyo Shine Kyaw, Kyi Thaung who lives in Min Tun, 30, son of U Kyaw Aye, who lives in Oakshit- Hsattaw Village, Indaw kone Village, Indaw Township, and arrested him and 17, son of U Zaw Moe, who lives in the same village Township, Sagaing Re- two another – Aung Tin, 50, son of U Maung Oo, who on the road of Abit-Khalaetine Village in the same gion, using, distributing lives in the same village and Kyi Thaung, 35, son of township and arrested them together with ‘WY’ and selling illegal drugs. U Phoe Hmane, who lives in Settaw Village. Police stimulant tablets. seized heroin from them. A case has been opened against him with NaMaSa A case has been opened against them with MaMaSa (Kamawet)MaYa(pa)13/2020 under Section 16(c) (Indaw)MaYa(pa)58/2020 under Section 19(a), 20(a) and 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic and 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Sub- Substances Law. stances Law. 10 Information received On 14 April 2020, police searched a guesthouse 6 Information received of On 7 April 2020, police searched the house of Maung of Daw Aye Aye Naing in No 26 Ward, Dagon Myothit (south) Township, Maung Oo who lives in Oo, 42, son of U Aung Sein, who lives in Paypin Vil- who lives in No 64 Ward, and arrested Daw Aye Aye Naing (a) Ma Naing, 45, Paypin Village, Bamauk lage, Bamauk Township, and arrested him together Dagon Myothit (south) daughter of U Hla Tun, who lives in No 64 Ward, Township, Sagaing Re- with opium. Township, Yangon Re- the same township, Maung Maung Hla, 48, son of gion, using, distributing A case has been opened against him with NaMaSa gion, using, distribut- U Hla Myint, who lives in No 4 Ward, Kyauktada and selling illegal drugs. (Mansigyi)MaYa(pa)25/2020 under Section 19(a) of the ing and selling illegal Township, Ouk Soe Ya, 29, son of U Thet Lwin Oo, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. drugs. who lives in No 7 Ward, Kyauktada Township and 7 Information received of Police have opened seven cases and arrested seven Ma Sandi Myint Maung, 29, daughter of U Ye Aung, some people distributing men together with stimulant tablets and speciosa who lives in No 93 Ward, Dagon Myothit Township and selling illegal drugs powder in the previous weeks. (Seikkan) together with ‘WY’ stimulant tablets. in Aungthukha Ward, Ka- Acting on a tip-off, police searched the house of Ma A case has been opened against them with MaMa- wthoung Tsp, Taninthayi San San Win, 29, daughter of U Win Tun, who lives in Sa (Dagon South)MaYa(pa)39/2020 under Section Region. Aungthukha Ward, Kawthoung Township on 7 April 16(c) and 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psycho- 2020, and arrested her together with ‘WY’ stimulant tropic Substances Law. tablets. A case has been opened against her with MaMaSa 11 Information received of On 14 April 2020, police arrested Naing Lin Oo (Kawthoung)MaYa(pa)59/2020 under Section 19(a) Naing Lin Oo who lives (a) Thein Sein, 19, son of U Khin Oo, who lives in and 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Sub- in Phayagone Village, Phayagone Village, Thanlyin Township, together stances Law. Thanlyin Township, with ‘WY’ stimulant tablets on the Maggin road of Similarly, police arrested Aung Ko Oo (a) Watoke, 19, Yangon Region, using, Phayagone Village in the same township. son of U Thein Win, who lives in Padauk Shwewar distributing and selling A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa Ward, together with ‘WY’ stimulant tablets near Tun illegal drugs. (Thanlyin)MaYa(pa)26/2020 under Section 16(c) of Thirigone on 15 April 2020. the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa Law. (Kawthoung)MaYa(pa)64/2020 under Section 19(a) and 20(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. SEE PAGE-5 22 APRIL 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 5 Additional statistical bulletin on drug seizures, acting on information FROM PAGE-4

12 Information received Police have opened 20 cases and arrested 36 men 13 Information received of Police have opened 11 cases and arrested 11 men of some people distrib- and three women together with heroin, stimulant some people distribut- and two women together with heroin and stimulant uting and selling ille- tablets and opium block in the previous weeks. ing and selling illegal tablets in the previous weeks. gal drugs in wards of Acting on a tip-off, police searched a motorcycle drugs in Panhike No 8 Acting on a tip-off, police arrested Eai Kon, 50, son Taunggyi Tsp, southern driven by Yay Chan, 19, son of U Sein Kalar, who Ward, Namtu Tsp, Shan of U Eai Ku, who lives in Panhike No 8 Ward, Namtu Shan State. lives in Shwe Taung Ward, Taunggyi Township on State. Township, together with heroin in the cemetery of the Kyaukyayohe Road, the same ward and arrested Panhike No 8 Ward. him together with ‘WY’ stimulant tablets on 5 April. A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa (Namtu)MaYa(pa)4/2020 under Section 19(a) of the (Taunggyi)MaYa(pa)15/2020 under Section 16(c) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Similarly, police arrested Soe Aung, 27, son of U Lun Law. Pae, who lives in Panhike No 8 Ward, together with Similarly, police arrested Thein Zaw, 23, son of U 88/1 stimulant tablets on a road near Sipinyaygate Soe Thein; Kyaw Min Lay, 19, son of U Talo; Sai Htoo of the same ward. Htoo (a) Phoe Htoo, 25, son of U Aung Than and Wai A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa Linn, 22, son of U Soe Naing, who live in Nyaungphyu (Namtu)MaYa(pa)5/2020 under Section 19(a) of the Sakhan Ward, Taunggyi Township, together with Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. ‘WY’ stimulant tablets on the Hlaykhartathaung Similarly, police arrested Daw Bwayni, 48, daugh- road of the same ward. ter of U Thoo Lar, who lives in Saikhaung Village, A case has been opened against him with NaMaSa together with heroin on a road near Sipinyaygate (Taunggyi)MaYa(pa)22/2020 under Section 19(a) of the same ward. and 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic A case has been opened against her with MaMaSa Substances Law. (Namtu)MaYa(pa)6/2020 under Section 16(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

3. Out of the information sent to the Drug Activity Special Complaint Department, so far a total of 1,070 cases have been opened files as of 18 April 2020. A total of 1,646 people, including 1,376 men and 270 women had been arrested with 8,934.5014 g of heroin, 1,347.42 g of ICE, 41,544.33886 g of opium, 665.27 g of low-quality opium, 53,252.76 g of speciosa powder, 12,097.32 g of speciosa, 2.5 litres of liquid speciosa, 532,121 stimulant tablets, 10,311.67 g of marijuana, 0.1 litres of opium tincture, 596.28 g of opium blocks, 60 g of poppy seeds, 55.45 g of crushed stimulant tablet powder, 0.001 g of crushed ecstasy powder, 25 firearms, different kinds of 609 cartridges and one grenade. Efforts for fighting the drug trafficking has been stepped up and the department will report on further exposed cases. 4. To seize further drugs and to arrest drugs dealers, people are urged to inform the Ministry of Home Affairs, region and state governments and to inform huge cases of drug trafficking and other suspicious cases directly to the Drug Activity Special Complaint Department of the Office of the President via following contact numbers:

Contacts Landline No. — 067-590200 Fax Phone No. — 067-590233 Email Address — [email protected]

Japan provides test kits, Announcement for 21 days medical gas to support facility quarantine and 7 days fighting against COVID-19

home quarantine THE Government of Japan will Specialist Hospital to provide provide additional 10,000 test kits medical services to the people 1. The Ministry of Health and Sports had earlier announced the 14-day facility quarantine, to the National Health Laborato- with COVID-19 infections, which followed by another 14-day home quarantine, for prevention of COVID-19 infection from ry-NHL today, according to the is rapidly increasing in Yangon the foreign visitors and the positive patients. Japanese International Cooper- Region, and Kitajima Sanso pro- ation Agency-JICA. vided medical gas to give those 2. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the transmission of The donation came after the patients necessary treatment. disease is possible before two days and until 28 days of symptoms, and that the infection JICA’s assistance of 1,000 tests Regarding these assistance, of disease is possible during these periods. A research conducted in China has shown kits to the NHL on 25 February Japanese Ambassador Mr. that strict and systematic quarantine for 21 days could contain the outbreak of disease and 10,000 test kits on 9th April. Maruyama Ichiro said, “Japan up to 98.7%. Moreover, some regional countries are practicing a total of 28 days for both Besides, the JICA provided would be together with all people hospital/facility quarantine and home quarantine. Especially, the 28-day quarantine technical cooperation to guide of Myanmar to fight against COV- period is found in the countries with only limited laboratory tests. testing method by dispatching ID-19 while the infected cases of Japanese experts. COVID-19 has been increasing 3. Out of 28 positive cases for COVID-19 in Myanmar, some positive patients are the By these assistance, de- and Myanmar has been in the imported cases and the close persons with them. Moreover, the lab tests of National finitive diagnosis, which had difficult situation. Health Laboratory and the contact tracings at Regions/States have showed that some previously been conducted in On April 14, 2020, in order to confirmed patients and some quarantined persons for more than 14 days were still Thailand, became available in conduct the test appropriately tested positive. Myanmar. and safely, JICA produced video Based on the proposal of the materials to guide widely on how 4. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Sports has extended the 14-day facility quarantine Ministry of Health and Sports to collect and transport samples to the 21-day community based facility quarantine/hotel quarantine and 7-day home and Yangon Region Government, properly. quarantine, totalling 28-day quarantine. a Japanese Company, Kitajima Moreover, in order to pre- Sanso Co. Ltd., has provided med- vent the infections of COVID-19 ical gas to Phaunggyi COVID-19 to healthcare workers, the video The Ministry of Health and Sports Specialist Hospital on 21 April. materials presenting how to wear (Translated by Aung Khin) Central Institute of Civil Ser- and remove Personal Protective vices (Phaunggyi) has been ren- Equipment (PPE) properly was ovated as Phaunggyi COVID-19 also produced.—GNLM 22 APRIL 2020 6 LOCAL NEWS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com All shops to close but food, drugstores

ACTING CHIEF EDITOR Aye Min Soe allowed to open: Ayeyawady region govt [email protected]

SENIOR EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Kyaw Myaing AYEYAWADY Regional Gov- Only the private vehicles are persons aboard. Now, they We also understand the difficul- ernment has announced that allowed to run with only five amended that only five persons ties of the authorities. However, SENIOR EDITOR all shops must be closed in Ay- persons on board including must be on board on the pri- we need enough time to make Aungthu Ya eyawady region until 30 April the driver, according to the an- vate cars,” said U Kyaw Myint, preparation. So, we want to SENIOR TRANSLATORS except the food shops and drug nouncement of the regional gov- Minister for Municipal in Ay- suggest to the authorities that Zaw Htet Oo stores to protect from further ernment released on 19 April. eyawady region. they issue the order at least one Aung Khin spreading of Covid-19. “The authorities have in- U Htay Lwin Thein, a mem- day ahead. If they do so, we can Among the shops being structed to close every shop ber of the market committee of cooperate more conveniently. INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITOR Ye Htut Tin, opened in the municipal mar- in the municipal markets ex- Hinthada Town market said, This morning, some of the shop Aung Htein, kets, only the basic food shops cept those selling the food and “We have some difficulties re- owners reached the market to [email protected] and the drug stores are allowed medicines. The authorities will lated to the announcement. We open their shops because they to remain open in the market. also take action against those just received the order at 10:30 did not know the announce- LOCAL NEWS EDITORS Tun Tun Naing (Editor), All other shops inclusive of the who are not wearing the masks pm that all shops except those ment. Therefore, we want the [email protected] cosmetics and beauty salons in the market. Previously, the selling the food and medicines authorities to announce at least must be closed till 30 April. regional government has an- must close from 20 to 30 April. one day ahead to make enough TRANSLATORS Moreover, the operation of the nounced that the private cars We should know the order one preparation”. —Htet Htet Hay Mar Tin Win, passenger buses will be sus- are allowed to run but there day ahead to be able to fully Ei Myat Mon, Kyaw Zin Lin, pended until the end of April. must be no more than seven cooperate with the authorities. (Translated by Hay Mar) Kyaw Zin Tun

REPORTER Nyein Nyein Ei, [email protected] Collecting rentals of leased hotels

PHOTOGRAPHER Kyaw Zeya Win @ Phoe Khwar deferred for six months Kyaw Zeya

COMPUTER TEAM The Directorate of Hotels and guests are staying at the hotels. Last year, the committee ism sector was regulated by the Thein Ngwe, Zaw Zaw Aung, Tourism under the Ministry So, the department deferred the issued 42 hotel licences and 14 Union Government. Under the Hnin Pwint, Kay Khaing Win, of Hotels and Tourism has an- rentals of the leased hotels and guesthouse licences. Besides, Myanmar Tourism Law 2018, Sanda Hnin, Thein Htwe, nounced that it will defer collect- lands for six months for the en- the committee permitted the the sector has been decentral- Nyi Lin Thu ing of rents of the leased hotels trepreneurs to be relieved of the construction of 20 hotels and ized and more power has been EDITORIAL SECTION and joint venture hotels for six adverse effects on the tourism three guesthouses. vested in the regional and state (+95) (01)8604529, months beginning from 1 April industry. The committee has issued governments, said Naw Pan Fax — (+95) (01) 8604305 to 30 September. The Yangon region Tourism 356 inbound and outbound travel Thinzar Myo, the Minister for

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION The Directorate of Hotels Committee granted licences to service licences, 121 outbound Kayin Ethnic Affairs as well as San Lwin, (+95) (01) 8604532, and Tourism has state-owned eight hotels with 750 rooms, sev- travel service licences and 218 the vice-chairperson of the Re- Hotline - 09 974424114 hotels rented to private entre- en hotel construction permits, tour guide licences. The busi- gional Tourism Committee. preneurs. With the outbreak one guesthouse construction nesses have investments of There are currently some ADVERTISING & MARKETING of the Covid-19 around the permit and 117 travel service K152,030 million and US$238.29 430 hotels and motels operating ( +95) (01) 8604530, Hotline - 09 974424848 world, the tourism industry has licences (inbound and outbound) million so far and created 3,232 in Yangon region, according to [email protected] stopped in Myanmar because on 18 February 2020, thereby cre- jobs, according to the commit- the Ministry of Hotels and Tour- [email protected] the local and foreign visitors ating 801 jobs, according to the tee. ism. —Aye Maung are not travelling and thus no Regional Tourism Committee. Earlier, the hotels and tour- (Translated by Hay Mar) Printed and published at the Global New Light of Myanmar Printing Factory at No.150, Nga Htat Kyee Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, by the Global New Light of Myanmar Daily under Printing Permit No. Monywa sees 20 fire 00510 and Publishing Permit No. 00629. outbreaks in 4 townships [email protected] www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com www.facebook.com/TheGNLM in four months

OVER the first four months of their houses,” said U Nyi Nyi 2020, 20 cases of fire outbreak Zaw, the head of fire services have been reported so far in department of Monywa District. four townships of Monywa dis- Most of the cases, 11 in to- tricts in Sagaing region. tal, happened in March, one of Among the cases, there the hottest months in Monywa were 14 outbreaks in Monywa district with three each taking Write for us Township alone, it is learnt. place in January, February and

We appreciate your feedback and “Most of the outbreaks April. contributions. If you have any comments were started from the rubbish “We want the local peo- Fire gutted house in Monywa. FILE PHOTO: MYO WIN TUN or would like to submit editorials, analyses or reports please email bin. The fire starting from the ple to change the old electric (MONYWA) [email protected] rubbish bin continued to other wires. Now, the weather is too with your name and title. Due to limitation of space we are only houses. People set fire to the hot and people are using air lages. So, the fire engine could fire outbreaks are due to negli- able to publish “Letter to the Editor” garbage to dispose of. Then, cons and fans all the time and not reach the scene in time,” he gence,” he said. —Myo Win Tun that do not exceed 500 words. Should you submit a text longer than 500 words they could not control the fire. the old ones could not stand added. (Monywa) please be aware that your letter will be The local people do not keep to overheat. Most cases of fire “Damage to property re- edited. the fire control apparatuses in outbreak took place in the vil- tards the development. Most (Translated by Hay Mar) 22 APRIL 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR LOCAL BUSINESS 7 Yangon Region government Annual inflation rate lifts daylight truck ban rises to 9.2 per cent in February

THE annual rate of inflation in remarkable increase in CPI in Myanmar, based on the Con- the household goods and main- sumer Price Index, stood at tenance, transportation, other 9.2 per cent in February 2020, commodities, clothing, health, according to a report released education services, recreation, by the Central Statistical Or- culture, non-food and tobacco ganization under the Ministry and beverages groups. The of Planning and Finance. price of telecommunications The figure has remained stays flat. above 8 per cent since June In February, Ayeyawady 2019. The inflation rate stood at Region recorded the highest 7.28 per cent in March 2019 and inflation rate at 12.65 per cent, gradually inclined. It reached a followed by Magway Region peak of 8.61 per cent in Septem- at 11.89 per cent, and Sagaing ber and dipped in November. Region at 11.82 per cent. The It touched the highest level at rate fluctuated with a maxi- 8.81 per cent in December 2019 mum rate of 14.19 per cent in because of the high season. Ayeyawady Region and a min- Afterwards, despite the imum rate of 4.46 per cent in A truck drives past a cargo container yard in Yangon. FILE PHOTO drop in fuel oil price and gain Chin State. in local currency, power tariff Earlier, the inflation rate By Nyein Nyein ation, Myanma Port Authority drivers faced with difficulties hike led to higher inflation rate was calculated based on a 2006 and traffic police will jointly after announcing the night cur- up to 9.2 per cent in February survey. The base year was later YANGON Region government work on this. few amidst the Covid-19 pan- 2020. changed to 2012. The Central has now allowed the container As a result of this, the demic, prompting the regional The inflation rate was reg- Statistical Organization con- trucks for daytime operation, trucks are temporarily allowed government to give green light istered at 9.06 per cent in Jan- ducted a Household Income according to the regional gov- to run between 7 am and 8 pm. to daytime operation. uary 2020, and so, the month and Expenditure Survey in 82 ernment. Truck drivers need to follow this Regarding the traffic law en- February witnessed a small townships in November 2012. Yangon Region Transport time frame not to have any early forcement on container trucks, rise of 0.14 per cent against To reduce the inflation rate, Authority (YRTA) requested the or delayed events. a team comprising YRTA mem- January’s rate. The core infla- the concerned authorities have regional government to allow As there are industrial bers, traffic police, Yangon tion, which strips out volatile been making efforts based on the trucks to run daytime oper- zones and big markets in Yan- City Development Committee food and energy prices, was policies on finance, currency, ation because of the nighttime gon city, the roads are seen busy members, Myanma Port Au- 11.15 per cent in February. trade, and foreign currency curfew amid Covid-19 crisis with cargo trucks. Therefore, thority, Myanmar Container The Myanmar Kyat gained control, in keeping with the and the government lifted the the heavy trucks were earlier Trucks Association and Myan- against the US dollar in Febru- second five-year National De- daytime truck ban. To ease the allowed to run between 9 pm mar Highway Freight Trans- ary. The price of imported oil velopment Plan (2016-2017FY- traffic congestion and prevent and 6 am. During the daytime, portation Services Association dropped, causing food price to 2020-2021FY). — Htet Myat traffic accidents, YRTA, Myan- they were allowed to travel will conduct a surprise check. slightly decrease. mar Container Trucks Associ- during the specified time. The (Translated by Ei Myat Mon) Nevertheless, there was a (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)

MoC issues over 67,000 COs through online platform so far A d v e r t i s e

THE Ministry of Commerce dures (SOPs) for private busi- Belarus, Canada, European ASEAN-India Free Trade (MoC) has issued over 67,000 nesspersons seeking Certifi- Union countries, Iceland, Ja- Agreement (Form AI), and with us/ Hot Line : preferential Certificates of Or- cate of Origin (CO), per the new pan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, ASEAN-Hong Kong CO (Form igin (COs) so far for exporters trade environment in foreign Norway, Russia, Switzerland, AHK) are also being issued. and importers in Myanmar countries. Turkey, and the US. Form Ko- Only registered importers 09974424848 through electronic means, the According to a news re- rea, Form DFTP with India, and exporters can apply for ministry stated. lease from the MoC, busi- and Form China are also being COs. The applications can be The ministry helped trad- nesspersons can apply for COs issued to help businesspersons filed online or manually at the ers save time and cost as it at the export-import office in avail the duty-free tariff pref- border trade checkpoints and launched online service for the Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw; the erence for Least Developed offices. The applicants must be COs in May 2019. All the docu- Thilawa Special Zone; and, at Countries. trading net member. Newspapers & ments can be uploaded elec- the 14 border trade checkpoints Moreover, forms under the At the time of application, Printing Service tronically and applicants can — Muse, Lweje, Chinshwehaw, ASEAN Trade in Goods Agree- certificates of product regis- make an online payment. They Kampaiti, Tachilek, Myawady, ment (Form D), ASEAN-China tration, export declaration, bill can print out the certificate. Kawthoung, Myeik, Tamu, Free Trade Area Preferential of landing, invoice, cost state- The online applications can be Reed, Htikhee, Kengtung, Tariff Certificate of Origin ment, HS-Code, and necessary submitted to the following MoC Maese, and Mawtaung. (Form E), and ASEAN-Korea documents for production will with us/ Hot Line : branches, MoC office on Strand The MoC is issuing CO Free Trade Agreement (Form have to be submitted along Road and Yangon, Department Form A so businesspersons can AK), ASEAN-Japan Compre- with the CO Forms. Further 01-8604530 of Trade in Yankin Township enjoy the benefits under the hensive Economic Partnership details are available on www. and Thilawa SEZ. Generalized System of Prefer- (Form AJ), ASEAN-Austral- commerce.gov.mm. —Ko Htet The MoC has also released ences offered by 40 developed ia-New Zealand Free Trade Standard Operating Proce- countries, including Australia, Agreement (Form AANZ), (Translated by Ei Myat Mon) 22 APRIL 2020 22 APRIL 2020 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 9 Care for Ministry of Ethnic Affairs' fourth-year performances By Nanda Win, Photo: Taya Myanmar Daily Weather Report To bring the internal armed conflicts to an end and establish total peace (Issued at 7:00 pm Monday 20th April, 2020) those who BAY INFERENCE: Weather is a few cloud over the Andaman throughout the country, cooperation between the government and Sea and Bay of Bengal. FORECAST VALID UNTIL AFTERNOON OF THE 21st care for us the people in the development processes across the nation is sine qua non. April, 2020: Rain or thundershowers will be scattered in Upper Sagaing Region and Kachin State and isolated in Nay Pyi Taw, MIDST the global fight against the COVID-19 dis- O achieve unity was held in Yangon from 25 to Mandalay, Bago and Taninthayi Regions, Shan and Chin States. ease, a WHO vehicle with the United Nations emblem among the ethnic na- 30 January 2019 to enhance the Degree of certainty is (80%). Weather will be partly cloudy in was attacked by the ULA/AA terrorist group on 20 tional brethren, the ethnic people's unity, display the remaining Regions and States. A April, and a WHO local staff member was seriously T government is foster- their cultures, and promote wounded. He was driving this vehicle on his mission to trans- ing ethnic unity and Union spir- tourism sector. STATE OF THE SEA: Sea will be slight to moderate in Myan- port swabs samples from COVID-19 suspects in townships in it, adopting the idea "diversity is A coordination meeting mar waters. Wave height will be about (3-6) feet off and along Rakhine State to the National Health Laboratory in Yangon. an opportunity for unity." concerning the Myanmar Eth- Myanmar Coasts. He died the next day. Throughout the history, nic Culture Festival 2020 and The Union Government and the World Health Organization the government has fulfilled the Ethnic Sustainable Devel- OUTLOOK FOR SUBSEQUENT TWO DAYS: Likelihood condemned the attack. the needs of ethnic people, and opment Forum was held on 23 of rain or thundershowers in Sagaing Region, Kachin, Shan “This incident once again puts the spotlight on the extreme tried to provide the equal rights January 2020, and attended by and Chin States. hardships being faced by our corona warriors – our doctors, to all ethnic national races re- Vice President U Henry Van nurses, other health workforce - especially while working in siding in the country. Thio, in his capacity as Chair- FORECAST FOR NAY PYI TAW AND NEIGHBOURING security compromised and hard-to-reach areas as they continue In efforts to strengthen the man of the Ethnic Affairs, Pub- AREA FOR 21st April, 2020: Likelihood of isolated rain or to contribute their best to save lives,” said Dr Poonam Khetra- unity of all ethnic people, the lic Affairs Management and thundershowers.Degree of certainty is (60%). pal Singh, Regional Director for South-East Asia of the World incumbent government formed Service Committee. Union Minister Nai Thet Lwin Health Organization. the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs in The Vice President said FORECAST FOR YANGON AND NEIGHBOURING AREA Unfortunately, we are also seeing cases of attacks on security March 2016 in accordance with the meeting to organize the "When we talk about the FOR 21st April, 2020: Partly cloudy. personnel and local adminis- the Ethnic Rights Protection Myanmar Ethnic Culture Fes- same blood it’s really not the trators who are assisting in Law that was enacted in 2015. tival 2020 in accordance with vein in human’s body. It means FORECAST FOR MANDALAY AND NEIGHBOURING prevention, tracing contacts Region/state ethnic affairs the objectives of the festival the blood flows in our minds. If AREA FOR 21st April, 2020: Likelihood of isolated rain or We condemn all and enforcing physical dis- ministers were appointed to -- to assist the national peace our minds are same and alike, thundershowers.Degree of certainty is (60%). kinds of physical, tancing measures including undertake the affairs of their process, showcase ethnic soli- we can be the same blood." said facility quarantine to stop ethnic groups, assist develop- Union Minister Nai Thet Lwin attends the opening of 2019 Mon Business Forum in Mawlamyine on 2 November darity and culture to Myanmar State Counsellor Daw Aung San 2019. verbal or psycho- COVID19. ment of the Union and establish citizens and foreign visitors, Suu Kyi at the opening cere- logical violence We condemn all kinds peace. The ethnic affair minis- "Ethnic Affairs" include amity and respect and mutu- of physical, verbal or psy- ters were nominated by their language, literature, fine art, al assistance among ethnic against frontline chological violence against ethnic groups. There are a total culture, customs and religion, groups and to live eternally Invitation to young heath care work- frontline heath care work- of 29 state/region ethnic affairs historical heritages, peace, eth- together on the basics of gen- ers and volunteers who are ministers in the state/region nic rights included at the con- uine union spirit writers for Sunday ers and volunteers risking their lives on the cabinets. stitution, and socio-economic • To preserve and develop eth- who are risking frontline in the face of the "When peace prevails in the development. nic’s historical heritage, na- Special infectious disease to save whole nation, all states and re- Formulating the Ethnic tional characters, customs, their lives on the others. gions will be developed." said Rights Protection Law, bylaw, culture, fine art, literature and We would like to pay the President in his speech, and policies, Ministry of Ethnic languages The Global New Light of Myanmar is accepting submissions of frontline in the poetry, opinion, articles, essays and short stories from young people tribute to the health work- urging ethnic affairs ministers Affairs has implemented the • To promote socio-economic for its weekly Sunday Next Generation Platform. Interested candidates face of the infec- er who sacrificed his life for to deliver the message to the national races' affairs. development including ed- can send their work to the Global New Light of Myanmar at No. 150, fighting the global pandemic national races. The Ethnic Rights Protec- ucation, health, economy, Nga Htat Kyee Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, in person, or tious disease to by email to with the following and we would like to express "As our national leaders tion Law was enacted to provide transportation and commu- [email protected] save others. information: (1) Sector you wish to be included in (poetry, opinion, sadness over attacks on all successfully worked it out with the rights of the national races nications, so forth, of less-de- etc.), (2) Own name and (if different) your penname,(3) Your level of front-line health workers, the exercise of farsightedness guaranteed by the constitution veloped ethnic groups. education, (4) Name of your School/College/University, (5) A written security personnel and vol- at the 20th century Panglong and equal citizen’s rights to all With the Goal 3 of the Myan- note of declaration that the submitted piece is your original work and has not been submitted to any other news or magazine publishing unteers. Conference, so we will unfail- ethnic groups, to enhance sol- mar Sustainable Development houses, (6) A color photo of the submitter, (7) Copy of your NRC Union Minster Nai Thet Lwin poses for a group together with ethnic culture troupes. Investigation must be carried out into the killing of the local ingly be able to successfully idarity, mutual amity and re- Plan (2018-2030) that includes card, (8) Contact information (email address, mobile number, etc.).— WHO staff as the government is committed to addressing the build the Democratic Federal spect and mutual assistance job creation and private sec- Editorial Department, The Global New Light of Myanmar concerns and fears of the frontline workers battling with the Union if we, brothers and sis- among ethnic groups and to live tor-led growth, the ministry or- itkyina on 14 and 15 November. boost tourism, expand regional mony of the second Myanmar pandemic. Measures must be taken to prevent recurrence of ters of national races come eternally together on the basic ganized the Ethnic Sustainable In accordance with the products and ethnic textiles to Ethnic Culture Festival 2020 on such abhorrent acts. together and work it out with of genuine union spirit, to pre- Development Forum in 2018 to Ethnic Affairs Protection Law, international markets, and cre- 1 February. A pandemic like disease does not distinguish between farsightedness and unity." said serve and develop ethnic’s his- promote the ethnic people's so- the ministry allowed organiz- ate employment opportunities At the opening of the festi- borders and people, and if the virus is not contained it will State Counsellor Daw Aung San torical heritage, national char- cioeconomic development. ing the ethnic festivals. By the for ethnic youths. val, Vice President U Henry Van endanger all of us. Suu Kyi on 73rd anniversary of acters, customs, culture, fine As a result of the ethnic de- leaders of the State attending With the directives of the Thio also said, "Ethnic nationals WHO’s regional director appealed yesterday to all to fa- the Union Day celebration in art, literature and languages, velopment forum, the Myanmar festivals, sending messages, Ministry of Ethnic Affairs, Min- are varied and diverse in the cilitate the work of our health workforce who are putting their Panglong, Shan State. and to promote socio-economic Ethnic Entrepreneurs Associ- the Union Ministers and relat- istry of Commerce, Ministry of country so there are different lives at risk to save other lives. According to the 2008 development. ation (MEEA) was formed in ed cabinet members attending Hotels and Tourism, Yangon views between them. All should We must continue to do everything we can to protect and Constitution, "National Rac- To fulfill the purposes of the March 2018 to assist the nation's the festivals, coordinating the Region Government and the remove them and proceed with support the frontline health workers. es" means the ethnic groups Ethnic Rights Protection Law, economy and peace process. organizing of festivals, and Kayah State Government, My- the same ideas and concepts. those who regard the Repub- the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs Mon Ethnic Entrepreneurs providing cash assistances, the anmar Ethnic Entrepreneurs Therefore, all can collaborate lic of the Union of Myanmar laid down four policies as follow; Association organized Mon government also encouraged Association and Kayah Ethnic and work together in the na- as their country of origin and • To obtain the rights of the na- Business Forum in Mawlamy- the rights of the ethnic groups. Entrepreneurs Association tion building though there are live continuously in the coun- tional races in the constitution ine on 2nd and 3rd November Organized by Myanmar jointly organized the second diversities." try. But, those who are granted and equal citizen’s rights for 2019, and Kachin Ethnic En- Ethnic Entrepreneurs Associ- Myanmar Ethnic Culture Fes- citizenship and guest citizens all ethnic groups trepreneurs Association held ation (MEEA), the first Myan- tival 2020 from 1 to 7 February SEE PAGE-10 Call Thin Thin May, 09251022355,09974424848 are not included. • To enhance solidarity, mutual Kachin Business Forum in My- mar Ethnics Culture Festival 2020 in Yangon. 22 APRIL 2020 10 ARTICLE THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Ministry of Ethnic Affairs' fourth-year performances

FROM PAGE-9 The Vice President then attended the “Kaethobo” Kayah victory pillar erecting ceremo- ny at the festival.“Kaethobo” ceremony depicts unity, mutual assistance, loving kindness, and fine quality of customs among Kayahs. They aimed to have good weather and ample har- vest of rice and other crops, to keep natural disasters away, to strengthen the unity among ethnic nationals, to develop the country, and to raise the spirit of next generations to preserve their traditional cultures. The government also for- mulated policies to develop small and medium-sized en- Officials and attendees pose for a group at the Kachin State Business Forum in Myitkyina. terprises (SMEs), and so that ethnic businesspersons could medium-sized enterprises. bilingual Ethnic Languages/ the basic of genuine union spir- cil Area, 12 organizations in invest not only in local busi- The religions, customs and Myanmar picture books in 66 it, the ministry arranged first Kachin State, 13 organizations nesses but also in service in- festivals of the ethnic people ethnic languages, the ethnic excursion to Nay Pyi Taw for in Kayah State, 13 organiza- dustry. across the country are included people's languages, literatures 94 ethnic representatives from tions in Chin State, and four As Myanmar Ethnic En- in the list of intangible cultural and cultures were preserved Kachin, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, organizations in Sagaing Re- trepreneurs Association es- heritage in order to preserve and developed. Rakhine, Shan, Taung, Lisu, gion. tablished state/region branch and develop language, litera- Surveys on endangered Khami and Mro ethnic groups With the Myanmar Sus- offices, ethnic businesspersons ture, fine art, culture, customs, ethnic languages, literatures, in northern Shan State and Ra- tainable Development Plan got opportunities for exporting national characters, and histor- customs, culture and lifestyles, khine State, the second trip for (2018-2030), the ministry has their regions' local products to ical heritages. faiths and festivals, ethnic peo- 90 ethnic representatives from implemented the strategic plan the developed regions. In cooperation with Min- ple's costumes, displays of uten- the national races in Kachin for ethnic rights to ensure the A total of 5,161 daily-wage istry of Religious Affairs and sils and musical instruments, State and Taninthayi Region, rights of the national races monthly-paid teaching assis- Culture, the ministry conducted official establishment of ethnic and the third excursion for 107 guaranteed by the constitution tants in the 2018-2019 academic a capacity building training for literature and culture organi- ethnic representatives from na- and equal citizen’s rights for all year, and 7,263 ethnic language preservation of intangible cul- zations, health papers, posters tional races in Kayah and Chin ethnic groups. teachers in the 2019-2020 aca- tural heritage in 2019. and press releases issued by States. A coordination meeting to demic year were also appointed On 1 August 2019, the Min- UNICEF were translated into Similarly, the fourth ex- initiate drafting of a strategic at the basic education schools istry of Agriculture, Livestock ethnic languages. cursion to Nay Pyi Taw for 101 plan for ethnic rights was held in order to create more job op- and Irrigation handed over the A total of 374 healthy eth- ethnic representatives from in Nay Pyi Taw on 19 Septem- portunities. Union National Races Village nic cuisines were collected to Sagaing and Ayeyawady re- ber 2019. With the aim of handing (Yangon) to the Ministry of put them in the first version of gions, and the fifth excursion The Ethnic Rights Protec- over jewellery production tech- Ethnic Affairs. The Union Na- Health Norm and Standards to Yangon for 92 ethnic repre- tion Bylaw was enacted on 23 niques to next generation, Su tional Races Village was being Book. Law and bylaws of Ethnic sentatives from Magway and August 2019 to effectively solve Htoo Pan, an education char- upgraded to transform it into Rights Protection were trans- eastern Shan State were also conflicts. ity foundation, established a an Ethnic Communication Cen- lated into ethnic languages. organized. The ministry's staff in vocational institute for man- tre-ECC. The ministry was recording With the aim of preserva- states and regions conducted ufacturing finished jewellery. Teaching ethnic languag- the changes of ethnic costumes tion and development of lan- a total of 64 activities explaining Admission to the institute was es at basic education schools through eras. guage, literature and culture, the matters that are included at chosen by the Ministry of Eth- in summer, drawing up local Implementing the policy during the 2018-2019 financial the Ethnic Protection Law to nic Affairs. Su Htoo Pan Foun- curriculums, making efforts of enhancing solidarity, mutual year, the ministry provided the ethnic people in 2018-2019. dation helps those who com- for teaching 64 ethnic languag- amity and respect and mutual more than K 20 million for eight After collecting the data on pleted a course at the institute es, and publishing preschool assistance among ethnic groups literature and culture organi- ethnic affairs, a strategic plan to get a job at the small and and kindergarten students' and to live eternally together on zations in Nay Pyi Taw Coun. for ethnic rights (2019-2028) was drafted and being implemented. A total of 14 offices in re- gions and states were opened since 2017. The offices will be used as Ethnic Communication Centre -ECC by hosting meet- ings, festivals and workshops. To effectively implement ethnic affairs, in-charges for the offic- es were appointed. Ministry of Ethnic Affairs was striving to promote the so- cio-economic development of ethnic national brethren and as- sist building a genuine Federal Democratic Union. (Translated Union Minister Nai Thet Lwin poses for a group photo together with ethnic literature and culture troupes from Kayah and Chin States. by Khin Wai Lwin) 22 APRIL 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR COVID-19 PANDEMIC 11 Coronavirus: latest global developments

Here are the latest develop- of shrinking demand and a vast with 16,509. ments in the coronavirus cri- supply glut. sis: Italy to get exit plan details China defends epidemic Italy’s Prime Minister Gi- Trump eyes immigration handling useppe Conte promises to reveal ban Beijing hits back at mount- by the weekend the steps he will US President Donald Trump ing pressure over its manage- take to loosen restrictions and says he will temporarily ban im- ment of the crisis. “Any question reopen the economy. migration to the United States to about China’s transparency in “I would like to be able to combat the “invisible enemy” of the prevention and control of say, let’s open everything. Right coronavirus, a drastic new step epidemic situation is not in line away,” Conte writes on Face- in his anti-immigration crusade, with facts,” says foreign ministry book. “But such a decision would but gives no further details. spokesman Geng Shuang. be irresponsible.” “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as More than 170,000 dead Virgin Australia collapses Medical staff prepare nasal swabs for analysis in a high detection rate the need to protect the jobs of our More than 2,483,846 infections Cash-strapped Virgin Aus- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine to screen for COVID-19, on 21 GREAT American Citizens, I will have now been reported and at tralia goes into administration, April 2020, at the Croix-Rousse hospital in Lyon, central-eastern France, be signing an Executive Order least 170,368 people have died, making it the largest carrier to on the 35th day of a lockdown in France aimed at curbing the spread of to temporarily suspend immi- according to an AFP tally at 1100 buckle under the strain of the the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus. PHOTO: gration into the United States!” GMT Tuesday based on official pandemic. AFP he tweets late Monday. sources. The United States has the most deaths of any country Munich beer festival runs Bavaria scheduled for Septem- ning festival in the northern Oil market turmoil with 42,364. dry ber 19 to October 4 and expecting city of Pamplona, held each Oil-price turmoil grips trad- Italy is the second hard- For the first time since to draw some six million visitors. year between 6 and 14 July and ers once again, a day after US est-hit country, with 24,114 dead. World War II, German officials attracting hundreds of thou- crude futures crashed below Spain follows with 21,282, then cancel Oktoberfest, a beloved No bulls in Pamplona sands of people, is cancelled. zero for the first time as a result France with 20,265 and Britain beer-swilling festival in southern Spain’s best-known bull-run- — AFP Humans to blame for spread of COVID-19 food crisis “entirely coronavirus and other ‘zoonoses’ avoidable”, but quick and strategic action needed PARIS(France) — Whether it They are not new — tuber- and human settlement, or en- came from a bat or a pangolin culosis, rabies, toxoplasmosis, croachments into forests and ROME — The COVID-19 pan- VULNERABLE COUNTRIES is not certain, but one thing is: malaria, to name just a few, are other habitats,” said a 2016 demic is threatening food se- AT RISK the coronavirus outbreak that all zoonoses. According to the UNEP report. curity where people depend on According to FAO senior has killed tens of thousands and UN Environment Programme “Changes in the environ- small-scale farming or fishing for economist Abdolreza Abbas- turned the world upside down (UNEP), 60 per cent of human ment are usually the result of hu- their livelihoods, but a global food sian, the pandemic has not led comes from the animal world. infectious diseases originate man activities, ranging from land crisis is “entirely avoidable” if to a global food crisis, but it has It is human activity that ena- from animals. use change to climate change.” policy makers take timely action, caused world trade to contract bled the virus to jump to people, This figure climbs to 75 per Gwenael Vourc’h of INRAE, according to the United Nations drastically and almost all cur- and specialists are warning that cent for “emerging” diseases a French public research insti- Food and Agriculture Organiza- rencies to depreciate against the if nothing changes many other such as Ebola, HIV, avian flu, tute, also blames human activity tion (FAO). US dollar. pandemics of this nature will Zika, or SARS, another type of for the crossover between spe- “FAO is particularly con- This in turn spells trouble for follow. coronavirus. The list goes on. cies. “Given the growth of the cerned about the pandemic’s im- the world’s most vulnerable coun- The name given to diseas- “The emergence of zoonot- human population and its ever pacts on vulnerable communities tries, most of whom rely heavily es transmitted from animals to ic diseases is often associated more intense use of planetary re- already grappling with hunger or on exports while also importing humans is “zoonoses”, based on with environmental changes or sources, the destruction of more other crises ... as well as countries staple foods: there is less mon- the Greek words for “animal” ecological disturbances, such and more ecosystems multiplies that rely heavily on food imports, ey coming in, and it takes more and “sickness”. as agricultural intensification contacts,” she says. such as Small Islands Developing money to buy necessities. A key area of concern is States, and countries that depend “The longer the pandemic deforestation to make way for on primary exports like oil,” FAO goes on, the more the danger that agriculture and intensive live- said in a statement earlier this these countries will give up trying stock farming. month. to control the virus because they Domesticated animals are Vulnerable communities in- simply don’t have the resources often a “bridge” between patho- clude small farmers, pastoralists, to do so, or they will try to impose gens from the wild and humans. fishers, informal labourers, and lockdowns, which could mean dis- The widespread use of antibiot- the 10 million children in Lat- aster,” Abbassian told Xinhua. ics in the livestock industry has in America and the Caribbean “(These are countries also led to bacterial pathogens who depend on school meals as where) if people don’t go to work, building up immunity to front- a primary source of food, FAO they won’t have money. It’s not line drugs. pointed out. like they have checks show up in Urbanisation and habitat “But there is no need for the their bank accounts: they literally fragmentation are also high- world to panic. Globally, there is won’t be able to feed their fami- ly disruptive of the balance enough food for everyone. Policy lies, so they might have to sell between species, while global makers around the world need to their livelihoods — for example, warming can push disease-car- be careful not to ... turn this health their sheep — just to get money The novel coronavirus originated in the animal kingdom and jumped to rying animals into new territory. crisis into an entirely avoidable to buy food,” explained Abbas- humans. PHOTO: AFP — AFP food crisis,” FAO said. sian.— Xinhua 22 APRIL 2020 12 WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Trump vows immigration ban as virus roils world economy

WASHINGTON (United States) parts of the US, President Trump — Donald Trump vowed to tem- said late Monday he would halt porarily ban immigration to the immigration to the country — a United States to combat the “in- move likely to please his right- visible enemy” of coronavirus, wing base in an election year. claiming it would save American “In light of the attack from jobs as the world economy plung- the Invisible Enemy, as well as es into meltdown. the need to protect the jobs of our The announcement, a dras- GREAT American Citizens, I will tic new step in the US President’s be signing an Executive Order to anti-immigration crusade, comes temporarily suspend immigra- as the globe tries to chart its way tion into the United States!” he out of an unprecedented health tweeted. and economic crisis. There were no further de- In just four months, the novel tails about the measure or how coronavirus has touched almost long it would last. every nation on the planet, keep- Rival Democrats accused President Donald Trump speaks during the daily briefing on the novel coronavirus. He suspends immigration ing billions of people at home and the Republican president of insisting he is protecting American jobs but critics say he is appealing to his base in an election year. PHOTO: claiming more than 170,000 lives. AFP politicising the health crisis to The US is the host of the push his anti-immigrant agen- world’s deadliest outbreak, with wide. At least 22 million Ameri- around the globe, resulting in mand evaporates. da and deflect blame for initially more than 42,000 deaths and can jobs have also been lost as the extraordinary spectacle of After lending support to a downplaying the dangers of the 784,000 known infections nation- lockdowns suffocate commerce oil prices turning negative as de- spate of anti-lockdown protests in virus.— AFP Oil market in turmoil as Madagascar president launches equities slump coronavirus ‘remedy’

LONDON (United Kingdom) — has moved to the June contract, ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) Oil-price turmoil gripped traders which was down about 20 per cent — The president of Madagascar once more Tuesday, a day after at $16.33 per barrel. Andry Rajoelina has officially US crude futures crashed be- “Ever thought that it could launched a local herbal remedy low zero for the first time, as the be imaginable to see the price of claimed to prevent and cure the coronavirus crisis cripples global US oil valued at less than a piz- novel coronavirus. energy demand and worsens a za? Or even a slice of pizza? How “Tests have been carried vast supply glut. about for it to actually cost to sell out — two people have now been The commodity rout also US crude?” said Jameel Ahmad, cured by this treatment,” Rajoeli- sent world equity markets spi- head of currency strategy and na told ministers, diplomats and ralling lower, as investors fretted market research at FXTM. journalists at the Malagasy Insti- that the news could compound a “All of this was previously tute of Applied Research (IMRA), deep global economic downturn thought to be unthinkable -- but which developed the beverage. Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina gave the official launch to a that has been widely forecast as it became very real for traders as “This herbal tea gives results herbal tea claimed to prevent and cure coronavirus. PHOTO: AFP a result of the deadly COVID-19 the price of US oil turned negative in seven days,” he said. outbreak. for the first time in history.” Downing a dose, he said: “I herbal brews. The pandemic has triggered In Tuesday trading, New Negative prices mean trad- will be the first to drink this today, Rajoelina brushed aside a rush for herbal formulas, lem- York’s light sweet crude West ers must pay to find buyers to in front of you, to show you that any such reservations and said ons and ginger in the belief that Texas Intermediate for May take physical possession of the this product cures and does not the concoction would be offered they can protect against the virus. delivery clawed back to minus oil — a job made near-impossible kill.” The drink, which has been to schoolchildren, as it was his The World Health Organiza- $3.91 per barrel. WTI had Monday with the world’s storage capacity called Covid-Organics, is derived duty was to “protect the Mala- tion (WHO), which has people to collapsed to an unprecedented at bursting point. from artemisia — a plant with gasy people”. be vigilant about claimed cures intra-day low of minus $40.32, with Elsewhere Tuesday, Europe- proven efficacy in malaria treat- “Covid-Organics will be used for COVID-19, did not attend the producers paying clients to take an benchmark Brent North Sea ment — and other indigenous as prophylaxis, that is for pre- event. The US Centers for Dis- it off their hands. oil for June delivery tumbled to an herbs, according to the IMRA. vention, but clinical observations ease Control (CDC), referring to This week’s massive sell-off 18-year low at $18.10 per barrel, But its safety and effective- have shown a trend towards its claims for herbal or tea remedies, came ahead of Tuesday’s expiry before shooting back up to $21.08 ness have not been assessed in- effectiveness in curative treat- says: “There is no scientific evi- of the May contract. Most trading in volatile deals.— AFP ternationally, nor has any data ment,” said Dr. Charles Andri- dence that any of these alterna- from trials been published in anjara, IMRA’s director general. tive remedies can prevent or cure peer-reviewed studies. Main- The large Indian Ocean is- the illness caused by COVID-19. stream scientists have warned land has so far detected 121 cases In fact, some of them may not be of the potential risk from untested and no fatality. safe to consume.” — AFP

Huawei’s revenue rises 1.4% on year in 1st quarter despite pandemic

BEIJING — Chinese tele- yuan ($25.76 billion) despite the posted in the first three months com-equipment giant Huawei outbreak of the pneumonia-caus- of 2019, as many analysts say the Technologies Co. said Tuesday ing coronavirus. But the pace of virus pandemic has significantly Oil markets have been ravaged this year by a collapse in demand caused that its revenue rose 1.4 per cent revenue growth was much slower stifled private spending across by the virus and the Saudi-Russian price war. PHOTO: AFP from a year earlier to 182.2 billion than the 39 per cent expansion the globe.— Kyodo News 22 APRIL 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ASIA / AD 13 Seoul plays down report on Hong Kong to extend social distancing North Korean leader’s health measures until 7 May SEOUL (South Korea) — South Korea played down a report Tues- HONG KONG — Hong Kong will Under stronger infection day that the North’s leader Kim extend social distancing meas- control measures that become Jong Un was being treated after ures for two weeks until 7 May effective Wednesday, all arrivals surgery, as speculation mounted as it is not yet time to relax its at Hong Kong’s international air- over his absence from a key an- fight against the coronavirus pan- port will be tested for the new niversary. demic, leader Carrie Lam said virus while waiting at designated Pyongyang marked the Tuesday. sites for the results. birthday of its late founder, Kim’s The measures in place in- Those who have tested posi- grandfather Kim Il Sung, on 15 clude closure of entertainment tive will be hospitalized and those April — by far the most important venues, such as clubhouses, ex- who have tested negative will un- date in its annual political calen- ercise gyms, mahjong parlors and dergo a 14-day quarantine and dar — but Kim was not seen in bars, restrictions on table spacing be tested again before the end attendance. in restaurants, and a four-person of the quarantine period. Hong Daily NK, an online media public gathering limit. Kong has reported fewer cases outlet run mostly by North Kore- They were supposed to ex- of the coronavirus infection in an defectors, said Kim had under- Kim Jong Un’s health is frequently the subject of speculation, but little pire on Thursday, but Lam told the last week than before, as daily gone a cardiovascular procedure concrete is known about the secretive leader. PHOTO: AFP reporters that for the time be- new cases stayed in the single earlier this month and was recov- ing, the better balance should be digits since 12 April, and no case ering at a villa in North Phyongan from the public eye on Kim’s part ternate politburo member and struck “to ensure all the success- was reported Monday. Four new province. “Excessive smoking, have prompted speculation about the meeting called for stronger es that Hong Kong has achieved cases, all imported, were report- obesity, and fatigue were the di- his health. In 2014 he dropped measures against the coronavi- over the last three months will ed Tuesday, taking the total to rect causes of Kim’s urgent car- out of sight for nearly six weeks rus pandemic. Pyongyang has not be wasted.” 1,029.— Kyodo News diovascular treatment,” it cited before reappearing with a cane. closed its borders and imposed an unidentified source inside the Days later, the South’s spy agency tight restrictions to protect itself country as saying. said he had undergone surgery from the virus that emerged in Singapore extends semi- No confirmation of the report to remove a cyst from his ankle. neighbouring China and has was immediately available. “No-one knows what’s going since swept the world, and insists lockdown another month to But it triggered widespread on inside North Korea,” said Mar- it has had no cases. speculation, with CNN citing a US tyn Williams, who is affiliated with On 12 April, the North’s of- combat virus official saying that Washington the 38 North research website. ficial news state media KCNA was “monitoring intelligence” “Kim Jong Il had been dead reported that Kim had inspected SINGAPORE — Singapore movements. It was previously that Kim was in “grave danger” several days before it was an- drills by fighter jets at an air de- Prime Minister Lee Hsien scheduled to end on 4 May. “We after undergoing surgery. nounced and it took everyone by fence unit. Loong announced Tuesday that will not be able to completely lift In a statement, a spokesman surprise,” he tweeted. There were no state media a semi-lockdown in the city-state the restrictions after that and for the South’s presidential Blue “Kim Jong Un has been reports of any drills after the will be extended for another go back to business as usual,” House said: “We have nothing ‘missing’ before, and has always South said two days later that month, as the number of COV- Lee said. “We will therefore ex- to confirm and no special move- reappeared. That said, his ab- Pyongyang had launched a series ID-19 cases jumped by 1,111 to tend the circuit breaker for four ment has been detected inside sence this week was more no- of short-range cruise missiles. reach 9,125, the highest in South- more weeks until 1 June.” “Then, North Korea as of now.” table.” But analysts have said his east Asia. provided we have brought the The South’s Yonhap news absence from the April 15 com- Lee said in a live broadcast community numbers down, we agency, meanwhile, cited an Closely guarded memorations suggested he could to the nation that the partial lock- can make further adjustments unnamed government official The North Korean leader has be looking to emphasise his own down will be extended until June and consider easing some meas- saying that reports Kim was se- not made a public appearance authority over his family’s legacy. 1 to curb the spread of the corona- ures.” Most of the infections have riously ill were “not true”. since presiding over a meeting China is the North’s key dip- virus. The semi-lockdown called occurred among foreign workers But there were no explicit of the Workers’ Party politburo lomatic backer and main provider “circuit breaker,” introduced 7 living in overcrowded dormito- denials that Kim, who is in his on 11 April. of trade and aid, but Beijing de- April, involves closure of all non- ries, though the government is mid-30s, had had some kind of His powerful sister Kim clined to be drawn on Tuesday’s essential businesses, schools and concerned about the persistence procedure. Previous absences Yo Jong was named as an al- developments. —AFP universities, and restriction of of unlinked cases.— Kyodo News

CLAIMS DAY NOTICE CLAIMS DAY NOTICE CLAIMS DAY NOTICE M.V UNI ACCORD VOY. NO. (0202-643N) M.V SINAR SOLO VOY. NO. (895 N/S) M.V OSLO TRADER VOY. NO. (015S) Consignees of cargo carried on M.V UNI ACCORD Consignees of cargo carried on M.V SINAR SOLO Consignees of cargo carried on M.V OSLO VOY. NO. (0202-643N) are hereby notified that the VOY. NO. (895 N/S) are hereby notified that the vessel TRADER VOY. NO. (015S) are hereby notified that the vessel will be arriving on 22-4-2020 and cargo will be will be arriving on 22-4-2020 and cargo will be discharged vessel will be arriving on 22-4-2020 and cargo will be discharged into the premises of HPT where it will lie at the into the premises of AWPT where it will lie at the discharged into the premises of MITT/MIP where it will consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the and conditions of the Port of Yangon. and conditions of the Port of Yangon. byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo from the Vessel. from the Vessel. from the Vessel. No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after the Claims Day. the Claims Day. the Claims Day. SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY AGENT FOR: M/S EVERGREEN MARINE AGENT FOR: M/S SAMUDERA SHIPPING AGENT FOR: M/S SEALAND MAERSK ASIA (S'PORE) PTE., LTD. LINE PTE LTD Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185 22 APRIL 2020 14 BUSINESS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Visa Foundation Commits $210 Million to Support Small and Micro Businesses and Immediate COVID-19 Emergency Relief

HE Visa Foundation to support small and micro advancement and inclusive the spread of COVID-19. recently announced a businesses, aligning with economic development, and to The first programme of Tcommitment of two pro- the Foundation’s long-term address an urgent need from $10 million is designated for grammes totalling $210 million focus on women’s economic local communities following immediate emergency relief

to support charitable organ- izations on the frontlines re- sponding to the COVID-19 pan- demic, such as public health and food relief, in each of the five geographic regions in which Visa operates: North America; Latin America and the Caribbean; Europe; Asia Pacific; and Central Europe, Middle East and Africa. “As COVID-19 continues to unfold, communities are feeling the effects and need our immediate support,” said Al Kelly, CEO and chairman of Visa. “As a global company that operates a very local busi- ness, we recognize this need. Keep Calm and Tap On with KBZPay

HEN the World Health Organization released a state- ment on 9 March 2020 recommending that people turn to cashless transactions to fight the spread of WCOVID-19, the number of digital transactions across the globe began to soar. On 24 March 2020, the Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) also encouraged people in the country to utilise mobile banking and mobile wallet platforms to avoid having to go out so often. In this regard, the COVID-19 pandemic may actually kickstart a further movement towards mobile payment technology Simply cash-in funds into your KBZPay mobile and reduces the need to head out to get cash. in the long run. wallet at a nearby agent or from your KBZ Bank Additionally, the daily money transfer limit As people in Myanmar stay home to protect themselves against Savings account to get started. has also been raised to MMK 400,000 for Level 1 the spread of COVID-19, here are a few ways they can use mobile In accordance with CBM guidelines, KBZPay customers. This provides customers the choice and wallets such as KBZPay for their payment and lifestyle needs. has increased the daily cash-in limit to MMK 400,000 flexibility to make larger P2P transfers. 1. Stay at Home and Be Safe Using Cashless Payments for Level 1 customers and MMK 2,000,000 for Level • Phone Top-Ups - Do you find yourself spend- Worried about heading out to pay bills or to get cash from an 2 customers. This enables customers to keep a ing more time on your devices, accessing social ATM? Use your KBZPay mobile wallet for cashless payments! higher balance in their mobile wallet for payments, media, enjoying music and video streaming ser- 22 APRIL 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR BUSINESS 15

for small and micro businesses labour force compared to 80 to supporting small and mi- globally. The funds from the per cent of men. cro business owners, many of Visa Foundation will provide “Small and medium busi- whom are women, in every re- capital to non-government nesses make up the main gion where Visa operates. The organizations (NGOs) and in- source of livelihood in Myan- Visa Foundation will also allo- vestment partners supporting mar and hold the potential to cate $140 million with invest- small and micro businesses. bridge the gender gap,” said ment partners that generate Small and micro busi- Lillian Wang, Country Man- positive social and financial nesses are the backbone of ager for Visa Myanmar. “We returns for small and micro the global economy, account- have invested in educating businesses. ing for more than 90 per cent the Myanmar population on “Two hundred million dol- of worldwide businesses and the importance of personal lars in new financial resources contributing 50 to 60 per cent financial management. We demonstrates our continuing of global employment.[i] There will continue to play our part commitment to support small is a $300 billion annual cred- to digitize commerce while at and micro businesses, with a it deficit in funding for wom- the same time supporting the focus on women’s economic Lillian Wang, Country Manager for en-owned small and micro many communities in Myan- advancement globally” said Visa Myanmar. businesses, which is expect- mar to be more inclusive, es- Graham Macmillan, President ed to grow given the recent pecially for women.” of the Visa Foundation. “When economic turmoil unfolding Through the $200 million women thrive, communities due to COVID-19. small and micro business thrive. We know this matters “Now more than ever, we programme, the Visa Foun- now more than ever as the must accelerate our support dation will provide $60 million global economy seeks to re- for small businesses on the in grants to NGOs dedicated cover and rebuild.” —GNLM Al Kelly, CEO and Chairman frontlines driving economic of Visa. PHOTO: VISA growth,” said Kelly. “As many FOUNDATION small and micro business owners are women, there will We’re also committed to the be a ripple effect supporting long-term recovery and will women’s economic advance- continue to explore ways we ment, which we believe is one can accelerate economic ac- of the most important ways to tivity in line with our mission achieve gender equality, re- to help individuals, businesses duce poverty and foster inclu- and economies thrive.” sive economic development.” The second programme The disparity is evident in is a five-year, strategic $200 Myanmar where more than 80 million commitment to sup- per cent of formal business- port small and micro business- es are small and medium es around the world, with a enterprises and only one in focus on fostering women’s four small and medium busi- economic advancement. This nesses are owned by women. action expands the Visa Foun- In addition, only 51 per cent dation’s long-standing support of women participate in the

vices or making video calls to loved ones and for work? offers ways to send free money transfers to your loved philanthropic organisations which help those in need. Purchase top-ups and data packs easily using KBZPay! ones seamlessly. KBZPay also recently launched a ‘We Love Yangon • Payments of Electricity and YCDC Bills - Make • P2P Transfers - Using the ‘Transfer’ function in COVID-19 Fund’ to support the activities of We Love YGN, electricity, water and municipal fee payments with a the app, enter the phone number of the recipient, type a philanthropic organisation which supports communi- few easy taps by using the ‘Bill Payments’ feature in in the amount, enter your secure PIN and the money ties in Yangon during these challenging times. In less the KBZPay App. will be transferred immediately! Three simple steps! than two weeks of its inclusion in the KBZPay mobile • Payments to Service Providers - If you need to • Receiving Transfers and Withdrawals at the ATM wallet, more than 1,800 donations valued at MMK 15.2 pay your internet, insurance, online shopping or other - Help protect your loved ones by giving them an alter- million have been contributed to the fund. service-related bills, use the ‘QuickPay’ function in native to going to the bank to withdraw a remittance. 4. Paying with QR codes to Keep Safe Distance and KBZPay mobile wallet, select the service provider and With KBZPay, you can send the money to their KBZPay Avoid Handling of Cash make the payment directly! wallet, and they can withdraw from an ATM without a For those essential trips to get food or medicine, • Payments to Delivery Platforms - Staying home card. Help them practice social distancing by avoiding paying with KBZPay QR payments allows you to keep a doesn’t mean you don’t get to enjoy your favourite foods. crowded places and waiting in bank branches. What’s safe distance from the counter and the cashier, to protect You can order a variety of food and have it delivered to more, your loved one will receive an SMS and an in-app both yourself and the staff serving you. your doorstep through online delivery platforms such as notification the moment you make the transfer, so they QR payments make it possible to complete your Food2U. You can follow social distancing measures and know exactly when to check their balance, and go to the payment while only touching your mobile phone; no need not handle cash by making payment for deliveries ATM to make the withdrawal. need to hand cash to the cashier or accept potentially using KBZPay! • Pocket Money - Wish to give younger relatives or contaminated cash that you then put into your wallet To celebrate Thingyan, every customer who makes friends some pocket money for the holiday period? Use and no need to sign for card usage with a communal a payment with KBZPay (QR Payment, Top Up, Quick the ‘Pocket Money’ function in the KBZPay app to send pen.QR code transactions remove the need to wait for Pay, Bill Payment, Gift card purchase) from 10 to 20 April money to a group of people along with a personalised change - it’s quick and easy to complete your payment will be eligible to participate in a Thingyan Spin Wheel message! Not only do people get your gift of money, but safely and leave the store. contest to win attractive prizes. it’s also a fun game to see who is the luckiest! Some KBZPay merchants are adapting to delivery 2. Sending Money to Loved Ones 3. Doing Good Deeds services, and will bring their QR code with them so that With travel not recommended in the coming weeks, There are ways to do good deeds during the Thing- you can do a safe QR payment when they deliver the many people in the country may not get to visit their yan and Myanmar New Year holidays using your KB- food to your door, rather than having to hand over cash. families and loved ones during the upcoming Thingyan ZPay mobile wallet! Click on the ‘Donation’ tab in your As we respond to the challenges of COVID-19 to- and Myanmar New Year holidays. However, KBZPay KBZPay mobile wallet to make donations to different gether, remember to keep calm and tap on with KBZPay! 22 APRIL 2020 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Shan United prepares to sign defender Win Min Htut

TO fix the club’s defense weakness, anmar national football team from Shan United Football Club is pre- 2009 to 2018. paring to sign defender Win Min In 2019 season, he was injured Htut, according to the Myanmar while he was playing for Southern National League website. Myanmar FC, and retired from the After Week-9 of the MPT My- team. anmar National League 2020, Shan “As a footballer, I always want Untied is standing in the fourth to play football. Shan United ne- place of standing table earning 17 gotiated with me. The team used points. to be my mother team. Therefore, “We are preparing to call Win I decided to play for my old team. Min Htut at the will of the coach and All football matches are currently to fix the weakness of our team’s suspended due to COVID-19. What defense. But we will wait and see happen next is unpredictable,” said his fitness. If it is okay, we will sign the defender. him for second round of the season,” Due to the COVID-19 pandem- said U Han Win Aung, general man- ic, Myanmar National League, like ager of the club. international matches, was sus- Defender Win Min Htut previ- pended in its Week-10. The date ously played for Shan United FC for resuming the matches could (former Kanbawza FC) and My- not be confirmed yet. —Kyaw Khin Defender Win Min Htut. PHOTO: MFF Back-rower to hospital Teenager Davies extends Bayern Munich deal cleaner - Meite joins France’s BERLIN (Germany)—Talented Canadian teenager Alphonso Davies says it is a “dream come true” to extend his Bayern Munich contract until 2025, joining Thomas Mueller and coach fight against coronavirus Hansi Flick who have also prolonged their involvement with the German champions. PARIS (France)—Bakary Davies is the latest Bayern star offered an extension Meite’s story of volunteering at a after Mueller and Flick both recently signed new contracts Paris hospital during the corona- until 2023. virus pandemic has been seen, Davies, 19, was originally signed until June 2023, but the heard and read across the world, versatile teenager has impressed this season, both on the but the Ivory Coast back-rower left wing and at left back. remains humble about his ef- “I’m very happy. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs forts. in the world, and for me it’s a dream come true to play here,” Meite, 36, has been helping Davies said in a statement. out cleaning wards in the west “I want to win as many titles as possible with this club. of the city where he was born “The mentality of always wanting to win everything is since late-March and has been in FC Bayern’s DNA.“ Davies was born in a refugee camp interviewed by the BBC, numer- in Ghana in 2000, his parents fled the civil war in Liberia and ous national radio and television the family moved to Canada when Davies was five years old. stations as well as newspapers. He joined the German giants from Vancouver Whitecaps More than 20,000 people Bakary Meite (l) has had playing spells with with French clubs including in 2019, but has made the breakthrough to Bayern’s first team Stade Francais, Massy and Beziers. PHOTO: AFP have died from COVID-19 in this season.—AFP France and over 30,000 are in contracted by Sainte-Perrine something that they don’t have to hospital across the country as of hospital,” Meite said. “He called do extra, I’m doing something,” Monday with the capital’s larger my sister, because they were he added. region the worst hit. looking for someone, my nephew The top two tiers of French “My acts have been brought offered himself spontaneously rugby have been put on hold to the fore in the media but it’s and I followed suit,” he added. since March 13 due to the illness. the personnel involved every day Meite, who has also had in the hospitals that you have to Ramps, elevators, door han- spells with Massy and Beziers, praise,” he told AFP. dles said he was itching to getting “It’s the carers, the nurses, Former Stade Francais back on the field before hanging the cleaners... those with which forward Meite’s shift begins at up his boots in 12 months’ time. I work now and who will still 7:30am (0530 GMT) and finishes “What I’m doing, I’ll do it for be there when I’ve stopped,” in the early afternoon. as long as I need but I’d really he added. After returning from “I clean every day. The like to get back playing rugby holiday in Brazil the Parisian ramps, the buttons on the ele- with Carcassone,” he said. who plays for second-tier side vators, the door handles. There’s “I still have a year left of Carcassonne and qualifies for a lot of ground to cover but it’s my contract. It will be my last the Ivory Coast due to his family nothing compared to the work season. For now I’m preparing answered a relative’s request. the people in the hospital do,” my coaching qualifications. I Bayern Munich’s teenage Canada internanational Alphonso “My sister’s brother-in-law he said. don’t know yet what I’ll do, we’ll Davies, 19, has extended his contract with the reigning Bundesliga works for a cleaning company “The simple fact of doing see.”—AFP champions until 2025. PHOTO: AFP