WEATHER-BASED INSURANCE KEY TO EASING IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FARMERS PAGE-8 (OPINION)

Vol. VII, No. 320, 4th Waning of Tabodwe 1382 ME www.gnlm.com.mm Tuesday, 2 March 2021

State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing sends Message of Greetings on Peasants Day

Esteemed peasants, Esteemed peasants, Today is a historic day, which honours the peasants all over the country. Peas- The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MOALI) is cooperating ants, I wish you all health and happiness and auspiciousness on this significant with the relevant ministries in distributing advanced technology for the availa- day and also pray for success in your agricultural undertakings. bility of quality strains, water, anti-pest measures, and smooth transport for the Agricultural products not only serve as the backbone of the food industry but agricultural products to reach local and foreign markets in order to produce also as the main source of income for millions of rural people. As agriculture is crops, meat and fish of high quality. shaping the development models of the economy, social affairs and environment, The MOALI is the main body for the development of the agriculture sector, its growth has been realized as the main task of the State. and apart from distributing pedigree strains and technology to enable farmers Peasants are the food-providers and benefactors of the country as their hard to raise or cultivate or produce quality crops and farm animals, it is also helping work helps ensure daily food supplies for the people, generate employment oppor- farmers to apply good agricultural practices (GAP), good animal husbandry tunities and earn foreign exchange income from export. So, the State is providing practices (GAHP) and good aquaculture practices (GAqP). Moreover, it is also assistance directly to them in accord with the Law of Protection of the Farmer issuing Myanmar’s GAP Protocols and Guidelines in an extensive way. Rights and Enhancement of their Benefits. The State has already provided the farmers with K23.68 billion as emergency aid for crop damages caused by natural Esteemed peasants, disasters. As for ensuring fair prices for farmers in the market, the State has Various kinds of natural disasters, including droughts, floods, hailstones, been fixing and announcing the basic reference price for paddy since 2017-2018. forest fires, storms, landslides triggered by climate change are harming the Apart from extending the scope of this scheme, the State is also pushing for the socio-economy of the majority of farmers. The relevant bodies are joining hands broader emergence of the mutually beneficial contract farming system that will in the work of conserving natural resources and the natural environment and provide the supply source and ready market for farmers. Afterwards, procedures alleviating the effects of climate change, which is included in Myanmar Sustainable for the system will follow. SEE PAGE-2

State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivers address at Council meeting

State Administration Council Chairman Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing presides over the fourth meeting 4/2021 of the Council in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.

CHAIRMAN of the State Ad- cil Deputy Commander-in-Chief Naw Taung, U Moung Har, U Sai for a month now. The nation was ment restrictions. The Myanmar ministration Council Command- of Defence Services Command- Lone Hsaing and Saw Daniel, peaceful during the first week of Police Force is controlling the er-in-Chief of Defence Services er-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior Secretary Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dway, its administration, but riots and situation by using minimum force Senior General Min Aung Hlaing General Soe Win, Council mem- Joint Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win protests have been occurring and through the least harmful delivered an address at the meet- bers General Mya Tun Oo, Admi- Oo, and Union Minister for Home since the second week. Those means. The MPF is doing its work ing 4/2021 of the State Adminis- ral Tin Aung San, General Maung Affairs Lt-Gen Soe Htut. demonstrations are caused by in accordance with democracy tration Council at his office in Nay Maung Kyaw, Lt-Gen Moe My- In his address, the Senior the persons who are disgruntled practices and the measures it is Pyi Taw yesterday afternoon. int Tun, Mahn Nyein Maung, U General said the State Admin- by the action taken against the taking are even softer than the Also present at the meeting Thein Nyunt, U Khin Maung Swe, istration Council has been dis- vote-rigging amidst the COV- ones in other countries. were Vice-Chairman of the Coun- Daw Aye Nu Sein, Jeng Phang charging the duties of the State ID-19 prevention and contain- SEE PAGE-3 Honouring the Peasants Day 2 MARCH 2021 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing sends Message of Greetings on Peasants Day

FROM PAGE-1 affairs of the groups, they should pay special attention to effectively irrigating the Development Plan (2018-2030). In addition, forests must be protected and preserved, crops and reducing the loss of water. and soil degradation must be mitigated. Scientific agricultural methods must be In addition, paddy, which needs a lot of water, must be replaced with value-added introduced for sustainable crop cultivation and soil improvement. crops that have a ready market in changing the country’s crop patterns as a priority Myanmar now has a total sown acreage of 29.59 million acres, but thanks to the programme. Water should be used effectively as the entire world is facing a drop double cropping and mixed cropping farmers are conducting season-wise, the actual in rainfall due to global weather changes and the volume of water flowing into the planted acreage of the country exceeds 48 million acres. Systematic land preparation dams is less than that in the previous years. The State will extend the technological and the use of quality and high-yield strains by the farmers will increase crop yield disseminating programmes by establishing model plots where crops suitable for and will ensure enough supply for the daily consumption of the country’s growing the respective places are planted. Only then will the farmers be able to change the population. As regards the land-use programmes, the government will encourage crops patterns and select the ones that have a ready market, and that can fetch effective animal husbandry and fish farming, and through these programmes, higher prices. there will be an increase in family income and surplus food supply for the nation. So, farmers are urged to use the land effectively. Esteemed peasants, A global drop in agricultural production this year is forecast because of climate Myanmar is now facing natural disasters caused by climate change and coro- change. So, long-term programmes have been laid down to select crops, crop patterns navirus infection. The country is exerting utmost efforts to alleviate their impacts and agro methods that can withstand the changing weather conditions, and they on the economy, health, education and social sector of the people to the possible are being implemented with the involvement of local and foreign partners. Every degree. It is now trying to support and promote the programmes to continuously country is paying serious attention to overcome the danger of food shortages and develop the socio-economy of the rural people, to narrow the socio-economic gap strengthen the disaster response qualifications in the face of natural disaster trig- between rural and urban, to effectively use all human resources and financial re- gered by climate change. Myanmar is also encouraging the task of storing reserved sources with the involvement of the people for rural development, to improve the seeds, taking preparatory measures and setting up agricultural rehabilitation plans capacity of the rural people, to set up social groups that have the competence for through government-private cooperation. disaster response undertakings and to encourage the local participation in the rural Water is the main requirement for the development of agricultural production. development tasks in accord with the existing Rural Development Law. The country is supplying water from dams and other water distribution systems to Agricultural cooperative societies will be set up with the collective force of grow 2.4 million acres of irrigated monsoon paddy, summer paddy and other crops. farmers who only have small plots. The cooperative sector will enable the par- It is also dredging the silted streams and creeks and digging drainage canals in the ticipation of farmers in all the steps of the procedure from seeding to marketing whole country to mitigate the flood risk. It can now save three million acres from through transparent means and will guarantee employment opportunities and floods by implementing 4,519 such works. benefits for them. The monsoon period is shrinking during the previous years, and the volume of It is time accelerated efforts for the socio-economic and multiple sector devel- water stored at the dams is also falling, alongside the decrease in the annual rainfall. opment including the agricultural sector should be made with the united force of Hence, irrigation facilities are being renovated, and irrigation systems improved to peasants who are carrying out the agricultural and livestock breeding undertakings prevent the loss of irrigation water. Moreover, water utilization groups have been with goodwill and sincerity. So, I would earnestly urge all to join hands in overcom- formed with the participation of farmers to reduce water losses and to effective ing all challenges, obstacles and hardships in the long-term interest of the entire use of water. Till now, 8,188 groups have been set up in 13 regions and states with people, including farmers of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and for peace, the involvement of 238,750 farmers. As farmers can take part in the management tranquillity and progress of the nation.

Statement of Union Election Commission 1 March 2021

1. The Union Election Commission inspected the casting of votes related to the multiparty general election held on 8 November 2020 in Myeik Township of Taninthayi Region. 2. According to the findings under inspection, the previous election commission released 226,798 eligible voters in Myeik Township of Taninthayi Region. The list of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population in November 2020 showed 143,563 eligible voters who had turned 18. The voter lists mentioned that there were 38,519 citizens, associate citizens, nationalized citizens and non-identity voters, 1,548 persons repeated on the voter lists more than three times and 21,276 persons repeated on the voter lists two times. 3. The inspection findings were as follows:- Findings on scrutinized voting list Sr. Township and number of poll- List of township List from immigra- Those involved in voting list Those involved in voter list more Those involved in voter list ing stations sub-commission tion department without citizenship scrutiny card than three times holding one CSC two times holding one CSC

1 227 polling stations in Myeik 226,798 143,563 38,519 1,548 21,276 Township of Taninthayi Region

Union Election Commission

Press Release

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on a regular basis, transfers its personnel, those assigned at the Myanmar missions abroad are called back after the completion of their tour of duties while those who have served at the headquarters, for a certain period are posted to the Myanmar missions abroad. With regard to the transfer orders issued yesterday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, some people with the aim of taking political advantages on surrounding the current situations of Myanmar, have misused this routine transfer order to demoralize and to sow disunity among the Foreign Ministry’s personnel serving at home and abroad, and to mislead the public by disseminating fabricated and fake news on social media including the Facebook. Such rotational transfers of personnel are only a regular task performed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nay Pyi Taw Dated, 1 March 2021 2 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3

MNM MNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNNMNM Reopening of schools MNM MNM

Vaccination programme for COVID-19, import permits for the private pharmaceutical MNM companies, and reopening of schools. MNM

(Excerpt from the speech to the management committee meeting of the State Administration Council made by the Republic of the Union of Myanmar State Administration Council Chairman NN NN Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on 26 February 2021)

MNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNN State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivers address at Council meeting

FROM PAGE-1 must be held again. Myanmar’s tee Representing Pyidaungsu of local organizers and advisers tories and workshops have New ward and village ad- traditional martial art should be Hluttaw as it is an illegal organ- outside the country encouraging been allowed to resume their ministrators have been appoint- among national sports. It is a ization, monetary support from civil servants to participate in the operations in accordance with ed as the term of the old ones kind of self-defence sport without foreign organizations, the need CDM, protests and lawless acts COVID-19 prevention rules and had expired. But there are acts the need for spare part equip- for the Union Election Commis- in regions and states, measures regulations. Relevant ministries against the appointment of the ment in training. Therefore, tra- sion to check and publicize the being taken by security forces to have been instructed to take ac- ward and village administrators. ditional sports should also be voter lists as quickly as possible, ensure community peace and the tion against physicians, special- The government wishes to ap- encouraged. necessary help and measures for rule of law, mine clearance work ists and staff who are taking part point only the persons who win Action is being taken against reoperation of factories, export of in displaced areas and continued in the CDM. It is important to the majority respect and who the civil servants participating take measures not to develop are free from party politics to in the CDM. Some have taken staff housings, special economic a possible degree. Rejections their salaries without going to zones and industrial zones on against these appointments have work, citing various reasons. ... boosting of electricity generation, agricultural land, to prevent the appeared under the influence of Respective ministries will take use of agricultural land for other party politics. Democracy toler- action after systematic inspec- amending and supplementing of the po- purposes and to push for rural ates whether it is pro or against tions. There are illegal contents litical parties registration law, election law development. a topic. Full democracies always and photos depicting those wear- Efforts must be exerted to accept appointments or assign- ing indecent clothes contrary to and Hluttaw laws, conducting of agricul- develop Myanmar sports into ments done in accord with the Myanmar culture circulating, tural census, construction of village pro- ones that are systemic and meet rule and law. As the township especially in social media. Such international standards and to administrators are immediate acts intend to harm the morality duction roads, sale of farm products from support athletes in respective superiors of the village admin- of people, so legal actions are local farmers at correct prices, exposition states and regions to partici- istrators, they also should be necessary. pate in international events. free from political influence. According to the findings of corruption cases under the previous All border crossings have been Arrangements are being made from some ministries over- government, illegal granting of leave of opened for the development of to ensure this. spending of the COVID-19 pre- trade. Measures must be taken The State Administration vention and control, State funds absence by officials at some people’s hos- to enable internally displaced Council has adopted five future and public-donated cash were pitals to doctors and health workers persons to return to their na- programmes. Production must found to have been spent for tive places and to arrange their be boosted to improve the eco- other purposes. The amount is secure social- economic lives. nomic sector. The region, state, billions of kyats. Relevant bodies agricultural and livestock prod- vaccination of COVID-19. Efforts will be continued to make district and township councils are trying to expose embezzle- ucts, reassessment of Myanmar Concerning the reports, to vaccinate people against COV- must encourage regional pro- ment cases, the Senior General diplomats serving in the inter- the Senior General said oper- ID-19. It is found that riots and duction. Agriculture can be less said. national community, boosting of ations of some organizations protests are being incited on so- affected by the COVID-19 out- Next, Council Vice-Chair- electricity generation, amending are being scrutinized whether cial media, and authorities are break, and it is a business that man Vice-Senior General Soe and supplementing of the politi- they are running their opera- exercising restraint as peacefully earns money easily. So, local Win, Council members U Thein cal parties registration law, elec- tions in accordance with rules as possible. Efforts were made to farmers need to be encouraged Nyunt, Mahn Nyein Maung, U tion law and Hluttaw laws, con- and regulation or whether the repatriate Myanmar nationals to work hard on agricultural Khin Maung Swe, Jeng Phang ducting of agricultural census, foreign finance and assistance detained in Malaysia, and a total undertakings. Political, social Naw Taung, Daw Aye Nu Sein, construction of village produc- they received are legal or ille- of 1,086 Myanmar nationals from and economic objectives have Saw Daniel and U Sai Lone Hsa- tion roads, sale of farm products gal. Action is being taken against Malaysia were brought back by also been adopted. The social ing and Union Minister Lt-Gen from local farmers at correct the Committee Representing the Tatmadaw vessels. Measures objectives include an objective Soe Htut reported on illegal in- prices, exposition of corruption Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, which is are being taken to bring back such as enhancement of health, flow of foreign money to associ- cases under the previous gov- illegally carrying out activities those who are still left in Malay- fitness and education standards ations, action to be taken against ernment, illegal granting of leave while the new Union Election sia. The repatriation of Myanmar of the entire nation. To contribute support of manpower and money of absence by officials at some Committee is launching an in- nationals who were abroad is towards public health, nation- behind riots and protests, taking people’s hospitals to doctors vestigation into vote-rigging. one of the achievements of the wide outdoors sports and games of action against the Commit- and health workers, exposition Domestic tourism, hotels, fac- council.—MNA 2 MARCH 2021 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Republic of the Union of Myanmar Republic of the Union of Myanmar State Administration Council State Administration Council Order No (95/2021) Order No (96/2021) 3rd Waning of Tabodwe 1382 ME 3rd Waning of Tabodwe 1382 ME 1 March 2021 1 March 2021 Appointment of Chief Justices of State Appointment of Judges of Region/State High Court High Court The State Administration Council has appointed the following persons as The State Administration Council has appointed the following persons as Chief Justices of State High Courts shown against each of their High Courts, as Judges of Region/State High Courts shown against each of their High Courts, per Section 419 of the State Constitution. as per Section 419 of the State Constitution. 1. Daw Nyo Mi San Mon State High Court 1. U Nyi Nyi Soe Mon State High Court 2. Daw Khin Sein Win Kayin State High Court 2. U Thein Ko Ko Kayin State High Court 3. U Kyaw Swar Nyein Yangon Region High Court 4. U Win Myaing AyeyawadyRegion High Court By order By order Sd/ Aung Lin Dway Sd/ Aung Lin Dway Lieutenant-General Lieutenant-General Secretary Secretary State Administration Council State Administration Council

Republic of the Union of Myanmar Republic of the Union of Myanmar State Administration Council State Administration Council Order No. (97/2021) Order No (98/2021) 3th Waning of Tabodwe 1382 ME 3rd Waning of Tabodwe 1382 ME 1 March 2021 1 March 2021 Appointment and Duty Assignment of Appointment of Yangon City Deputy Minister Development Committee Members U Aung Tun Khine is appointed by the State Administration Council as Deputy The State Administration Council has appointed the following persons as Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, in accordance with the right Yangon City Development Committee Members, as per Section 419 of the State to exercise the powers under Section 419 of the State Constitution of the Republic Constitution. of the Union of Myanmar. 1. Dr Zaw Win 2. Dr Ngwe San By Order 3. U Aung Naing Sd/ By order Aung Lin Dway Sd/ Aung Lin Dway Lieutenant-General Lieutenant-General Secretary Secretary State Administration Council State Administration Council

State Administration Council prepares for religious titles conferring THE Ministry of Religious Af- ta Guru and Abhidhaja Agga sayadaws who will be conferred not be invited as in the previ- mittee for Religious Titles Con- fairs hosted the coordination Maha Saddhamma Zawtika ti- the highest religious titles, the ous year but will be conferred ferring Ceremony. meeting of the Steering Commit- tles which are the highest reli- rest will be conferred their titles with national titles through the Chairman of the Organizing tee and the Working Committee gious titles, with a national level by the Region/State Adminis- relevant embassies, and a total Committee of the Ceremony, for Religious Titles Conferring ceremony in the Sasana Maha tration Councils in accordance of 125 people with Sasana Nu- the Permanent Secretary of the Ceremony to be chaired by the Beikman within the Uppatasanti with the COVID-19 prevention gaha titles will be conferred in Ministry of Religious Affairs State Administration Council Pagoda compound, on 27 March standards at designated places accordance with the guidelines discussed the preparation and of the Republic of the Union of in Nay Pyi Taw. at the same time. of the Office of the State Ad- further plans for the successful Myanmar yesterday morning in There are 699 monks, 60 Nay Pyi Taw Council’s Reli- ministration Council only when holding of the ceremony, and Nay Pyi Taw. nuns and 145 people who will gious Titles Conferring Ceremo- the COVID-19 outbreak is under the chairmen of the respective Union Minister for Reli- be conferred the religious titles ny will be held after the national control. committees explained the re- gious Affairs U Ko Ko, in his in 2021, and it would be difficult level Religious Titles Conferring The Union Minister sponsibilities of each commit- capacity as Chairman of the to place them in a group cer- Ceremony in the afternoon of 28 stressed to carefully carry out tee for the successful holding Steering Committee, said a emony according to the social March in Nay Pyi Taw. the duties and responsibilities of of the ceremony and the Union total of 30 Sayadaws would be distancing rule of the COVID-19 A total of 22 foreign monks, the Steering Committee, Work- Minister coordinated the meet- conferred Abhidhaja Maharat- disease. Apart from the 30 two nuns and one person will ing Committee and Sub-Com- ing.—MNA

Public information

YANGON Administration Council is working with relevant departments to help the businesses in the region. People are informed to contact the following phone num- bers to get assistance for their small and medium-scaled businesses and investments which are facing some delays and working to do new businesses. Phone numbers: 01 830 1975, 01830 2175 Yangon Region Administration Council 2 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 5

rd Ceremony for convoying 3 , Announcement of illegal organizations th 5 sections of altar for Bhumi 1. The Labour Organization Law was enacted in 2011 and enforced on 9 March 2012. Phassa Mudra sitting Buddha 2. The employees have to register for forming the workers’ organizations for labour affairs in accordance with the stipulations of Section 9, 10, 11 and 12. image held in Nay Pyi Taw 3. The registered workers’ organizations can serve in accordance with the stip- ulations of Labour Organization Law. 4. Currently, the following organizations are not registered in line with the law THE Buddha statues for conveying the 3rd Sangha Nayaka Chair- and identified as illegal organizations- and pieces of the al- and 5th sections of the man Sayadaw, Sayadaw (a) All Burma Federation of Trade Union tar for Bhumi Phassa altar of Bhumi Phassa Badhanta Khema Nanda (b) Let’s Help Each Other Mudra sitting Buddha Mudra sitting Buddha of Yan Aung Myay Tawra (c) Future Light Centre image to be built in Nay image and Quarter- Myo Taw Wun Monas- (d) Action Labour Right Pyi Taw are being car- master-General Lt-Gen tery of Dekkhinathiri (e) All Myanmar Trade Union’s Network ried from See Mee Khon Kyaw Swar Lin, Lt-Gen township, military offi- (f) Agriculture Freedom of Myanmar jetty to Nay Pyi Taw by Kan Myint Than of Com- cials and donors sprin- (g) Association for Labour Development (ALD) Modular Trailer.The 3rd mander-in-Chief of De- kled the incense spray (h) Federation of Garment Workers Myanmar and 5th sections of the fence Services office to 3rd and 5th sections (i) Freedom and Labour Action Group altar were conveyed for (Army) and other invit- of the altar of Bhumi (j) Labour Power Group public obeisance from ed guests attended the Phassa Mudra sitting (k) We Generation Network See Mee Khon jetty on ceremony. Buddha image. 23 January for the 3rd First, the Sayadaws Then, the parts of (l) Yaung Chi Oo Workers Association time and arrived at the led by Nyaung Kone the altar were carried (m) Solidarity Trade Union of Myanmar (STUM) designed place yester- Sayadaw opened the to the designated place. (n) Cooperation Committee of Trade Unions (CCTU) day afternoon. ceremony by reciting The weights of the (o) All Myanmar Oil Workers’ Union Dekkhinathiri Sang- Namo Tassa 3 times 3rd and 5th sections (p) Industrial Women Workers Organization (IWWO) ha Nayaka Chairman and then, the donors and of the altar were 477 5. Therefore, these organizations are not the legal ones, and their activities also Nyaung Kone Sayadaw guests recited Buddha tonnes, respectively, and do not conform to the law. If they keep run, effective action will be taken in Baddanta Pandita and sermons and paid obei- the remaining parts will accordance with the existing law. other venerable monks sance. be carried as planned.— Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population attended the ceremony Then, Township MNA

Another lawsuit filed against former Republic of the Union of Myanmar union minister Dr Win Myat Aye Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry

FORMER Union Minister for So- Pyi Taw if there is any news re- Announcement No (4/2021) rd cial Welfare, Relief and Resettle- lated to him and those who hide 3 Waning of Tabodwe 1382 ME ment Dr Win Myat Aye is being him will be also taken action in 1 March 2021 taken legal action for failing to accordance with the law. 1. The government has been conducting relief measures on taxation to help ease the pain for come to clarify the suspicious The former union minister businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and made an exemption for the 2 per cent statistics and office work of the is also facing a lawsuit allegedly advance income tax on exports from 1.4.2020 to 28.2.2021. Ministry, and the matter regard- incited and directed civilian dis- ing the purchase of the COV- obedience movement to his staff 2. There are still socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the exemption for the ID-19 vaccine using the general members under the Ministry, 2 per cent advance income tax on exports will be extended to 31 March 2021 according to the surplus funds of the Ministry. and the Myanmar Police Force permission of the State Administration Council. It is announced to report to has filed a case under Section the nearest police and call to 505 (A) of the Penal Code and Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry the telephone numbers issued an arrest is being made on 21 in each state, region and Nay February 2021.—MNA

Mandalay Region Administration Council holds meeting with district, township councils

MANDALAY Region Adminis- bers of the district- and town- tration Council held a meeting ship-level councils to make with members of the Mandalay efforts for community peace in District-, township-level admin- their respective areas as it can istration councils yesterday af- lead to the peace of the country. ternoon at the regional office. He also urged the de- At the meeting, Chairman partmental officials who are of the Mandalay Region Admin- members of the district- and istration Council U Maung Ko township-level administration detailed the five future plans councils to abide by the civil and nine objectives of the State service rules and regulations. Administration Council. Townselders who are also mem- He also urged the attendees bers of the councils are also Mandalay Region Administration Council Chairman U Maung Ko presides over the meeting with district and to work hard in the period they obliged to work hard for their township-level administration councils yesterday. took responsibility to achieve own areas with goodwill and Kyaw Kyaw Min, a member of those present at the meeting with closing remarks by the progress in their respective dis- to work for the propagation of the Mandalay Region Adminis- reported on undertakings and Mandalay Region Administra- tricts and townships. Sasana. tration Council, also made re- requirements. tion Council Chairman U Maung He also called on the mem- Following his speech, Col marks on administration and The meeting concluded Ko.—MNA 2 MARCH 2021 6 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Tatmadaw Request to Public provides 1. Democracy practices have granted the public for freedom of speech, practices and living. Such freedoms should not harm health care others. Diverse views of others should be understood, but should not be disturbed or harassed. However, with the reason of to returnees human rights, some persons are now under pressured, harassed and threatened in breaching the laws. Undisciplined acts could lead to tarnish the image of democracy. from 2. For preventing destructive actions against stability of the state, safety of the public and rule of law, it is also required to proper Malaysia actions in line with the law. 3. All the people who favour justice, freedom, equality and safety are requested to oppose breaching the laws and prevent such WITH the instruction of actions for the benefit of country and people. Chairman of the State Administration Council, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior Request to health workers General Min Aung Hlaing, a total of 1,086 Myanmar 1. It is appreciated for the strenuous efforts of the medical doctors, nurses, medical experts and other health works at the re- nationals returned back spective departments under the Ministry of Health and Sports at the front-line in the fight against prevention, containment from Malaysia by the na- and treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). val vessels on 27 February. 2. As the vaccination programme of COVID-19 is being conducted for the public and the real-time healthcare services are Tatmadaw medical specialists and doctors required for the people, all the staff members at the respective departments under the Ministry of Health and Sports are have been providing nec- strongly urged to return to their duties with taking the well-being of patients into consideration. essary medical care while Ministry of Health and Sports they are at the COVID-19 8 February 2021 quarantine centre in Hline Township, Yangon Region and officials from Yangon Region Military Headquar- In efforts to speed up the prevention, containment and treatment of the COVID-19 disease, the call centre (phone number COVID-19 2019) is established by four communications operators and the Blue Ocean Company with the coordination of the Medical ters also encouraged and Research Department of the Health and Sports Ministry and Post and Telecommunications Department from 9 am to 5 pm coordinated then as nec- Call Centre daily at the Medical Research Department in Yangon. essary.—MNA opens daily Over 43 staff from the Medical Research Department and 17 volunteers from the Myanmar Medical Association totally 60 workers have been working at the centre since 8th April.­—MNA

Coordination Meeting on signing MoUs of Quick Impact Projects to be implemented with grant assistance of Government of the Republic of India

THE Coordination Meeting on signing Energy, Departmental E-Library Project MoUs of Quick Impact Projects to be and Water Supply Using Solar Power in implemented with the grant assistance Drought affected Villages of Central Dry of the Government of the Republic of Zone. The senior officials from respec- India, led by U Than Aung Kyaw, Deputy tive ministries also discussed on signing Minister for Investment and Foreign MoUs for their specific projects. Economic Relations, was held in Nay The meeting was attended by the Pyi Taw yesterday. senior officials from Ministry of Border At the meeting, Deputy Minister Affairs, Ministry of Planning, Finance discussed the signing process of MoUs and Industry, Ministry of Natural Re- for quick implementation of the five QIP source and Environmental Conservation, projects such as Construction of Bailey Ministry of Education, Union Attorney- Bridge, Construction of Town Hall, Elec- General Office and Foreign Economic trification of Rural Villages by Small Wind Relations Department.—MNA

Deputy Minister U Than Aung Kyaw chairs the coordination meeting on signing MoUs of QIPs aided by India in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.

20 new cases of COVID-19 reported on 1 March, total figure rises to 141,916

Updated at 8 pm, 1 March 2021 Total Cases 141,916 New Cases 20 MYANMAR’S COVID-19 positive cases rose to 141,916 after 20 new cases were reported on 1 March 2021 according to the Ministry of Health and Sports. Among these confirmed cases, 3,199 died, 131,487 have Total Death Tally 3,199 Discharged from Hospital 131,487 been discharged from hospitals.—MNA

Ministry of Health and Sports 2 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR LOCAL NEWS 7 China grant licences to more Fog causes delay for Pansodan- Myanmar companies for rice export this year Dala ferry service

CHINA Customs granted licenc- transaction problem in the rice es to more Myanmar companies trade, U Min Thein continued. on 26 February 2021 to legally “The traders rely on the export the rice to China through banks for transactions. The ma- the Muse land border, said U jority of the banks are closed Min Thein, vice-president of down for now. So, the trade falls Muse Rice Wholesale Centre. by half as against a year-ago The authorized companies period,” he stressed. for rice export to China have Myanmar shipped more increased this year as against than 720,000 tonnes of rice and last year. However, the permit- broken rice to foreign countries ted volume of rice for exports between 1 October and 15 Janu- has not been confirmed yet, he ary of the current financial year, added. earning over US$275 million, “They gave the go-ahead Myanmar Rice Federation stat- to Myanmar companies for ed. Weather changes affected legitimate rice exports on 26 irrigation water resource avail- February. The number of au- ability in agriculture. thorized companies this year As a result of this, Myanmar is reportedly three times higher set the rice export target at only than last year’s company list. 2 million tonnes in the current Consequently, the rice quota will FY as summer paddy growing also rise,” U Min Thein guessed. acreage drops, said U Ye Min China’s rice import permit Aung, chairman of the Myanmar Starting from 9 February 2021, the Dala ferry daily ran 35 rounds between 5:30 am and 7 pm. It plied for 2020 expired on 31 December Rice Federation (MRF). the routes for 22 rounds between 6 am and 7 pm on weekends. At present, there are about 6,000-7,000 2020. The rice trade was sus- Myanmar generated over commuters. pended. Myanmar traders can $800 million from rice exports in now start rice exports under the previous FY2019-2020 ended FOG forced the Pansodan-Dala manager. day. Yangon Pansodan-Dala new licences. 30 September, with an estimat- ferry operators to reschedule The ferry operated its ser- ferries were earlier packed Nevertheless, the closure of ed volume of over 2.5 million the service for the morning vice at 5, 6, 6:30 and 7 am. The with nearly 30,000 daily com- the private banks disrupted the tonnes. —NN/GNLM of 1 March 2021. The service service was delayed during the muters. resumed when the fog started rounds at 7:20, 7:40 and 8 am The Pansodan-Dala ferry to clear. owing to fog. The operators is the only transport option “It is usual that fog halts waited for the right time and for the local people in south- service every year. The oper- resumed the service at 8:20 ern Yangon -- Dala, Twantay, ators did not run until the fog am. Kawhmu, Kungyangon town- clears for the safety of pas- Starting from 9 February ships to link with commercial sengers. Additionally, the poor 2021, the Dala ferry daily ran hub Yangon. Three ferry boats visibility in fog can cause col- 35 rounds between 5:30 am and named Cherry 1, 2 and 3, con- lision accidents with the mo- 7 pm. It plied the routes for 22 tributed by Japan earlier, ran tor vessels in the river. The rounds between 6 am and 7 46 times a day for approxi- Inland Water Transport (Del- pm on weekends. At present, mately 30,000 commuters. It ta Division) ensures smooth there are about 6,000-7,000 is one of the crowded places in and sound transport,” said U commuters. the city, generating revenues. A farmer works on a field as they harvest paddy in Kangyidauk, Hla Win Naing, the IWT Delta Before the pandemic, the —Naing Lin Kyaw (IPRD)/ Ayeyawady Region. PHOTO: GNLM/FILE Division’s assistant general ferry service run 46 times a GNLM

Foreigners hold over 13% of FMI shares in equity market as of Feb-end FOREIGN investors have purchased panies — First Myanmar Investment on the YSX. not exceed the limit set for each listed 4,458,136 shares of First Myanmar In- (FMI), Myanmar Thilawa SEZ Holdings After opening bank and securities company. vestment (FMI) on the Yangon Stock Ex- (MTSH), Myanmar Citizens Bank (MCB), accounts, an investor can send buying/ Under Section 42 (a) of the Securities change (YSX) as of February-end 2021, First Private Bank (FPB), TMH Telecom selling orders under the stock trading and Exchange Law and Section 4 of the holding 13.46 per cent of shares, according Public Co. Ltd, and Ever Flow River Group rules stipulated in the Trading Business Trading Participant Business Regulations, to statistics released by the exchange. Public Co., Ltd (EFR) — are available Regulations, the SECM notified. the YSX has granted trading qualifications The upper limit for foreign sharehold- for local investors for trading. Of them, U Thet Htun Oo, senior executive to the following securities companies — ing amount is at 14 per cent, with 4,635,357 FMI, MTSH, TMH and EFR accepted manager of the Yangon Stock Exchange, Myanmar Securities Exchange Centre shares. The foreign investors exceeded foreign shareholding, and FPB permits highlighted at the seminar held last year Co. Ltd. (MSEC), KBZ Stirling Coleman the buy order limit, and consequently, the block trade only. The foreign shareholding how foreign participation would entail Securities Co. Ltd. (KBZSC), CB Securities status of buy order acceptance has been ratio of the companies on the exchange, better capital inflows, long term and sus- Limited (CBSC), AYA Trust Securities Co. suspended. except FMI, is less than one per cent. tainable investment, encourage good cor- Ltd. (AYATSC), KTZ Ruby Hill Securities The Securities and Exchange Com- As of February-end, foreigners hold porate governance, and support market Co. Ltd. (KTZRH), and UAB Securities mission of Myanmar (SECM) has allowed over 4,458,060 shares of FMI, over 32,054 orientation. Limited (UABSC). foreigners to invest in the local equity shares of MTSH, 5,445 shares of TMH and Regarding share trading, foreign According to the stock exchange, market from 20 March 2020. The foreign 7,125 shares of EFR. investors must strictly comply with the investors have to send their buy or sell shareholding amount stood at 4,502,760 The SECM, under the Ministry of Central Bank of Myanmar’s rules. orders to the YSX through the securities shares of four listed companies on the Planning and Finance, issued a notice on The security companies will monitor companies that have been issued a licence exchange as of February-end. 12 July 2019, announcing that foreigners foreigners’ daily trades in keeping with by the SECM and a trading qualification At present, shares of six listed com- would be allowed to invest in shares listed the rules and regulations so that they do by the YSX.—KK/GNLM 2 MARCH 2021 2 MARCH 2021 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL/ ARTICLE 9 Weather-based Only Honest Efforts Will Give You Benefits Objectives of 76th insurance key to Anniversary Armed By Sann Ni Lar Winn archism. They create a "CDM= (990-1010 BC). One day, Min- gave rewards to and spoke in Forces Day Civil Disobedience Movement" ister "Banyar Kyandaw", after praise of the dutiful and loy- easing impact of t the top of all the clean in order to neglect to serve in staying later into the night in al Manaung gate-keeper and FOR the Tatmadaw to join hands with the entire nation to and innocent means for their offices and factories. Sagaing, returned to Ava. When blamed and gave warning to Aearning of livelihood is It is necessary for the en- It is necessary for the entire he arrived at the Manaung gate Aung Tun gate-keeper for his safeguard democracy, which is the aspiration of all the nation- climate change on the service person's investing tire national people, including in front of the palace, he sent an laxity in performing his duty. alities of the country, from deviating from its path, in accord in their physical and mental service personnel, to work to- employee to the gate-keeper, Regarding the need to dif- with the basic principles of the Constitution, while observing power and abilities. In other gether with the government for national people, including asking him to open the gate. ferentiate between good and Our Three Main National Causes, which is the national policy; farmers words, they are not excessive national development and tran- When the minister returned bad service personnel to get in seeking interests for them- quillity according to the staff service personnel, to work to- from Sagaing and asked him them to discharge them from To protect the people from all dangers including natural selves and others also working rules and regulations. to open the gate, Manaung being used by parties and fac- disasters at any time and in any situation and to provide all- ith the warning from the Meteorology and Hydrology honestly and conscientiously. Legislative, executive and gether with the government gate-keeper replied, "I've never tions, our National leader Bogy- round assistance for ensuring social security of the people; Department that isolated rain or thundershowers, ac- They lead their lives as service judicial pillars are the lifeblood seen a minister at midnight. If oke Aung San in his speech to To restore eternal peace based on NCA, without deviat- Wcompanied by strong wind, hails, thunder and lightning personnel faithful to State. of a nation. If should be borne he wants to get in, he shall take the nation over the BBS at 6.33 are expected in March and April, the people, especially farmer, For livelihood, every ma- in mind that when these three for national development and the letter of permission from pm on 5 April 1947, said, "Like ing from Our Three Main National Causes, as the cessation are urged to be on alert to ture and healthy person has pillars are strong, the country is the mayor." what we are doing, I want every of armed conflicts is the principal requirement in realizing the extreme weather events. a suitable job. You will not get strong, and when they become tranquillity according to the Minister Banyar Kyandaw service personnel to resolutely democracy; The convective cloud food easily without making any weak, the nation will also be- said, "I, minister, have arrived, discharge their duties correctly To build a strong and compact Standard Army, which has by gradually rising day tem- effort. If you have a job, you will come weak. It's worst results staff rules and regulations. and why don't you open the and consciously. I will not do if With the peratures in the country is get food, shelter and clothes. in the loss of sovereignty. gate?" Gate-keeper said, "When they behave as if they would like the combat prowess and combat power, to effectively safeguard likely to cause this weather This was stressed by great Similarly, only with the the minister left for Sagaing, he to approach this or that person. the State peace and stability and sovereignty. impact of event. political philosopher, "Yaw Min prevalence of law and order and scrupulous service personnel will always be suffering from left no word as regards the exact Please bear this in mind that if We witnessed in the Gyi U Pho Hlaing" of later pe- security and peace will it be regard corruption as crimes. the heat of the sin." time of his arrival back. There is one is dutiful, one need not be past that unseasonal rains riod of Konbaung Era in his possible to build a peaceful and The Buddha said concern- So, our forefather said, neither advance notification by afraid of anybody, and nobody climate and hailstorms damaged "Yazadama Thingaha" book, he developed nation. Democracy is ing bribery and corruption as "Have a look at the crows. They any minister. I don't think you can harm such a person." MYANMAR GAZETTE the winter-planted crops. wrote, "If a man lived he had not "Mobocracy" under the mul- follows: have looted food from others, are a minister. To open a gate of Since the service personnel change The consequential loss to been without making any effort tiparty democratic system. The "A banana plant gets killed and so there is no fat in their utmost importance out of rules have taken the oath to be loyal Heads of Service Organizations the agriculture sector has to take care of himself, such as political parties and organiza- because of it's bearing fruits. bodies. So, as long as you are and regulation on unreasonable to the State and enjoyed the transferred looming alerted us for several years cutting his nails and hair, he tions have their own principles, In the same way, the fruits of a service personnel, do not enjoy grounds will enable insurgents, public funds' salaries, they are to create a mechanism that would look like as a monkey." policies and programmes. Some bamboo plant cause the plant to taking whatever comes incor- destructive elements, and trai- public servants. They must car- The following persons are transferred as Heads of Service can mitigate the losses of the In fact, every service per- of the principles, policies and die. Likewise, gifts and bribes rectly. Since the era of feudal- tors to enter. That will cause ry out according to the motto, Organizations shown against each of their names from the date large on farmers. sonnel depend on their salaries programmes may be similar received from others cause the ism, the system of giving re- trouble. I will not open the gate." "Do things precisely correctly they assume charge of their duties. Climate change-in- from the public's fund, so they and some as one's own. deterioration of integrity. What- wards and punishment service So, Banyar Kyandaw had to and swiftly". They should per- agricultural duced variation in rainfall are to be loyal to the State and The simple service person- ever evil one does, it follows one personnel had been practised turn to the "Aung Tun" gate and form their respective duties in Name Appointment patterns, droughts, flooding, serve its interests. However, nel who value and love their like a shadow no matter where in our country. The following is entered without any inspection the production, trade commodi- 1. U Ko Lay Win Director-General and geographical redistri- some service personnel are service personnel's life pri- he is hiding in the sky or under- one of many events from Myan- made on him. ty, distribution, services, admin- Director-General Department of Myanmar productivity, bution of pests and diseases motivated by the same famous oritize serving the interest of ground. There is no hiding place mar's history. The next day, Minister istration of justice, inspection, Basic Education Depart- Nationalities Languages pose a major challenge to our artists and totalitarian dictators the country and people. They for one who has done wrong. A It was during the reign of Banyar Kyandaw summoned and management and adminis- ment the insurance farmers for decades. who are persuading toward An- ever enjoy innocent living. And person who has committed a sin the king, "Tha Lun Mintayargyi" these two gate-keepers. He trative sectors. Ministry of Education With the impact of cli- mate change looming large 2. Dr Saw Pyone Naing Director-General sector has on agricultural productivity, Rector Basic Education the insurance sector has a University of Education, Department a big role to big role to play. 'I look normal again': Relief as German hairdressers reopen Sagaing Ministry of Education Lack of crop insur- Ministry of Education ance has been landing farm- play. ers in a debt trap as it is hard ans-Joachim Berthold "As soon as I found out in any real financial help from the regional leaders will meet again 3. Dr Tin Maung Tun Rector for them to pay off loans to had a spring in his step February that they were go- government," the 32-year-old, Wednesday to discuss possible Rector Yangon University the government when their Has he set off down the ing to reopen, I booked an ap- who opened Haarstudio 030 in further relaxations. West Yangon University Ministry of Education crops get damaged. street on Monday morning after pointment for me and my wife," 2019, told AFP. Yet after a decrease in case Ministry of Education Myanmar is listed among countries that are adversely af- getting his hair cut for the first said Berthold, sporting a smart "It feels great to finally numbers in February, experts fected by erratic weather. This is the reason why crop insurance time in two and a half months. short-back-and-sides after his work again." have cautioned that Germany's 4. Dr Tin Tun Rector is important for our farmers. "It's such a relief. I couldn't visit to the Haarstudio 030 salon Heinsch received several infection rate has stabilised and Rector Mandalay University To promote the livelihood of farmers who make up over 70 bear to look at myself in the in central Berlin. customers within minutes of even climbed in recent days as Toungoo University Ministry of Education per cent of the total population of Myanmar, we need to make mirror before!" the 64-year-old While his job in IT has al- opening his doors on Monday, concerns grow about the spread Ministry of Education legislations that can protect them when crops, cattle, or ma- told AFP. lowed him to work from home beaming as he welcomed reg- of new, more contagious virus chinery fails. Berthold was one of hun- during the lockdown, his long ulars back into the salon. variants. For his part, Berthold 5. Dr Khin Thida Rector We have experienced that crops that grew well in the past dreds of Germans who were hair still bugged him during According to the new rules, hopes that the hairdressers will Rector West Yangon University may no longer continue to do so due to climate change, and able to go to the hairdresser regular video meetings, he ex- customers have to book an stay open for "a while yet", and Pyay University Ministry of Education crops are getting damaged by droughts or floods every year. for the first time since Decem- plained. appointment in advance, and not just for the sake of his own Ministry of Education Farmers are important to our country’s economy as well ber, as the country eased some "I could always see it falling Heinsch is already fully booked fringe. as for achieving food sufficiency for our people. Due to this, the tough coronavirus restrictions over my face. It's just a joy to until the end of the week. A hairdresser cuts the hair of a client sitting in a space separated by "I didn't understand why 6. Dr Thet Lwin Rector Protecting Rights and Enhancing Economic Welfare of Farmers on Monday. think I look normal again," he "We will do a 10-hour shift transparent panes at the hair salon 'Harmony' in Dortmund, western they closed them, because the Rector Pyay University Law was enacted. Besides hairdressers, flo- said. from 10 am to 8 pm," he said, Germany on March 1, 2021, on the day of its reopening after being closed hairdressers did everything Pakokku University Ministry of Education for more than two months due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Now is the time to make plans for helping farmers with a rists and garden centres have Fully booked gesturing to his three-person they could in terms of hygiene Ministry of Education PHOTO : AFP crop insurance system. been allowed to open in certain Salon manager Manuel team. measures," he said, as his wife Hence, an agricultural insurance scheme should cover states such as Bavaria, while Heinsch said it is "really im- Others worked even longer hours of the morning. Following Monday's reo- went into the salon for her ap- 7. Dr Aung Kyaw Rector crops, cattle, and tractors. other regions such as Schle- portant" that he is able to work hours on Monday, with one sa- In Bavaria, local media re- pening of hairdressers and a pointment. "But it is what it is. I Rector Dagon University We are confident that a successful insurance system is an swig-Holstein have reopened again. lon in Dortmund opening on the ported that one salon had raised partial return to schools for am just happy that we can now Maubin University Ministry of Education important tool for poverty alleviation and job creation, particu- zoos for the first time since De- "Rents aren't cheap in this stroke of midnight and serving 422 euros by auctioning off its some pupils last week, Chancel- go and get our hair cut when we Ministry of Education larly in rural areas, as it safeguards the interests of farmers. cember 16. area anyway and we haven't had customers through the small first appointment. lor Angela Merkel and German want."—AFP 2 MARCH 2021 10 LOCAL BUSINESS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR AMATA puts off listing date in equity market

Ltd. Furthermore, YSX At present, shares of six launched a pre-listing board listed companies — First My- (PLB) on 28 September 2020 anmar Investment (FMI), My- to provide unlisted public com- anmar Thilawa SEZ Holdings panies with fund-raising op- (MTSH), Myanmar Citizens portunities and build a bridge Bank (MCB), First Private toward listing on YSX, YSX Bank (FPB), TMH Telecom stated. Public Co. Ltd (TMH) and the The YSX was launched Ever Flow River Group Pub- four years ago to improve the lic Co. Ltd (EFR) -- are being private business sector. It traded on the exchange. disseminates rules and reg- On 26 February 2021, the ulations regarding the stock share prices of FMI were exchange and knowledge of closed at K9,300 per unit, share trading through stock in- MTSH at K3,500, MCB at vestment seminars. The stock K8,200, FPB at K22,000, TMH exchange has also sought the at K2,800 and EFR at K3,350, government’s support to get respectively. Usually, over K60 more public companies to par- million worth of shares were ticipate in the stock market traded on the exchange every and help more institutional day. The COVID-19 impacts investors, such as financing cooled down the market. companies, investment banks, The stock markets world- and insurance companies, to The Stock Exchange in Yangon. PHOTO: GNLM/FILE wide have reported their larg- emerge. est declines since the 2008 fi- Amid the COVID-19 crisis, THE listing date, before sched- Exchange Law and Section 7 497,598 shares at an offering nancial crisis. Myanmar’s securities market uled, of Amata Holding Public and 8 of the Securities Listing price of K5,000 per each unit. Similarly, the local equi- has been able to continue oper- Co., Ltd. (AMATA on Yangon Business Regulations, on 28 AMATA would be the sev- ties market is also scared by ating without stopping trading. Stock Exchange (YSX) would December 2020. Earlier, it was enth public company to list the COVID-19 crash, a market According to the annual be postponed for a certain peri- scheduled to debut on the ex- on the exchange. As per the observer points out. report released by the ex- od. And the rescheduled listing change on 12 March. company’s profile, AMATA is At present, people are change, a total of K12.6 billion date announced in due time, AMATA is the very first a public holding company and keeping emergency savings worth of 1.87 million shares according to the YSX notifica- hotels and tourism sector to operates a resort in Ngapali rather than investing amid the by six listed companies were tion on 26 February 2021. be listed in the equity market. Beach, Inle Lake and Bagan, COVID-19 crisis and current traded on the Yangon Stock After scrutinizing submit- The base price of AMATA will and a hot-air ballooning busi- political conditions, he added. Exchange (YSX) in 2020, a sig- ted application documents and be announced on the YSX web- ness with 15 balloons in six Next, the Securities and nificant drop compared to 2019. a deliberate listing examina- site one working day before the cities. Exchange Commission of My- Over 2.4 million shares tion, YSX approved the Amata listing date. AMATA owns 99.99% share anmar (SECM) has allowed from five listed companies, Holding Public Co., Ltd. (AMA- On 18 July 2018, the com- from United International foreigners to invest in the local valued at K13.39 billion, were TA) to be listed on YSX under pany issued a prospectus Group Co., Ltd and 51% shares equity market from 20 March traded on the exchange in 2019. Section 41 (c) of the Securities in which 596 investors held from Myanmar Ballooning Co., 2020. — KK/GNLM Agro exports surge by $781 mln as of 19 February

THE agricultural exports have corresponding period of the according to Myanmar Mer- Myanmar agro products involvement of regional and touched a high of US$2.25 bil- 2019-2020 FY. cantile Marine Development are primarily exported to Chi- state agriculture departments, lion as of 19 February 2021 in Myanmar’s agricultural Association. na, Singapore, Malaysia, the exporters, traders, and some the current financial year since exports rose regardless of the In the exports sector, the Philippines, Bangladesh, In- grower groups, are required to 1 October 2020 on the back of coronavirus’s impact on for- agriculture industry performed dia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. meet production targets, said strong global demand for ag- eign demand for other export the best, accounting for over 22 Sometimes, the export market an official from the Agriculture ricultural products amid the groups. per cent of overall exports. The remains uncertain due to un- Department. coronavirus impacts. However, some ocean lin- agricultural industry’s chief ex- steady global demand. The Commerce Ministry is The figures reflect a sig- ers suspended cargo transport port items are rice and broken The country requires spe- working to help farmers deal nificant rise of $781.5 million from Myanmar in recent days. rice, pulses and beans, and cific export plans for each agro with challenges such as high this FY. According to the trade The cargo transport will double maize. Fruits and vegetables, product, as they are currently input costs, procurement of figures released by the Ministry or triple if we conduct the trade sesame, dried tea leaves, sugar, exported to external markets pedigree seeds, high cultivation of Commerce, the ago exports with small ships. It could harm and other agro products are based upon supply and demand. costs, and unpredictable weath- soared from $1.47 billion in the the export sector somehow, also shipped to other countries. Contract farming systems, the er conditions. — HH/GNLM

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NEWS Iran inspections should not IN BRIEF be ‘bargaining chip’: IAEA Italy debt soars on virus impact ITALY’S public debt soared last year, rising more than 20 per centage points as the coronavirus pandemic savaged the economy, official data showed Monday. Total accumulated national debt jumped to 155.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) last year from 134.6 per cent in 2019. Italy had by the end of 2020 accumulated a colossal debt of 2.57 trillion euros, up from 2.41 trillion euros in 2019, according to national statistics agency Istat. GDP in the eurozone’s third-largest economy fell 8.9 per cent last year, thanks to restrictions imposed by the government to stem a devastating coronavirus outbreak that has killed almost 100,000 people. Italy is banking on a windfall of more than 200 billion euros from the European Union’s post-virus recovery fund to help get back on its feet. —AFP

French ex-president Sarkozy convicted for

Iran’ Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (L) meets with the director-general of the International Atomic corruption Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, (R)in Tehran on 21 February 2021. PHOTO AFP FORMER French president Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty of THE head of the UN’s nuclear former president Donald Trump. equipment the IAEA installed corruption on Monday and handed a three-year prison sentence watchdog appealed Monday for Grossi described the sus- at Iran’s nuclear sites will be after a court in Paris convicted him for trying to illegally influence a its inspection work in Iran not to pension of those inspections as kept by Iran for three months judge during his time in office. become a “bargaining chip” as a “huge loss”, but when asked if and provided to the IAEA if US The sentence includes two years suspended, which means it is world powers mull negotiations the agency could still reassure sanctions are lifted. unlikely Sarkozy will physically go to prison. to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear the international community that European states are con- He is almost certain to appeal and remains free, with no arrest deal. the Iranian nuclear programme sidering putting forward a res- warrant issued. “The inspection work of the was exclusively peaceful, he re- olution at this week’s meeting The verdict is the latest twist in the tumultuous political IAEA must be preserved... (it) plied: “So far, so good.” condemning Iran’s decision to career of the 66-year-old who ruled France from 2007 to 2012 and should not be put in the mid- Grossi said the IAEA would suspend some inspections. remains a favourite for many on the right. dle of a negotiating table as a continue to have the means to Iran has said that the in- The conviction is likely to undermine any attempted come- bargaining chip,” International verify the amount of uranium troduction of such a resolution back to frontline politics, an ambition he has denied, but which has Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) enriched by Iran. would push it to abandon the been promoted by many supporters ahead of 2022 presidential chief Rafael Grossi told a press On February 21 Grossi an- temporary agreement with the elections. conference at the start of the nounced after two days of talks IAEA. Only one other French president, Sarkozy’s political mentor agency’s quarterly meeting of with Iranian officials in Tehran Grossi refused to be drawn Jacques Chirac, was put on trial after leaving office, but he was its board of governors. that Iran and the IAEA had on the utility of a critical resolu- excused from having to attend his 2011 corruption trial because of On February 23, Iran sus- struck an interim three-month tion. “My appeal to all is to have ill health. pended some IAEA inspections deal to mitigate the impact of the constructive discussions and to Chirac received a two-year suspended sentence over the cre- in response to the US refusal so suspended inspections. preserve the work of the agency,” ation of ghost jobs at the Paris city hall to fund his party when he far to lift sanctions imposed by Recordings from monitoring Grossi said. —AFP was mayor. —AFP

US envoy in Kabul as questions over troop Finland declares state of emergency as Covid cases rise withdrawal swirl FINLAND on Monday activated emergency powers as the govern- THE US special envoy to Afghanistan touched Council for National Reconciliation, which is over- ment prepared to introduce tougher restrictions to stem a rising down in Kabul on Monday for meetings with Af- seeing Kabul’s peace talks with the insurgents tide of coronavirus infections. ghan leaders, in a bid to revive a flagging peace in Qatar. Prime Minister Sanna Marin signalled the move was immi- process as violence soars in the war-weary country “Both sides discussed future steps in the Af- nent last week when she warned that controls limiting restaurants and a deadline for US troop withdrawal draws ghan peace process and underscored additional to takeaway service would come into force for three weeks from closer. efforts to expedite the peace process,” a presiden- March 8 in some parts of the country. Zalmay Khalilzad’s arrival marks the first time tial spokeswoman said in a statement. “The government along with the President of the Republic has he has returned to Afghanistan since US President The envoy is also set to travel to Qatar, where declared a state of emergency in the country,” Marin told a press Joe Biden took office in January and asked him he will meet with Taliban leaders along with trips conference on Monday. to stay in his post. to unspecified regional capitals, according to the Finland’s constitution requires emergency legislation to Speculation is rife over America’s future in State Department. Khalilzad, an Afghan-born enforce such a restriction, and the restaurant proposal will now go Afghanistan, after the White House announced political scientist, is a veteran of Republican ad- before parliament, Marin said. plans to review a withdrawal deal brokered by ministrations who has served as US ambassador to The government also announced on February 24 that it had Khalilzad and the Taliban in Doha last year. the United Nations, Iraq and Afghanistan. Donald instructed local authorities in areas with high infection rates, Under that agreement, the US is set to with- Trump’s administration, eager to end America’s including the capital, to restrict public and private gatherings to draw from Afghanistan in May, but a surge in longest war, tasked Khalilzad with negotiating with six people. Controls on establishments such as gyms will also be fighting has sparked concerns that a speedy exit the Taliban, culminating in a deal signed in Qatar tightened, while municipal buildings including swimming pools from the country may unleash greater chaos as on February 29 last year. The accord states that and museums have been closed in some areas since November. peace talks between the Kabul government and the US will withdraw all troops from Afghanistan Although the state of emergency will allow limits to be placed Taliban continue to stall. by May, with the Taliban promising not to allow on freedom of movement, Marin said that the government is not In Kabul, Khalilzad met with both Afghan territory to be used by terrorists — the original currently planning to reintroduce restrictions such as a blockade President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, goal of the US invasion following the September between the capital region and the rest of the country, which was who serves as chairman of Afghanistan’s High 11, 2001 attacks. —AFP imposed in March last year. —AFP 2 MARCH 2021 12 WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR World’s first Covax jab injected as US eyes J&J rollout

GHANA’S President Nana Aku- with the Philippines among the fo-Addo on Monday became the latest countries to launch a roll- first recipient of a coronavirus out Monday. vaccine under the global Covax But rich countries have scheme, as US health workers bought up the vast majority prepared to distribute nearly of those available, prompting four million doses of the sin- the World Health Organization gle-shot Johnson & Johnson jab. (WHO) to warn that the crisis Covax, a scheme designed cannot end unless poor countries to ensure that poorer countries can vaccinate their populations do not miss out on Covid-19 vac- too. A new row is brewing over cines that have so far been large- a call, led by India and South ly hoovered up by rich nations, Africa, for intellectual proper- is aiming to deliver at least two ty rights to the vaccines to be billion doses by the end of the waived. year. Backed by dozens of gov- Akufo-Addo received his Airport workers transport on dollies a shipment of Covid-19 vaccines from the Covax global Covid-19 ernments from Argentina to AstraZeneca shot live on tele- vaccination programme, at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra on 24 February 2021. PHOTO: AFP Bangladesh, they argue that vision along with his wife, a day India’s Prime Minister Nar- be delivered after it became the Vaccines are seen as crucial this would boost production and before the rest of the first batch endra Modi also got his coronavi- latest jab to get the green light to returning the world to normal- ultimately bring the pandemic of 600,000 Covax doses are de- rus jab on Monday -- although a from US regulators. ity and healing the economy af- to a swifter end. But the United ployed across Ghana. glitch in the online booking sys- The J&J rollout comes as a ter a pandemic that has claimed States, the European Union and “It is important that I set tem meant thousands of others boost to President Joe Biden’s more than 2.5 million lives across Switzerland — home to major the example that this vaccine is were turned away from hospitals plan to beat back a virus that has the globe. pharmaceutical firms — oppose safe by being the first to have it, nationwide. killed more than half a million More than 224 million vac- the idea, which is being thrashed so that everybody in Ghana can And in the United States, Americans, making the US the cine doses have been adminis- out at a World Trade Organiza- feel comfortable about taking 3.9 million doses of the Johnson world’s worst-hit nation. tered worldwide, according to tion meeting on Monday and this vaccine,” the president said. & Johnson vaccine are due to Legal war over Covid jabs national data compiled by AFP, Tuesday. —AFP

S.Africa likely to miss herd EU agrees sanctions on four senior Russian officials immunity target : scientist EU member states on Mon- Alexander Bastrykin, head of nerve agent he blames on Pu- day approved sanctions to be the Investigative Committee of tin. The Kremlin denies it was slapped on four senior Russian Russia; Igor Krasnov, prosecu- behind the attack. SOUTH Africa is unlikely to Inoculations started last justice and law enforcement of- tor general; and Viktor Zolotov, The imprisoning of Putin’s reach its 2021 coronavirus herd month with jabs developed by ficials involved in the detention director of the National Guard. best-known opponent sparked immunity target and should “re- US pharma giant Johnson & of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The four are the first indi- nationwide protests that saw calibrate” expectations around Johnson. The rollout was briefly Diplomatic sources told viduals to be targeted under the thousands of demonstrators Covid-19 jabs, a top vaccinolo- delayed after a study found that AFP the names would be pub- EU’s new human rights sanc- detained and triggered calls in gist said Monday. AstraZeneca vaccines -- the first lished in the bloc’s official jour- tions regime, which came into the West for Navalny’s release A more transmissible coro- doses to land in the country -- nal on Tuesday, after envoys effect in December. They will be -- calls now backed by EU sanc- navirus variant first identified only offered limited protection from member states approved banned from travelling to the tions. in South Africa late last year against mild and moderate dis- the list of targets drawn up by EU and any assets held there Last week, Russia’s foreign fuelled the country’s second ease caused by the new variant. Brussels. will be frozen. ministry dismissed the sanc- infection wave and delayed the Substantial quantities of According to two sources, Navalny was jailed last tions decision and said they start of vaccinations in Febru- the vaccines are only expected speaking on condition of ano- month after returning to Mos- were prepared under a “far- ary. Studies have shown the in April and May. Infections are nymity, the targeted Russians cow from Germany, where he fetched pretext”, accusing Brus- variant to be more resistant to meanwhile expected to resurge are: Alexander Kalashnikov, had spent months recovering sels of bowing to “anti-Russian most of the existing vaccines in June or earlier if a cap on federal prisons administrator; from a poisoning with a banned stereotypes”.—AFP than the virus’ original form and mass gatherings is lifted during other mutations. the upcoming Easter holiday. Vaccinology professor So far South Africa has Coronavirus toll at 1100 GMT Monday Shabir Madhi, lead investiga- secured 11 million Johnson & tor on the Oxford/AstraZeneca Johnson vaccines and 20 mil- THE novel coronavirus has killed at least 2,531,448 After the US, the hardest-hit countries are vaccine trial in South Africa, lion doses of a jab developed people since the outbreak emerged in China in Brazil with 254,942 deaths from 10,551,259 cases, said the local variant and a third by Pfizer. December 2019, according to a tally from official Mexico with 185,715 deaths from 2,086,938 cases, wave of infections expected lat- Another 12 million doses sources compiled by AFP at 1100 GMT on Monday. India with 157,157 deaths from 11,112,241 cas- er this year were likely to hinder are expected from the WHO- At least 114,050,170 cases of coronavirus have es, and the United Kingdom with 122,849 deaths inoculation plans. “We need to backed vaccine pooling initiative been registered. The vast majority have recov- from 4,176,554 cases.The country with the highest recalibrate... our understanding Covax and an undetermined ered, though some have continued to experience number of deaths compared to its population is of what we can actually achieve amount from the African Union. symptoms weeks or even months later. the Czech Republic with 191 fatalities per 100,000 with Covid-19 vaccines,” Madhi The country is the worst- These figures are based on daily tolls provided inhabitants, followed by Belgium with 190, Slove- told a virtual panel discussion. hit by the pandemic in Africa, by health authorities in each country and exclude nia at 185, the United Kingdom with 181 and Italy “The notion of getting to with over 1.5 million cases and later re-evaluations by statistical organisations, as with 162.Europe overall has 852,569 deaths from herd immunity... at least with almost 50,000 deaths record- has happened in Russia, Spain and Britain.On Sun- 37,626,483 cases, Latin America and the Caribbean this first generation of Covid-19 ed to date. But President Cyril day, 5,680 new deaths and 306,735 new cases were 678,450 deaths from 21,381,322 infections, and the vaccines, is extremely slim.” Ramaphosa on Sunday said the recorded worldwide. Based on the latest reports, United States and Canada 535,083 deaths from South Africa’s government start of vaccinations had “gone the countries with the most new deaths were the 29,471,938 cases.Asia has reported 256,364 deaths aims to vaccinate 67 per cent extremely well” and that daily United States with 1,001 new deaths, followed by from 16,146,765 cases, the Middle East 104,318 of its population -- around 40 infections had slowed enough Brazil with 721 and Mexico with 458.The United deaths from 5,493,708 cases, Africa 103,715 deaths million people -- to achieve herd to lift almost all movement re- States is the worst-affected country with 513,092 from 3,897,601 cases, and Oceania 949 deaths from immunity by year’s end. strictions. —AFP deaths from 28,605,953 cases. 32,353 cases.—AFP 2 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ECON/AD 13 Yahoo Japan operator, Line merge German consumer to take on foreign tech giants prices accelerate rise Z Holdings Corp., in February operator of Yahoo Japan Consumer prices in data from federal statistics online services, and mes- Germany rose at a faster agency Destatis. After hav- saging app provider Line pace in February, prelim- ing slowed considerably in Corp. merged on Monday inary official data showed 2020, inflation is expected to expand their online ser- Monday, as fears grow that to rise this year in Europe vices globally as they aim a return of inflation could as the economy picks up to better compete with U.S. hamper a post-pandemic following the relaxation and Chinese tech giants. economic recovery. of measures to slow the With a combined user Inflation reached 1.3 spread of the Covid-19 base of about 150 million per cent year-on-year, its pandemic. in Japan, the merger of steepest rise since March With the European Z Holdings, a SoftBank 2020, when borders were Central Bank poised to hold Group Corp. subsidiary, first slammed shut across its regular monetary policy and Line will make it one the world as countries bat- setting meeting next week, of the biggest information tled to halt contagion of the voices warning against its technology companies in Kentaro Kawabe (L), president of Z Holdings Corp, operator of Yahoo Japan online coronavirus. ultra expansionary stance the country. services, and messaging app provider Line Corp President Takeshi Idezawa are pictured Analysts had projected are growing louder. Mon- at a press conference in Tokyo on 1 March 2021. PHOTO : KYODO NEWS “We would like to inflation to reach 1.4 per day’s figures do “little to launch a global smart- president, at a press con- LLC, Apple Inc., Facebook ny said it is targeting sales cent for the month. quieten the discussions phone app” in the future ference. Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. of 2 trillion yen ($19 billion) Consumer prices were around potential ECB ac- to expand online services Kentaro Kawabe, the -- with our group’s total in fiscal 2023, compared pulled up in February by tion,” said Carsten Brzeski, worldwide with the help of other Z Holdings co-CEO power.” with the two companies’ rising energy prices af- ING analyst. A member of global tech firms in which said, “We can offer a wid- The surviving entity is combined sales of 1.28 tril- ter months of slumps. A a German government ad- SoftBank Group’s nearly er range of services, such Z Holdings, under which lion yen in fiscal 2019, and growth in food prices has visory panel, Volker Wie- $100 billion Vision Fund as search engine, e-com- Yahoo Japan and Line aiming to become the larg- meanwhile slowed down to land, last week called on has invested, said Take- merce and online financial operate their respective est e-commerce operator 1.4 per cent compared to 2.2 the ECB to look at raising shi Idezawa, Z Holdings operations, than those pro- businesses. in Japan in the first half of per cent a month ago, ac- interest rates in case of co-CEO and former Line vided by GAFA -- Google The integrated compa- the 2020s. — Kyodo News cording to the preliminary surging inflation.—AFP

Global markets bounce CLAIMS DAY NOTICE CLAIMS DAY NOTICE back from last week’s M.V IAL 001 VOY. NO. (093N/S) M.V PATRIOT SW Consignees of cargo carried on M.V IAL 001 VOY. Consignees of cargo carried on M.V PATRIOT SW slump NO. (093N/S) are hereby notified that the vessel will be are hereby notified that the vessel will be arriving on WORLD stock markets rebounded Monday from last arriving on 1-3-2021 and cargo will be discharged into the 2-3-2021 and cargo will be discharged into the premises premises of HPT where it will lie at the consignee’s risk of SPW-7 where it will lie at the consignee’s risk and week’s heavy selloff, as falling US Treasury yields and expenses and subject to the byelaws and conditions expenses and subject to the byelaws and conditions of soothed inflation concerns, dealers said. of the Port of Yangon. the Port of Yangon. Wall Street stocks snapped higher at the open, with Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am the Dow gaining 1.4 per cent. The broader S&P 500 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 climbed 1.5 per cent and tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite 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. shot 1.7 per cent higher. No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after London equities jumped 1.2 per cent in afternoon the Claims Day. the Claims Day. trade, while Frankfurt was up 1.0 per cent and Paris Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301191/2301178 added 1.3 per cent. Shipping Agency Department Shipping Agency Department Asian stocks rose strongly on bargain-buying as the Myanma Port Authority Myanma Port Authority Agent For: Agent For: passage of President Joe Biden’s $1.9-trillion Covid relief M/S BEN LINE AGENCIES (SINGAPORE) stimulus through Congress provided additional cheer. M/S INTER ASIA LINES PTE LTD Oil prices climbed before this week’s output meeting of the OPEC group of oil producers and their allies, while the dollar advanced versus the euro and yen. “Equity markets are showing strong gains as bond CLAIMS DAY NOTICE CLAIMS DAY NOTICE yields cool,” said analyst David Madden at online trading M.V MARAKI M.V YORK 17 firm CMC Markets UK. Consignees of cargo carried on M.V MARAKI VOY. Consignees of cargo carried on M.V YORK 17 VOY “Stocks came under pressure last week as a spike NO. (V.01B/2021) are hereby notified that the vessel will NO. (2433) are hereby notified that the vessel will be in government bond yields encouraged traders to trim be arriving on 3-3-2021 and cargo will be discharged into arriving on 2-3-2021 and cargo will be discharged into the their exposure to equity markets. the premises of MITT-5 where it will lie at the consignee’s premises of TMIT-2 where it will lie at the consignee’s risk “The prospect of higher inflation on the horizon has risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws and and expenses and subject to the byelaws and conditions conditions of the Port of Yangon. of the Port of Yangon. not disappeared but the fear of a higher cost of living is Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am not having the same impact that it once had.” 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 Markets tumbled last week on fears that the recov- declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo ering global economy, in tandem with vast US stimulus, from the Vessel. from the Vessel. could fuel inflationary pressures and spark interest rate No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after hikes in the long run. the Claims Day. the Claims Day. Phone No: 2301928 Phone No: 2301928 In a bid to calm markets, several central banks Shipping Agency Department Shipping Agency Department — including in Japan, South Korea and the European Myanma Port Authority Myanma Port Authority Union — sought over the weekend to reiterate their Agent For: Agent For: pledges to maintain their ultra-loose monetary policies M/S CHUN AN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS CO for as long as needed.—AFP M/S UNI SPRING LOGISTICS HOLDING PTE LTD LTD 2 MARCH 2021 14 WORD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Bali kicks off drive-thru virus jabs for hospitality workers

around 5,000 workers in hospi- that they can travel safely.” tality and ride-sharing services The island has recorded by the end of this month. some 923 deaths and just over The campaign was rolled 34,000 virus cases. out at Nusa Dua Bali Conven- The drive-thru vaccina- tion Centre in Bali’s capital tion has been rolled out along- Denpasar, set up in partner- side Indonesia’s nationwide ship with Southeast Asian vaccination bid, which kicked ride-hailing giant Grab. off in January with the Chinese “This drive-thru pro- CoronaVac jabs. gramme is good, because for Indonesia, the world’s us drivers who work on the fourth most populous nation, street every day, we are very plans to innoculate more than vulnerable to being exposed 180 million of its nearly 270 to the virus,” said ride-hailing million people. driver Zul Widodo. But it was not clear if the In August, Bali closed the drive-thru programme would door to foreign tourists over be rolled out in other cities coronavirus concerns, batter- across the archipelago. ing its key tourism sector. Indonesia’s economy — “The Covid-19 vaccine is Southeast Asia’s largest — has paramount for Indonesia’s lurched into recession during Medical workers prepare to administer the Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine during a drive-through vaccination tourism industry recovery,” a pandemic that has infected service in Nusa Dua, Indonesia’s resort island of Bali, on March 1, 2021. PHOTO: AFP Tourism Minister Sandiaga more than 1.3 million people Uno said in a weekend state- and killed over 36,000 nation- ment. wide, according to official data, INDONESIAN resort island workers, as the popular tourist campaign in Southeast Asia, “The availability of vac- though low testing rates mean Bali has launched a drive-thru destination eyes reopening to Bali’s drive-thru vaccinations cines continues to be a source the figures could be much vaccination campaign target- foreign visitors. kicked-off at the weekend. The of hope for people to return to higher. —AFP ing thousands of hospitality Billed as the first such programme aims to inoculate normalcy and boost confidence

Ex-PMs Kan, Koizumi urge Japan to quit Over 30 injured in anti- nuclear power generation government protest in Bangkok

FORMER prime ministers Nao- wind power. Why should we use While the former prime min- to Kan and Junichiro Koizumi something that’s more expensive isters come from opposite ends of on Monday urged Japan to stop and less safe?” said Koizumi, a the political spectrum —Koizumi using nuclear power, saying the maverick reformist who held of- led the center-right Liberal Dem- country should learn from the fice from 2001 to 2006, at a joint ocratic Party while Kan headed Fukushima crisis a decade ago press conference. the now-defunct Democratic Par- and turn to renewable energy. Kan, who led the response to ty of Japan, which leaned left Both were proponents of the disaster at the time, criticized — they said opposing nuclear nuclear power while in office Yoshihide Suga’s vow to reduce energy was a nonpartisan stance. but became critics following the Japan’s net carbon emissions to The main obstacle to shift- March 11, 2011, earthquake, tsu- zero by 2050, calling it a pretense ing toward renewable energy is nami and subsequent triple melt- to restart nuclear reactors across structural, Kan said, stemming down at the Fukushima Daiichi the country, most of which have from the entrenched interests of A pro-democracy protester holds the Thai national flag during a nuclear plant. “Japan has so been halted as utilities wait to utility companies, government demonstration headed toward the residence of Thailand’s Prime much natural sources of energy clear tougher regulations im- agencies and academics who Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha in Bangkok on 28 February, 2021. like solar power, hydropower and posed after the Fukushima crisis. constitute the “nuclear power PHOTO: AFP village.” “They know it would be too expensive to build new plants, OVER 30 people were injured charges, including violations or that there’s no way to properly as an anti-government protest of the country’s lese majeste dispose of nuclear waste. But in Thailand’s capital Bangkok law that makes it a crime to there are a lot of stakeholders led to a clash between protest- insult the monarchy. and they want to keep it that ers and police on Sunday night, Riot police sought to block way,” said Kan, now a member according to a medical centre the marchers by using water of the Constitutional Democratic serving the area. cannons, tear gas and rubber Party of Japan. More than 20 of the injured bullets. Regarding tritium-laced wa- were police officers. Police said The protesters dispersed ter at Fukushima Daiichi quick- one male officer in his 40s died late Sunday. Protests compris- ly filling up tanks, Koizumi said from a heart attack while on ing mostly young Thais erupted in the press conference at the duty at the scene. last year, calling for reform of Foreign Correspondents’ Club of On Sunday, over 1,200 the monarchy and constitu- Japan that plans to release the mostly young protesters tional changes as well as the water into the sea were fiercely marched toward an army com- resignation of Prayut and his opposed by local fishermen and pound where Prime Minister government. The former army Former Japanese prime ministers Junichiro Koizumi (R) and Naoto Kan attend a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan that further research into other Prayut Chan-o-cha lives, call- chief led a 2014 coup that top- in Tokyo on March 1, 2021, urging the country to stop using nuclear options was needed. — Kyodo ing for the release of protest pled a civilian government. — power. PHOTO : KYODO News leaders detained on various Kyodo News 2 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR WORLD 15 Malaysian PM says will call election Toyota Tsusho invests in Thai bus operator ATP30 for once pandemic contained smart mobility MALAYSIAN Prime Min- JAPANESE trading house er bus services, mainly for ister Muhyiddin Yassin Toyota Tsusho Corp. is ac- Japanese businesses oper- marked his one year in of- quiring an equity stake in ating in Thailand. fice Monday by pledging to ATP30 Public Co., a com- The company’s solu- call a general election once muter bus operator for tions system will also help the coronavirus pandemic industrial estates in Thai- optimize bus allocation is contained. land, to promote smart mo- plans for better vehicle “The main focus of bility for its services. occupancy, reduce carbon this government at this Toyota Tsusho said dioxide emissions and al- moment is to steer this last week that the trading leviate traffic congestion, country clear of the dou- arm of the Toyota Motor it said. ble whammy of health and Corp. group is purchasing a TT Techno-Park Co., a economic crises. Once the 9.5 per cent stake in ATP30 Toyota Tsusho unit running pandemic is over, which I for 64.35 million baht ($2 industrial estate commuter hope will be very soon, I million) through its local buses in eastern Thailand, will advise the king to dis- Prime Minister of Malaysia, Muhyiddin Yassin shows his immunization passport after unit, Toyota Tsusho Thai is also involved in the smart solve the parliament,” he undergoing the coronavirus vaccine process in Putrajaya, Malaysia on Feb. Holdings Co. The acquisi- mobility program being un- PHOTO: KYODO NEWS said in a televised address tion procedure is set to be dertaken in three stages. to commemorate the an- Organization, the once suspended, which the uary based on Muhyid- completed in early March, TT Techno-Park Pres- niversary of his adminis- dominant party that has prime minister’s critics din’s advice that the out- a Toyota Tsusho official ident Takayuki Tatsuta tration. led the country since in- claim was intended to al- break in the country has said. has told NNA that the first Muhyiddin, who came dependence in 1957, but low him to cling to power. reached a “critical lev- The partnership will stage, already in practical to power after political de- which Mahathir and his Muhyididn has a tenuous el.” The first nationwide enable Toyota Tsusho to use, sets the most efficient sertion upended former ragtag coalition stunning- hold on the reins of pow- emergency in 51 years is provide ATP30 with its mo- bus routes and is designed Prime Minister Mahathir ly defeated in the 2018 er as he controls only a to last until 1 August or bility-related digital tech- to help businesses cut com- Mohamad’s government election. very slim majority in par- earlier, depending on how nologies to boost the safety muting expenses by 10 to 20 last year, has been plagued Muhyiddin came into liament, and UMNO, the fast authorities can con- and efficiency of commut- per cent.— Kyodo News with questions over the le- office just as the country biggest party in the ruling tain the virus. “I know and gitimacy of his administra- saw a surge in coronavi- alliance, has threatened understand the meaning tion since he was sworn in rus cases and he quickly to quit after complaining of democracy. Thus, not a a year ago. ordered a lockdown, clos- of bullying by Muhyiddin’s single one of the ordinanc- Mahathir resigned ing borders and schools smaller party. Factions in es was meant to make after several lawmakers and the economy came UMNO even threatened the prime minister stay from his ruling coalition to a standstill. to throw their support for forever,” Muhyiddin said. including Muhyiddin, Cases have risen to opposition leader Anwar “In fact, the emergency switched sides, leading to four digits daily since last Ibrahim, who has claimed being implemented has the collapse of his barely November. to have the backing of a deadline until 1 August two-year-old government. But the economy is enough lawmakers to 2021. This is the first time Kiyoyoshi Oba (2nd from R), president of Toyota Tsusho Muhyiddin took the now open even as the replace Muhyiddin. King in the country’s history, a (Thailand) Co., and Piya Techakul (2nd from L), president top job under a new al- country is placed under Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin declaration of emergency of ATP30 Public Co., attend a ceremony on 24 February, liance that includes the a state of emergency with made the emergency has a deadline,” he said. 2021, in Bangkok to form a partnership for smart mobility in United Malays National parliament and elections proclamation on 12 Jan- — Kyodo News commuter bus services in Thailand. PHOTO: KYODO NEWS

Obituary Obituary

"And to Him Will ye Be all brought back." O Soul thou art at Peace, return to thy Lord Well Pleasing Him, well pleased with (Holy Quran: Chapter (36), Verse (83) Him. (Quran: Chapter (89), Verse (27)

AL-HAJ DR. SALMAN RASCHID (Psychiatrist) AI-Hajja Daw Tin Tin Sann @ Habiba Be Be @ Rose Bakhet Age {84) years Bsc (Hons.) Msc (Bontany) Age (77) years Son of late Minister U M.A. Raschid + late Daw Thaung May (Fatima Raschid), nephew son-in-law of late Wnna Kyaw Htin Dr. U Ba Khet and late Sayama Gyi Manager BBC London (Retd) Daw May Yu, younger brother of U Bilal Raschid (Architect) + Daw Tin Tin Nu, Old Student, Methodist English High School (MEOSA) Maryland, U.S.A., beloved husband of late AI-Hajja Daw Tin Tin San @ Rose Botany Department, Rangoon Arts and Science University Bakhet, passed away peacefully in accordance with the Command of Allah in Magwe College, Taung Gyi College London. Artist, RASU Art Association He will be buried along with his beloved wife AI-Hajja Daw Tin Tin Sann at Daughter of late Wanna Kyaw Htin Dr. U Bakhet and late Sayamagyi Daw May the Eternal Garden Islamic Cemetery in London. Yu, neice, daughter-in-law of late U M.A. Raschid (ex-Minister) late Daw Thaung Please pray for the departed souls. May (Fatima Raschid), beloved spouse of late AI-Haj Dr. Salman Raschid, younger Bereaved family sister of U Tin Maung Aye (Physical Education Officer- Magwe university) + Daw Kyi Kyi Win, elder sister of Daw Khin Myint Myint @ Patsy (BBC London, Rtd) - Mr. Steve Weinman (Editor, Diver Magazine), Prof: Dr. Arthur San Myint (Lead Clinician (Papillion)- (Catterbridge Cancer Centre) + Daw Cicilia Ann, AI-Haj Kalifah U Aye Lwin (Counsellor, The Diplomatic School, Yangon, Chief Convener, The Islamic Centre of Myanmar, Core Member, Religions for Peace, Myanmar) + AI-Hajja Daw San San Tint (Head of Accounting Technology Department, Regional College (1), Yangon), beloved aunty of six nephews and nieces, AI-Hajja Daw Tin Tin San, passed away peacefully in accordance with the Command of Allah in London, UK. 09251022355, She will be buried along with her beloved husband AI-Haj Dr. Salman Raschid Call at the Eternal Garden Islamic Cemetery in London. Please pray for the departed souls. 09974424848 Bereaved family 2 MARCH 2021 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR AFF, QFA discuss football matters over second webinar

ASEAN Football Federation and nei Darussalam, Cambodia, al impact of match fixing. Ad- eral Khiev Sameth commented presentations and also shared Qatar Football Association held Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, ditionally, it promoted skills in on the webinar that: “Similar to their experiences with us over a second digital webinar be- Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, reporting related issues, raised the first one, this second webi- the last three days. On behalf tween 23 and 25 ​​February with Thailand, Timor Leste and Vi- awareness on the threats posed nar has armed the participants of the AFF, I would like to ex- aiming to solve match-fixing and etnam. by sports betting to international from our respective national press our thanks to the Qatar illegal betting activities that dis- The programme included football, and proposed solutions associations with critical infor- FA and officials from QFA and tort the integrity of football. sessions covering many topics including enhanced informa- mation and in-depth knowledge AFF involved with organizing The workshop was attend- during the three days of the tion exchange and well-defined that will benefit them in their this event. We also record our ed by 12 AFF Member Asso- symposium, with the first day common goals, according to the football operations. I thank the appreciation to Jasoor Institute ciations: namely, the football focusing mainly on the impor- statement with the AFF. world-class speakers and ex- for developing this webinar se- federations of Australia, Bru- tance of understanding the glob- AFF President, Major-Gen- perts who delivered insightful ries. ”—GNLM Atletico hold La Liga rivals at bay Lukaku keeps Inter’s title with tight Villarreal win push on track as Milan bounce back against Roma ATLETICO Madrid bounced back from recent poor form ROMELU Lukaku scored after season. with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Vil- 33 seconds and set up another Antonio Conte’s side fol- larreal on Sunday that allowed in Inter Milan’s 3-0 win over lowed on from last weekend’s the La Liga pace-setters to ex- Genoa on Sunday to keep their 3-0 derby win over Milan, tend their lead to five points. title push on track ahead of notching up a fifth win in a An own goal from Alfon- city rivals AC Milan, who beat row as they push for a first so Pedraza and Joao Felix’s Roma 2-1. league title since 2010. powerful strike gave Atletico Inter remain four points “We’re happy because our a precious win after a wobble ahead of second-placed Mi- hard work is paying off,” said which had allowed Barcelona lan, who got back to winning Conte. and Real Madrid to gain ground ways in Rome after consecu- “We know that there are in the title race. Diego Sime- tive league losses including 14 games left. Let’s keep our one’s side had come into the last weekend’s derby defeat. antennas up until the end if we match off the back of a Cham- Atletico Madrid’s Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak grabs the ball in front Champions Juventus are a want to do something good.” pions League last 16 defeat to of Villarreal’s Spanish forward Gerard Moreno during the Spanish league further six points adrift after Lukaku led the way, com- football match between Villarreal CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at La Chelsea and a league run in being held 1-1 at Hellas Verona pleting a give-and-go with Ceramica stadium in Vila-real on February 28, 2021. PHOTO: AFP which they picked up just five on Saturday, but have played Lautaro Martinez after good points from their previous four home with a very important vic- muster a decisive finish and a game fewer. Atalanta, equal work from Nicolo Barella to matches. tory at this point in the season,” Savic recovered easily to clear on points with Juventus, take fire in from an angle for his However despite Villarreal said Simeone. Atletico opened the ball off the line. fourth spot two points ahead 18th Serie A goal of the sea- coming close on a number of the scoring thanks to Pedraza’s ‘I love rebel players’ of Roma who drop to fifth fol- son, one shy of leading scorer occasions Atletico held on for odd own goal mid-way through Suarez could have doubled lowing the loss to Milan. Cristiano Ronaldo. a win that ensures they keep the first half, which came after Atleti’s lead eight minutes after Lukaku scored with the The 27-year-old has second-placed Barca at bay long VAR check to see if Stefan the break when he pounced on first chance at the San Siro, scored six goals in the last and crucially increase the gap Savic, who was initially credited a defensive lapse to let off a then laid on Matteo Darmian five games. between them and rivals Real with the goal, had strayed off- powerful shot, only for Asenjo to for Inter’s second in the 69th “I’m in a good moment of Madrid to six points ahead of side for Thomas Lemar’s cross. pull of a superb reaction save to minute. Alexis Sanchez came my career but the important next weekend’s local derby. Savic’s header was saved deny the Uruguayan. However off the bench to add a third thing is that Inter win,” added Madrid can go back to with- by Sergio Asenjo only for the Joao Felix gave the away side with 13 minutes to go.“We’re the former Manchester United in three points of Atletico when ball to ricochet off Pedraza the two-goal cushion they need- first in the standings and it’s player. they host Europe-chasing Real and into the net as the 24-year- ed in the 69th minute, quickly a good feeling,” said Lukaku “These matches are op- Sociedad on Monday night. old defender fell over. Gerard latching onto a poor clearance as Inter try to deny Juventus portunities for us to give sig- “We suffered, and even af- Moreno should have pulled by Pau Torres to lash home the a 10th consecutive league title nals to others, but the champi- ter the second goal they had the hosts level when he met a second from just outside the after finishing runners-up last onship is long.”—AFP good chances. But we come Daniel Parejo cross but couldn’t penalty area.—AFP

Rose to meet Dortmund as rivals eye cup chance in Bayern absence BORUSSIA Moenchengladbach fered their earliest exit since 2001 Tuesday’s clash is a chance to coach Marco Rose will meet his with a penalty shootout defeat save a faltering final season be- future club Borussia Dortmund to second-tier minnows Holstein fore joining Dortmund at the end in the German Cup quarter-fi- Kiel in the second round in Jan- of the campaign. After leading nals on Tuesday, as Germany’s uary. them to a top-four finish last sea- top teams eye a rare chance for The upset left the race for the son and the Champions League silverware in Bayern Munich’s cup wide open, and handed rivals knockout stages in the current absence. such as Dortmund, Gladbach and campaign, the 44-year-old has Inter Milan’s Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku (C) holds back Genoa’s Finalists in eight of the last RB Leipzig their best chance in seen his side drop to eighth af- Italian midfielder Nicolo Rovella during the Italian Serie A football ten seasons and 20-time winners years of winning a trophy. ter four defeats in their last five match Inter Milan v Genoa on February 28, 2021 at the San Siro overall, favourites Bayern suf- For Gladbach coach Rose, league games.—AFP stadium in Milan. PHOTO: AFP